In a year that saw Australians facing unprecedented financial challenges, scams targeting older Australians are on the rise due to recent advancements in technology.
The latest report from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) reveals a staggering $2.7 billion lost to scams in 2023, with seniors bearing the brunt of these financial assaults.
With over 601,000 reported cases, the scam epidemic surged, up from 2022’s 507,000 reports. What’s more alarming is that seniors, aged 65 and above, became the primary targets, losing more than any other age group.
These cunning scammers, akin to predators in the wild, preyed upon retirement savings, leaving older Australians vulnerable and financially devastated.
Investment scams emerged as the top threat, raking in a whopping $1.3 billion in losses. This was followed by remote access scams ($256 million), romance scams ($201.1 million), phishing ($137.4 million), and payment redirection scams ($91.6 million).
The tactics of these scammers ranged from sophisticated deepfake videos featuring celebrity impersonations to deceitful promises of financial gains.
In a heartbreaking example revealed to the ABC, an elderly woman fell victim to a deepfake video impersonating Elon Musk, leading her to entrust her life savings to a fraudulent scheme.
ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe recounted her tragic tale: “She was assigned a ‘financial adviser’ and could see on an online dashboard. She was apparently making returns but she couldn’t withdraw her money.”
Despite a slight decrease in total losses compared to the previous year, the toll on victims remains staggering.
The government’s efforts, including the establishment of a national anti-scams centre and increased collaboration with the banking sector, have shown some promise in curbing losses. However, the battle against scammers is far from over.
Scamwatch’s data underscored the shifting landscape of scams, with losses via email and social media on the rise. Job scams, in particular, saw a sharp increase, disproportionately affecting culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
While these figures paint a grim picture, they only scratch the surface of the true extent of scamming. It’s estimated that one in three victims never report their ordeal, indicating a silent epidemic lurking beneath the surface.
As the government continues its crackdown on scams, Financial Services Minister Stephen Jones emphasised the importance of vigilance and community action to the ABC.
“We want Australia to be a world leader in combating scammers,” he declared, underscoring the need for collective efforts to protect vulnerable Australians from financial ruin.
In the face of this growing threat, seniors are urged to exercise caution, heed warning signs, and seek support if they suspect foul play.
With scams becoming increasingly sophisticated, staying informed and vigilant is the best defence against falling prey to these modern-day swindlers.
