Phone and email scams targeting seniors in Australia are becoming more sophisticated every year. Scammers know how to sound official, create panic and get people to act before they have time to think. Understanding their tactics gives you the upper hand.

 

Summary

Phone and email scams targeting seniors often involve fake calls from banks, government agencies or tech companies, and emails with links to fake websites. Never give out personal details or click unknown links. Hang up, delete the message, and report it to Scamwatch on 1800 008 540. 

How phone scams work 

Most phone scams follow a familiar pattern. You receive a call from someone claiming to be from a trusted organisation, such as the ATO, Medicare, Centrelink, or your bank. They may already know your name, which can make them seem legitimate. 

The caller usually creates a sense of urgency. They might say your tax file number has been compromised, that you owe a debt or that your account will be frozen unless you act immediately. This pressure is deliberate. Scammers want you to react before you have a chance to think or check. 

Some calls use a recorded voice rather than a real person. These are called robocalls. If a recording asks you to press a number or call back, hang up. 

 

Signs a phone call is a scam 

There are clear patterns to watch for: 

  • The caller asks for payment by gift card, wire transfer or cryptocurrency 
  • You are told to keep the call secret from family or friends 
  • The caller threatens arrest, fines or account suspension 
  • You feel rushed or pressured to make a decision on the spot 
  • The number looks local but the caller has an overseas accent or background noise 
  • A real government agency will never demand immediate payment over the phone or threaten you with arrest.

How email scams work 

Email scams, sometimes called phishing, are designed to look like messages from organisations you trust. You might receive what appears to be an email from Australia Post saying a parcel is waiting, or from your bank asking you to confirm your details. 

These emails often include a link. Clicking it takes you to a fake website that looks almost identical to the real one. If you enter your login details or banking information there, scammers capture it instantly. 

Some emails include attachments containing malware, which is software that can steal information from your device once opened. 

How to tell if an email is a scam 

Before clicking anything, look closely at the message: 

  • Check the sender’s email address. Scam addresses often have extra letters, numbers, or unusual domains 
  • Look for spelling mistakes or awkward phrasing 
  • Hover over any link before clicking. The real destination often looks nothing like the named organisation 
  • Ask yourself: did I expect this email? Was I waiting for a parcel or a message from my bank? 
  • If you are unsure, go directly to the organisation’s website by typing the address yourself, or call them on a number you already know.

Protecting yourself day to day 

A few consistent habits make a real difference. For practical guidance on building your confidence online, Staying connected and safe in the digital age covers the basics in plain English. 

Some simple steps to build into your routine: 

  • Never share passwords, PINs or one-time codes with anyone 
  • Set up two-factor authentication on your email and banking apps if you can 
  • If a call or message feels wrong, pause and check with someone you trust before doing anything 

For a broader look at how to recognise scam warning signs across all types of contact, see How to spot a scam: what every older person should know. 

How funded home care can help 

If you receive support through the Support at Home program or the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), your support workers can be a valuable source of help. They can sit with you to review suspicious messages, help you contact your bank or Scamwatch, and connect you with local digital literacy programs. 

Do not hesitate to raise concerns with your care team. Staying safe is part of staying well. 

When to get help 

If you think you have received a scam call or email, report it to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au or call 1800 008 540. You do not need to have lost money to make a report. Reporting helps protect other Australians too. 

If you shared banking details, call your bank straight away. If your email account may have been accessed, change your password immediately and contact your email provider. 

 

Frequently asked questions 

Q: What should I do if I accidentally clicked a link in a suspicious email? 

Do not enter any information on the page that opens. Close the browser, run a virus scan on your device if you can, and change your passwords for any accounts that may be affected. Contact your bank if you entered any financial details. 

Q: Can scammers fake a phone number so it looks like it comes from my bank?  

Yes. This is called number spoofing. The number displayed on your phone can be made to look like it belongs to a legitimate organisation. If you are unsure whether a call is genuine, hang up and call the organisation back on a number from their official website. 

Q: How do I avoid email scams if the emails look so real?  

The safest habit is to never click links in emails. Instead, go directly to the organisation’s website by typing the address into your browser. Official organisations will also have the same information available when you log in directly. 

 

To find out what support is available in your area, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au. You can also call Holdsworth on 1300 882 962.