In 2023, Western Australia experienced a staggering $54 million in losses due to scams, highlighting the critical need to protect personal and financial security from fraudulent activities. Even the most tech-savvy younger generations find it challenging to avoid scam risks completely. With that in mind, what steps can our seniors take to safeguard themselves?
To address this pressing issue, Chung Wah Community Care (CWCC) recently invited the Consumer Protection Bureau, a government agency, to host a special seminar for community members, offering in-depth insights into various scam tactics. This marked the first time the Consumer Protection Bureau delivered a non-English scam prevention presentation to a culturally and linguistically diverse audience in Western Australia. The seminar also attracted the attention of the Office of Multicultural Interests (OMI), highlighting CWCC’s crucial role in addressing the needs of multicultural communities.
During the seminar, experts explained a range of common scams across areas like investment, dating, healthcare, and taxes. These included online fraud (e.g., payment redirection, suspicious email links), sales scams (e.g., lottery wins, online discounts, door-to-door sales), and identity fraud (e.g., impersonating government agencies, banks, community groups, or charities).
Experts specifically emphasised cutting-edge scam tactics, including those using AI deepfake technology. Through video and audio examples, they explained how to spot these scams by looking for unnatural movements, mismatches between lip movements and voice, and irregular voice patterns or greetings.
The seminar also provided practical scam prevention tips, such as avoiding sharing personal information freely, protecting your devices, using antivirus software, updating software through official channels, and refraining from clicking links in emails or text messages. In the event of issues like double charges, unfulfilled goods or services, or unauthorised purchases, participants were advised to contact their bank immediately for assistance.
By collaborating with the Consumer Protection Bureau, CWCC successfully helped community members enhance their self-protection awareness, collectively guarding against potential threats and risks to ensure a safer and more harmonious community.
