Avoid falling victim to online scammers

Published on 14 July 2017

The Mildura, Merbein and Red Cliffs libraries will next week host Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) Scam Awareness Sessions in a bid to help older Sunraysia residents stay safe online.

According to CAV, older Victorians are attractive targets for scammers given they often own substantial assets and have access to their life savings and superannuation.

They’re also the fastest growing online user group in the country.

Using the catch phrase ‘if in doubt, don’t!’, next Thursday’s one-hour information sessions will provide information about the most common types of scams and how to avoid them.

Mildura Rural City Councillor for Arts and Culture Jason Modica urged Sunraysia residents, particularly the district’s older residents, to take advantage of next week’s information sessions.

“It’s great to see our older residents embracing the online world, which allows them to more easily keep in touch with their children, family and friends, whether it be through social media, YouTube videos or emails,” Cr Modica said.

“Unfortunately these and many other online mediums do provide opportunities for scammers to prey on people, however by following a few simple steps, people can avoid these pitfalls, which is what next week’s information sessions are all about.”

Next Thursday’s information sessions will be held at the following locations and times:

10am: Mildura Library

1pm: Red Cliffs Library

4pm: Merbein Library

For more information or to register for these sessions contact Mildura Library on (03) 5018 8350. More information is also available on the Consumer Affairs Victoria website at www.consumer.vic.gov.au/scamsavvy.

Media enquiries 
Ben Piscioneri
p) (03) 5018 8689 
e) ben.piscioneri@mildura.vic.gov.au