Technology can be a wonderful way to stay in touch with others, especially friends and family who live interstate or overseas. It can help make your life easier in many ways, such as by paying your bills or doing your grocery shopping online.
Using technology might be a bit daunting at first, but there are many programs and resources that can help you. This includes learning to be safe online.
If you don’t have a computer, you can use one at any of our libraries.
To find an activity or class near you to help build your technology skills:
- visit our Activities for seniors page and select ‘Computers and technology’ from the category list
- pick up a copy of the Add technology to your years booklet at your local library or download a copy.
Add Technology to Your Years
Protect yourself against scams
Scammers trick people into handing over money or personal information, which can be used to commit further crimes. They can use phones, text messages, emails or websites to reach their victims.
You can find out more on the Australian Scamwatch website.
Scamwatch advises following these steps to protect yourself:
Stop
Don’t give money or personal information to anyone if you’re unsure about it. Scammers may offer to help you or ask you to verify who you are. Scam messages may urge you to act quickly, and may pretend to be from organisations you know and trust.
Think
Ask yourself if a text message or call could be fake. Never click a link in a message. If you’re not sure, say ‘no’ and then hang up, or delete the message or email.
Protect
Act quickly if something feels wrong. Contact your bank if you notice unusual activity or if a scammer gets your money or information. Seek help from IDCARE, the national identity and cyber support service, which can help you limit any damage. You can find out more on the IDCARE website.
If you become aware of a scam, you can report it on the Australian Cyber Security Centre website or on the Australian Scamwatch website.
Who to contact
For information on scams or to report a scam, go to the Australian Scamwatch website.
To report a scam to the police, go to the Australian Cyber Security Centre website.
To get help if you have been scammed, you can call IDCARE 1800 595 160 or visit the IDCARE website.
Support if you’ve been scammed
Being scammed can happen to anyone. You can find more information, resources and links to counselling and mental health support services, under our Community health, safety and wellbeing page.