Staying connected online is a wonderful thing. It helps us connect with family, pay bills, shop, and learn new things. But as we spend more time online, we also face new risks. Scams targeting seniors are getting smarter.
In this guide, we'll explore some common online scams seniors should know about, new ones to watch out for, and key strategies to stay safe.
6 Common Scams to Look Out For
1. Phishing Emails
You get an email from someone pretending to be your bank, postal service, or government agency. They say there’s a problem and ask you to click a link.
How it works: Clicking the link may install malware, expose your personal details, or lead you to a fake website designed to steal your information.
Protection tips:
🔒 If an email from a friend or organisation seems strange, call them directly or through their official contact number to confirm.
👉 Don't miss our article on: What to Do If You Clicked Something You’re Unsure About
2. Tech Support Scams
For this scam, you receive a call from someone claiming your computer has a virus. They say they’re from Microsoft or your internet provider and offer to “fix” it.
How it works: They ask to control your computer remotely. Once inside, they can steal your personal details, lock you out of your device, or charge you for fake repairs.
Protection tips:
🔒 Verify any unexpected contact by contacting the organisation yourself through trustworthy, direct channels.
3. Romance Scams
This scam begins when you meet someone online. They’re friendly, charming, and seem to care. But eventually, they may ask for money for a sudden emergency, or personal information.
How it works: These scammers use emotions to build trust. Then they ask for money or valuable personal details. Some romance scammers are so convincing that they have stolen people's life-savings.
Protection tips:
🔒 Be careful with online relationships that move too fast.
🔒 Be cautious of requests for unusual payments like gift cards or Bitcoin.
4. Fake Investment Scams
You’re offered a “once in a lifetime” investment opportunity or prize that seems too good to be true. It might be crypto, property, or even access to your super fund. It sounds exciting and safe.
How it works: They ask for money, signed agreements, or other documents. But it’s a fraud. The investment doesn’t exist, and the scammer disappears with your savings.
Protection tips:
🔒 Don’t engage with unsolicited calls or emails offering financial “opportunities”.
🔒 Avoid "grand prize" or inheritance messages that ask for personal details.
5. Fake Websites
Scammers can create fake duplicate websites that look like legitimate organisations, such as banks or government services.
How they work: If you enter your details on the fake website, scammers can steal your passwords, bank logins, or even your identity.
⚠️ A recent example of this scam targeting seniors:
In early 2025 the Australian Government alerted seniors to a fake website that was fraudulently charging people for their Seniors Card application.
Protection tips:
🔒 Look for a secure “https://” and a small padlock in the browser bar.
🔒 Bookmark trusted websites so you can visit them directly.
6. The “Hi Mum” Family Impersonation Scam
You might receive a text or Whatsapp message that says something like: “Hi Mum, I lost my phone. This is my new number.”
The scammer then asks for help - usually money for an emergency, or to pay a bill.
This is known as the “Hi Mum” scam. It has affected thousands of people, causing a reported $2.6 million in losses for 2022.
If you receive a message like this:
- Don’t reply straight away.
- Call your loved one using their usual number to check if the message is real.
👉 Learn our top tips on How to Spot a Scam here
On Alert: New Scams Seniors Should Know About
Technology is advancing quickly. Unfortunately, artificial intelligence has made it easier for criminals to create highly realistic scams targeting seniors that are hard to detect.
⚠️ Below are 3 of the latest tactics.
Voice Cloning
Scammers can now copy a loved one’s voice using short audio clips. They may call you pretending to be a close friend or family member, asking for urgent financial help.
Fake Videos (Deepfakes)
Using AI, scammers can create realistic videos of public figures or even people you know, asking for money or promoting fake causes.
Deceptive AI Chatbots
Some scammers use chatbots that mimic human conversation. For example, these bots may act as friendly buyers on Facebook Marketplace, slowly gaining your trust before asking for personal information or money.
These scams can feel incredibly real. But if something seems suspicious, it’s okay to stop, take a breath, and check.
👉 For helpful resources see Australian Cyber Security’s Internet Safety Guide for Seniors
🛡️ The Next Steps: Staying Safer Online
Although online scams targeting seniors are becoming more advanced, with the right knowledge and tools we can avoid them. Remember that trusted friends and community services can also give you helpful advice.
At Elli Cares, we’re here to help you navigate technology with confidence. Our app gives you greater control over your day, helping you stay clear-headed and alert to the online world.
👉 For added confidence and safety, don't miss: Simple Online Safety Tips All Seniors Should Know
