Talk to a loved one about scams

In recent years, scams have become a persistent threat, with older Australians disproportionately affected. 

According to the National Anti-Scams Centre, individuals over 65 accounted for approximately 31% of losses reported to Scamwatch, despite representing just over 17% of the population. 

This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to protect our senior community members.

Recognising this pressing issue, CommBank has launched the “Talk to a Loved One” initiative. This campaign encourages Australians to engage in regular conversations with family and friends about scams, aiming to raise awareness and equip individuals with the knowledge to identify and avoid fraudulent activities.   

Open dialogue within families can serve as a powerful tool in combating scams. Discussing personal experiences and sharing information about potential threats can demystify scams and reduce the stigma associated with being a victim. 

However, new research commissioned by CommBank shows despite more than 90% of Australians believing that talking about scams can build awareness, only 8% feel comfortable discussing their own experiences with family members.  This reluctance can leave individuals, particularly seniors, vulnerable to repeated exploitation.

To help encourage these conversations, Australian journalist Jessica Rowe and her mother, Penelope, have become ambassadors for the “Talk to a Loved One” campaign, sharing their personal encounters with scams to highlight the importance of these conversations.

When speaking about taking part in the campaign, Jess Rowe said, “It’s so important to talk openly about fraud and scams with our loved ones. By sharing our experiences and supporting each other, we can create a safer environment for everyone. 

“I’m thrilled to be part of a campaign that encourages these crucial conversations and empowers Aussies to protect themselves and their families.” 

Confidence in recognising scams varies across age groups. About 33% of individuals under 60 feel very confident in spotting a scam, whereas this confidence drops to just over 20% for those over 60.  This disparity highlights the necessity for targeted education and support for older Australians.   Regular family discussions can bridge this confidence gap. By sharing knowledge about common scam tactics, families can empower each other to navigate the digital landscape more securely.  

Financial institutions also play a pivotal role in scam prevention. CommBank has invested over $450 million in the first half of this financial year to prevent fraud, scams, and financial crimes.  While technological defences are essential, the human element – education and open communication – remains equally critical. 

Scams pose a significant threat to all Australians, with seniors being particularly vulnerable. Initiatives like CommBank’s “Talk to a Loved One” campaign highlight the importance of open family conversations in building awareness and resilience against scams. 

By fostering an environment where experiences and information are freely shared, we can collectively safeguard our loved ones from the ever-evolving tactics of scammers. 

CommBank’s campaign emphasises three simple yet effective steps to help prevent falling victim to scams: 

1. Stop: If you receive an unexpected call, email, or text requesting personal information or immediate action, pause and consider its legitimacy 
2. Check: Verify the authenticity by contacting the organisation directly using official contact details. CommBank also updates the latest scams, fraud and security alerts to help keep Aussies in the know. Search “CommBank Latest Scams” to learn more. 
3. Reject: If something feels off, do not engage. Delete the email, hang up the call, or block the number. 

By incorporating these steps into daily routines and discussing them with family members, especially seniors, we can create a collective defence against scammers. 

For more information and resources on how to protect yourself and your family from scams, visit the National Seniors Scams Awareness page. 

Watch insights from Australian journalist Jess Rowe about CBA’s Talk to a Loved One campaign, followed by scam safety tips from CBA’s fraud and scams expert James Roberts.