Seniors and Scams: Why Older Western Australians Are Being Targeted More Than Ever

Scams targeting older Australians are becoming more sophisticated, more convincing, and more financially devastating every year. Across Western Australia, seniors are losing millions of dollars to scammers who exploit trust, loneliness, urgency, and unfamiliarity with rapidly changing technology.

While anyone can become a victim of fraud, older Australians are increasingly being singled out because scammers know many seniors have retirement savings, own property, and may be less familiar with modern cybercrime tactics such as fake banking calls, phishing links, cryptocurrency investment schemes, and AI-generated impersonations.

According to the latest WA ScamNet Year in Review report, Western Australians lost more than $24 million to scams in 2025 alone. Investment scams accounted for the highest losses at $13.7 million, while romance scams cost WA victims another $3.8 million. Nationally, Australians lost an estimated $2.18 billion to scams in 2025, with older Australians among the hardest-hit groups.

Australians aged 65 and over consistently record some of the highest financial losses of any age group. Reports show seniors are particularly vulnerable to:

• Prize, lottery and competition scams

• Bank impersonation scams

• Phone provider impersonation scams

• Phishing emails and text messages

• Fake online shopping websites

• Government agency impersonation scams (myGov, Centrelink, Medicare and ATO)

• Internet provider and remote access computer scams

• Investment and cryptocurrency scams

• Romance scams

  
  

One of the most concerning developments is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) by scammers. Criminals are now using deepfake videos, cloned voices, and highly realistic fake phone calls to impersonate banks, government agencies, family members and even celebrities. These scams are becoming increasingly difficult to detect.

For many seniors, the impact goes beyond money. Victims often experience embarrassment, stress, anxiety, loss of confidence and social isolation after being scammed. Some lose retirement savings they cannot recover from financially.

Warning signs of a scam can include:

• Pressure to act immediately

• Requests for secrecy

• Unexpected phone calls claiming to be from your bank

• Promises of guaranteed investment returns

• Requests for cryptocurrency payments

• Messages asking you to click suspicious links

• Online relationships quickly asking for money

  
  

Families and communities also play an important role in protecting seniors from scams. Open conversations about online safety, financial security, and suspicious messages can help prevent people from becoming victims.

Simple protective steps include:

• Never giving banking details over the phone

• Contacting organisations directly using official phone numbers

• Using strong passwords and two-factor authentication

• Speaking to a trusted family member before transferring money

• Being cautious of unexpected messages or investment opportuntiesI

Technology should empower seniors, not intimidate them. Education and awareness are key to helping older Australians remain confident, independent and safe online.

If you or someone you know has been targeted by a scam, it is important to report it immediately to Scamwatch, WA ScamNet, and your bank.

Scammers rely on silence and shame. Talking openly about scams helps protect everyone.

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Ess Click offers friendly, easy-to-understand lessons designed specifically for seniors to help identify scams, avoid online fraud, and build confidence with technology in a safe and non-intimidating way. If you or a loved one would like support learning how to recognise scam warning signs and stay protected online, please contact Ess Click to arrange a personalised lesson.