April Ladies Chat Group

This month, we welcomed Senior Constable Adam Livingstone from the Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command’s Crime Prevention Unit, who shared practical strategies for scam prevention and community safety. With fraud and cyber scams increasingly targeting seniors, this session provided essential tools for recognising risks and staying protected.

Understanding the risks

Scammers continue to adapt quickly, using sophisticated techniques to impersonate trusted institutions like Australia Post, banks and utility providers. Adam explained that seniors are often targeted because they tend to be more trusting and may not be as familiar with evolving digital threats. Key forms of scams discussed included:

• Phishing emails and text messages that appear to come from legitimate organisations.
• Fake parcel delivery notices are prompting recipients to enter their address or pay fees.
• Telephone scams in which callers pose as bank or ATO representatives to extract personal details.
• Card skimming and contactless theft, particularly at ATMs or during in-person payments.

Personal safety tips

Beyond scams, Adam offered important reminders for staying safe when out in the community:

• Avoid isolated or poorly lit areas when walking alone.
• Walk with confidence and trust your instincts; if something feels wrong, it probably is.
• Keep valuables out of sight and avoid leaving items like keys or wallets near your front door.
• Travel in well-populated train carriages and stay near others while waiting for public transport.
• Always check for tampering before inserting a card at an ATM.

Tools to stay informed

Adam also introduced several digital tools and programs designed to help older adults stay secure:

• Emergency+ app: Helps you share your location directly with emergency services.
• GoodSAM Responder: Enables live video sharing with police in urgent situations.
• Next of Kin Program: Helps reconnect disoriented or lost individuals with their families or carers.
• Crime Stoppers & NSW Police Community Portal: Allows residents to report suspicious behaviour or property crime anonymously.

Takeaway message

Scams are evolving, but so is your ability to stay safe. Whether it’s learning to spot fake emails, protecting your card details, or simply walking with more awareness, taking small precautions can go a long way. As Adam reminded the group, “You can’t prevent everything, but you can minimise risk.”

Want to learn how to spot online scams?

Join our Become a Cyber Hero workshop and build your digital confidence.

For upcoming events, check our events page or contact us for details. 

Transport is available for a fee. Bookings are essential. Please call the Transport Team to book on 02 9302 3605. 

For more information, please contact Holdsworth at (02) 9158 2637 or info@holdsworth.org.au.