A new initiative led by Google in partnership with COTA Australia, and with support from experts at the Australian Government’s National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC), is arming senior Australians with new tips and tools to protect themselves from scams and improve their digital literacy.

Close to 1000 people today participated in a session to learn critical skills to spot and avoid increasingly sophisticated scams.

The initiative, named Project BRIDGE (Building Resilience, Inclusion and Digital Growth for Elders), directly addresses a worrying trend. While national scam losses may be decreasing,  the NASC found that those aged 65 and over continue to report the highest losses of any age group, at nearly $100 million in 2024.

“Scams can have a devastating impact on Senior Australians and their savings,” said Patricia Sparrow, CEO of COTA Australia. “This project gives senior Australians the confidence and skills to identify these threats and feel empowered to not only protect themselves, but also be a source of knowledge and support for their friends and family.”

Held in Melbourne and streamed nationwide online, the session equipped attendees with practical skills, including how to:

●      Spot a scam: Recognise common tactics used across phone, email, and online platforms.

●      Develop 'scam sense': Build an instinct for warning signs and suspicious behaviour.

●      Improve digital security: Get practical tips to improve your online safety.

●      Take action: Know how to react if you suspect a scam and where to report it.

“Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated methods to target innocent people,” said Bec Turner, Public Policy Manager at Google Australia. “We all have a role to play in knowing how to spot a scam and staying one step ahead of scammers, and this program is a vital part of that effort.”

Top tips for protecting yourself from scammers include:

STOP. 

Always take a moment before giving your money or personal information to anyone. Scammers will create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly. Don’t rush to make decisions about money or sharing personal details.

What to do:

●     Say no, hang up, or delete suspicious messages

●     Take time to think before responding to unexpected requests

●     Don’t let anyone pressure you into immediate action

●     Trust your instincts if something feels wrong

CHECK. 

Make sure the person or organisation you’re dealing with is real. Scammers pretend to be from organisations you know and trust. Always verify who you’re really dealing with before taking any action.

What to do:

●     Contact the organisation directly using phone numbers or email addresses you find on their official website or app

●     Research investment opportunities or offers through official sources like ASIC

●     Get a second opinion from family, friends, or professionals.

PROTECT. 

Act quickly it something feels wrong. The sooner you act, the better you can protect yourself and others from scammers.

What to do:

●     Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve lost money or shared financial details

●     Contact IDCARE (www.idcare.org or call 1800 595 160) if you want support to recover - they can help you create a plan to limit the damage of scams

●     Report to Scamwatch (www.scamwtach.gov.au) to help protect others

●     Report to police (www.cyber.gov.au)

●     Change passwords and security details if you think they’ve been compromised

●     Monitor your bank statements and credit reports for unusual activity

●     Report the scam to the impersonated organisation and platform where the scam is happening

●     Being scammed can feel overwhelming. Support is available at Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

For more information on scams and how to stay safe, head to scamwatch.gov.au. To build your digital skills, confidence and safety online, check out the free Be Connected courses offered by eSafety.