As your trusted home care provider, the team at Bethel Home Care is very aware of the challenges our clients face from scammers of all kinds. We all receive unwanted texts, call and emails and sometimes it’s impossible to know what is genuine and what isn’t. We are sharing this information not to be alarmist, but to encourage our Bethel Home Care clients and the wider community to be as prepared as possible. There is a lot we can do as individuals and as a combined force to stop scammers in their tracks. We all like to be polite and trusting of everyone we meet, but it’s more important than ever to be aware of clever tactics savvy scammers might try.

Let’s ;Why are scammers so effective?

• Scammers prey on our goodwill. They know our tendency is to be nice, polite, people who don’t want to hurt people’s feelings.
• They play on our trust in authority. Many of us fall for impersonation scams because messages appear to be or look “official”, from a doctor, the government, an insurance company, or your bank.
• Scammers are often talented communicators; they know how to engage you in conversations and gain trust quickly, for example, they often repeatedly use your name but don’t know you at all.
• They know older Australians can sometimes feel uncertain, especially if we live alone or might be suffering from grief or loss
• Emotional vulnerabilities—romance scams leverage loneliness; funeral/charity scams exploit compassion.
• Scammers are persistent. They may call, text or email several times.
• They are tech savvy. They can even gain remote access to your computer if you give them the information they ask for.
• Higher financial stakes—retirement savings and superannuation are prime targets. Sometimes older adults aren’t up to date with the latest tech —makes phishing messages or tech-support calls harder to detect.
• Scammers deliberately target older adults. This was the only age group with increased financial losses due to scams in 2023, rising to $120 million.

BUT there is help available and some simple things you can do to protect yourself.

Scamwatch, Australian Government’s National Anti-Scam Centre suggests 3 steps:

STOP.

If you’re unsure, never send or give money to anyone, open attachments, or share personal info. Scammers often present as trusted figures or create a false sense of urgency.

CHECK.

Ask yourself – could the message be fake? Don’t click on any links. Use contact details you trust—like an official website—and confirm authenticity before acting.

PROTECT.

What does Scamwatch, the National Anti-Scam Centre Do?

Launched in May 2023, the Australian Government’s National Anti-Scam Centre (through the ACCC and Scamwatch) brings together experts from government and industry to make Australia a harder target for scammers. It coordinates initiatives, shares intelligence, and runs targeted operations—called “fusion cells”—addressing scam types.

What are the Most Common Scam Types Affecting Older Australians?

Based on Scamwatch, and other trusted sources, here are the scams most often targeting older adults:

• Investment Scams – These might promising higher and or quick investment returns, often via social media or phone, these scams can be devastating. Older Australians lost the most to these scams, totalling $66.5 million in 2024.
• Romance/Dating Scams – Fraudsters cultivate romantic relationships online, then manipulate victims into sending money—sometimes life savings. This type of scam is especially cruel. One Queensland pensioner lost $40,000 in a romance scam that nearly left him homeless.
• Job and Employment Scams – Scammers advertise fake part-time or work-from-home jobs to lure people into paying upfront fees or handing over personal information. Losses from these scams rose by 151.2%, affecting many older adults seeking supplementary income.
• Impersonation Scams – Scammers pose as trusted entities—such as banks, government agencies, or aged care providers—to trick victims into sharing personal/financial details. For instance, fake aged care provider scams are on the rise.
• Phishing & Text SMS (SMSishing) – These involve scam messages pretending to be parcel updates or official alerts to steal login info. Text-based scams have surged—109,000+ reports in 2023, with significant losses, especially when followed with a scam call.
• Advance-Fee / Upfront-Payment Scams – Scammers demand money before delivering funds or resolving issues—sometimes citing emergencies with “family members” overseas. Elderly and culturally specific communities may be targeted.
• Door-to-Door & Rebate Scams – Scammers visit homes offering fake services or rebates and collect money upfront—especially common around festive periods.
• Charity & Funeral Scams – Fraudsters pose as charities collecting donations after disasters—or target grieving families pretending to help with funeral arrangements.
• Tech-Support Scams – A caller might claim your computer has a problem and ask for remote access or payment—often preying on older adults unfamiliar with tech.

What to Do If You Have Been Scammed

If something feels wrong ACT FAST:

• Don’t feel embarrassed or guilty. These are very clever individuals.
• Act quickly—contact your bank or card provider immediately.
• Call your local police if you have been subject to a financial scam or fraud.
• Report to Scamwatch—you can help stop this happening to others.
• Seek help—IDCARE can assist if your identity is compromised – Phone: 1800 595 160.
• Join peer support—groups like those proposed by COTA offer shared learning and emotional support for victims of scamming.

Why Awareness Matters

Combined efforts work—the National Anti-Scam Centre coordinates with law enforcement and industry to reduce scam activity.
Public reporting helps—each report gives authorities vitally needed data.
Community awareness saves lives—spreading the word can protect even more people. Participate in Scams Awareness Week (2025) to share stories and tips in your networks.

Final Thoughts:

Scams targeting older Australians are growing more sophisticated—but so can our defence. By using the clear guidelines from Scamwatch and staying informed via the National Anti-Scam Centre’s work, we can dramatically reduce the harm done. And remember—even if you’ve been scammed, you’re not alone. It’s not your fault. Talk to your Bethel Home Care, care partner for support if your family is unavailable.

Help is available. By talking openly, we can better protect our community.