Staying Safe Online for Seniors in Australia
Staying safe online does not need to be complicated, and it does not mean living in fear of every message. A few calm habits stop almost all scams. These guides help older Australians and their families spot scam texts, emails and phone calls, and build safe habits for online banking, passwords and shopping.
Where to start
Worried about a specific message? See spotting a scam. Want to feel safer day to day? Start with strong passwords and online banking safety. Already clicked something? Go straight to what to do next.
A few simple rules that stop most scams
- Slow down. Scams rely on urgency and pressure. Real organisations can wait.
- Never share a password, PIN or one-off code, even if the caller sounds official.
- Do not click links in unexpected texts or emails. Go to the website or app yourself.
- If a message claims to be your bank, hang up and call the number on your card.
- When in doubt, ask someone you trust before you act.
Spotting a scam
How to Spot Text Message Scams in Australia
The signs a text is fake, and what to do next.
Read the guide about How to Spot Text Message Scams in Australia →
Bank Text Scams in Australia
What a real bank message looks like, and what to check.
Phone Call Scams
the ATO, Centrelink and bank impersonation calls, handled calmly.
Email Scams
What older Australians should watch for in the inbox.
“Hi Mum” and Family Impersonation Scams
The urgent message pretending to be family.
Read the guide about “Hi Mum” and Family Impersonation Scams →
Courier and Parcel Delivery Scams
Fake delivery texts from Australia Post and couriers.
Tech Support Scams: The Fake Virus Warning
The fake warning and Microsoft call.
Read the guide about Tech Support Scams: The Fake Virus Warning →
Investment and Crypto Scams
Polished offers too good to be true.
Romance Scams: How to Spot and Avoid Them
When an online relationship turns to money.
Read the guide about Romance Scams: How to Spot and Avoid Them →
Facebook Marketplace Scams
Buying and selling without getting caught.
AI Voice and Deepfake Scams
Faked voices and videos to watch for.
Scam Trends to Watch For
What is doing the rounds lately.
If you think you have been caught
What to Do If You Clicked a Scam Text Link
Calm, practical next steps. If money is involved, contact your bank straight away. You can also report scams to Scamwatch.
Read the guide about What to Do If You Clicked a Scam Text Link →
How to Report a Scam in Australia
Scamwatch, the Police and your bank.
How to Recover a Hacked Email Account
Get back in and lock it down.
Read the guide about How to Recover a Hacked Email Account →
How to Recover a Hacked Facebook Account
Steps to regain your account.
Read the guide about How to Recover a Hacked Facebook Account →
Where to Get Help After a Scam
Who to turn to, and in what order.
Safer habits for banking and shopping
Online Banking Safety for Seniors
Bank online with confidence and fewer worries.
How to Create a Strong Password
A simple way to make passwords strong and memorable.
How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication
An extra layer of safety, set up in minutes.
Read the guide about How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication →
Safe Online Shopping for Seniors
Shop online safely and avoid the common traps.
The Best Antivirus for Seniors
Sensible protection, simply explained.
The Best Password Managers for Seniors
A safer way to handle passwords.
Read the guide about The Best Password Managers for Seniors →
How to Use a Password Manager
Set one up and use it with ease.
How to Spot a Fake Website
Quick checks before you trust a site.
How to Check If a Link Is Safe Before Clicking
A few seconds that saves trouble.
Read the guide about How to Check If a Link Is Safe Before Clicking →
How to Keep Your Email Account Secure
Protect the account that guards the rest.
Read the guide about How to Keep Your Email Account Secure →
How to Set Up Scam Call Blocking
Quieten nuisance and scam calls.
A Scam Safety Checklist for Older Parents
A simple list to work through together.
Read the guide about A Scam Safety Checklist for Older Parents →
How to Talk to a Parent About Scams
Raise it without scaring them.
FAQ: Staying safe online
How can I tell if a text or email is a scam?
Look for urgency, a link, a request for personal details, or an address that is slightly wrong. When unsure, do not click. Contact the organisation yourself using a number or website you already trust.
My bank texted me. Is it real?
Banks do send texts, but they never ask you to confirm a password or move money to keep it safe. If a message pressures you, call the number on your card.
What should I do if I clicked a bad link?
Do not panic. Change any password you entered, and contact your bank if money or card details were involved. Our guide walks through it.
Are passwords really that important?
Yes. A strong, unique password and two-factor authentication are the two best protections you have, and both are simpler to set up than they sound.
Where do I report a scam in Australia?
You can report scams to Scamwatch, and contact your bank immediately if money is at risk. Reporting helps protect others too.
Before you finish
Download the free Family Tech Safety Checklist to help check phone safety, passwords, scam messages, emergency contacts and medical alarm details.
Where to go next
Setting up a new phone or tablet? Our Phones and Tablets and iPads guides cover safe setup. For a printable safety pack with contacts and checklists, see The SeniorTech Toolkit.