Stay Safe Guides
For Seniors

Printable scam reminder card

Print this page and keep it near your computer or pin it to the fridge. It gives you the five warning signs to watch for — and exactly what to do if you think you've been scammed.

You can also share this page with family members so they can print one for themselves.

Warning Signs

5 signs it might be a scam

1
They're creating urgency "Act now or your account will be closed." Scammers don't want you to have time to think. A real organisation will give you time.
2
They're asking for secrecy "Don't tell your family." No real bank, government office, or business will ask you to keep a call secret from family.
3
They want an unusual payment Gift cards, cryptocurrency, or a transfer to a "safe account." Your bank, the ATO, and Medicare will never ask for this.
4
They want to access your computer A caller you didn't contact asks to connect to your computer remotely. Legitimate companies don't call you out of the blue to do this.
5
Something just doesn't feel right Trust that feeling. Pause, hang up, and call someone you trust before doing anything else.

If you recognise any of these — stop. Don't send money, don't give access to your computer, and don't share personal details. Call someone you trust first.

If You've Been Scammed

What to do — right now

  1. 1 Stop all contact — don't reply, don't call back, don't click anything. If someone is controlling your computer screen, turn it off at the power button.
  2. 2 Don't send any more money — even if they say it will reverse the scam or protect your funds.
  3. 3 Lock your banking app — open your bank app and lock your cards. Do this before calling anyone.
  4. 4 Call your bank — use the number on the back of your card, not any number the scammer gave you.
  5. 5 Tell someone you trust — a family member or friend. You don't have to face this alone.
  6. 6 Report it — Scamwatch: 1300 795 995. If personal details were shared, call IDCARE: 1800 595 160.

Useful numbers

Scamwatch (report scams) 1300 795 995
IDCARE (identity theft) 1800 595 160
Police (non-emergency) 131 444
SafeHarbour Digital 03 XXXX XXXX