From October 20 to 26, 2025, Australia celebrated Get Online Week, promoting digital engagement and online literacy. In support of this, Chung Wah Community Care (CWCC) held two workshops on October 21 and 22 at its Balcatta and Willetton Community Hubs. Over 70 seniors and community members attended to learn about online safety and scam prevention, making it a valuable experience for all!
Both sessions were led by Kelly, a WA Consumer Protection representative who explained the rising threats of online scams and shared practical prevention strategies. Using clear and relatable language alongside real-world examples, Kelly unpacked common scam tactics such as phishing emails, fake messages impersonating government agencies, false investment schemes, and fraudulent online shops.
She highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy dose of scepticism. “If you receive a message claiming to be from MyGov, the ATO, or a bank, don't click any links but always go directly to the official website or call their contact number to verify," she advised. One attendee, Yoke, shared her own close call: "I once received a fake email pretending to be from MyGov, and I almost entered my details. After today's session, I finally know how to spot these scams and how to respond."
After the talk, participants stayed on to explore more questions, including how to identify fake websites, create stronger passwords, and spot suspicious phone calls. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the session as informative and highly relevant. One senior wrote, "There are so many new scam tactics that even our phones, emails, and social media accounts aren't safe anymore. This talk opened my eyes to the importance of staying alert."
The CWCC Care Finder team, one of the main organisers, teamed up with Consumer Protection to create a fun and in
formative experience for everyone! One of the standout activities was the "Scam Bingo" game, featuring specially designed double-sided bingo cards. The front side was all about gameplay, while the back was packed with valuable tips to help people stay safe from scams. Participants had a blast, sharing laughter and learning together. Many even took their bingo cards home to stick on their refrigerators as a friendly reminder to stay alert and safe!
In today’s fast-moving digital world, building cybersecurity awareness is a crucial first step for seniors embracing technology. True to CWCC’s mission, technology should never be a barrier to participation, but it should be a tool for empowerment and improved quality of life. CWCC will continue strengthening digital safety education within the community, ensuring more seniors can navigate the online world with confidence.
