We all have received hundreds, nay, thousands of junk emails and text messages, and we might derisively dismiss and delete them. But what about if your child texts you "It's Grace here. I'm in Perth and I've been in an accident. I've lost my phone with my Credit Cards. I need to pay urgently for my accommodation. It's horribly cold down here. Can you please transfer $2,255.00 to my account? Here are the details..." Note: with AI, this might be a much more real voice message. Yes, in your daughter's voice! Now, don't get me started on Identity Theft...Have you considered how to deal with this situation? Do you have a family password? (No, don't make it your dog's name. You probably posted a heap of photos of your dog on Instagram or Facebook). There are dozens of different ways you can be scammed. Elderly people are particularly vulnerable, and that is what Leticia's presentation was all about. In the Download Section, you will find a PDF that provides some excellent information on what scams are out there (about 20 different major types!) and how to fight them. Yes, fight. You can report them. How? Well, download the PDF and read it. There is much more on the Department of Fair Trading website: Click here.
Letitia Stringer is an investigation Officer with the Department of Fair Trading. Thank you, Letitia, for joining us at Surfers Sunrise Rotary!