Cyber criminals often target older people to steal their money and information.
Older Victorians are considered easy targets for different online scams and cyber related crimes, due to their:
trusting nature
limited knowledge of technology, and
financial resources.
Types of cybercrimes against older people
Some common online scams targeting older Victorians include:
Phishing scams trick you into clicking on a fake link in an email or a message. The scammers can then steal your information, money or identity, to commit crime.
For more information about phishing, what to do if you have been scammed and how to report it, go to Phishing scams.
Cyber criminals will pretend to offer you technical support to trick you into allowing them access to your device. They will then steal your details and take over your device to gain access to your money or information.
For more information about these types of scams, what to do if you have been scammed and how to report it, visit Device security and risks.
Online scammers often pose as genuine buyers or sellers. They will offer fake items or services, or answer your advert and pretend they are interested.
For more information about this type of scam, what to do if you have been scammed and how to report it, go to Fake ad scams.
Investment scammers will trick you into putting your money into a fake investment. They may ring, text or email you - it may even be an offer from someone you trust.
For more information about this type of scam, what to do if you have been scammed and how to report it, go to Investment scams.
Romance scammers use the appeal of dating and romance to trick their victim into handing over money, gifts, and personal information.
For more information about dating and romance scams, what to do if you have been scammed and how to report it, go to Dating and romance scams.
There are many reasons why cyber criminals target older Victorians online.
Older people can be very trusting. They are less likely to question unknown contacts or suspicious emails.
This can make them easier to persuade and trick out of their money and information.
Many older Victorians may not be as familiar with technology and online platforms. This can make them easier to scam out of their money or information.
Older people can sometimes feel lonely and isolated. Scammers use this to offer companionship or help, as a pretext for their scams.
Older people with substantial financial resources make them an attractive target for scammers and cybercriminals.
Memory loss can make it harder to remember details of transactions or recognise suspicious activity.
Older people may be hesitant to report cybercrime. They may feel ashamed for falling for a scam or fear not being taken seriously.
How to report cybercrime, fraud and online scams
Cybercrime and online abuse can be serious crimes – reporting them is very important.
When you report a cybercrime, scam, fraud, or online abuse, you help to stop other people from being victims of the same crimes.
If there is an immediate threat to life or risk of harm, always call Triple Zero (000) first.
Report to ReportCyber
You can report the following cybercrimes with ReportCyber:
identity theft and fraud
online fraud
cyber-enabled abuse including online bullying, stalking and harassment