The Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association (ASCCA) is teaming up with NBN to help keep older Australians safe from online scams.
NBN-related scams cost Aussies more than $1.4 million between January and September this year, according to figures from Scamwatch, with “remote access scams” – where crooks, often pretending to be from NBN, request access to a victim’s computer and then use it to transfer money and other forms of identity theft – among the most prevalent.
Remote access scammers will often say they need access to a computer to “stop hackers”, and according to Darren Kane, Chief Security Officer at NBN, people over 65 are particularly vulnerable to this type of scam.
“Scams impact Australians of all ages, but older Australians can often be scammers’ primary targets. These scammers are smart – they know what to say to sound convincing over the phone, and they can create a sense of urgency or confusion to put their victim off-kilter.
“When cornered by a scammer, many older Australians may not know how to shut down the conversation or avoid being tricked into making a mistake,” he said.
Learn how to stay safe from scammers
ASCCA and NBN are hosting ScamFit workshops and other community events around the country to promote education on scams and how to avoid them. Nan Bosler (pictured), from ASCCA, says older Australians should get involved and learn how to stay safe from scammers.
“People often underestimate older Australians, especially when it comes to technology. But given the right skills and training there’s no reason older Australians can’t arm ourselves against scammers – and maybe even help teach younger Aussies a thing or two about getting ScamFit,” she said.
NBN says that it will never call and ask to access your computer through programs like TeamViewer, nor will it make automated calls saying your service will be disconnected; if in doubt, call your internet provider on its official number to verify a call is legitimate.
More information on identifying and avoiding scams, and advice on what to do if you think you have been scammed, is available on the NBN website.
