AFTER dealing with a major scam, Wallan resident Bill Martin noticed there were others in the same boat – many over the age of 65 years who were unable to identify a scam email.
Mr Martin hosted a presentation at a senior citizen facility in Melbourne last year to remind seniors to remain ‘in control’ when looking over emails on a computer.
Mr Martin went into detail on techniques to help identify a scam email, including:
- Use the devices cursor to scan over the email address to view whether the email address has the same name as its account name. If the email address does not match the email’s account name, it is most likely a scammer that are copying legitimate websites and brands.
- Do not click anything in the email, including the email address, and if the information in the email does not suit the legitimate website, move on.
- Email and junk email will both contain emails that may be a scam.
- Do not press unsubscribe underneath the email that may be linked to a scammer.
Following the presentation, Mr Martin said he received calls from attendees and community members to discuss his knowledge on scam emails.
Retired at 78-years-old in Wallan, Mr Martin said he was willing to supply information to others that might need the information.
“I felt the people needed to have that little bit of extra concept of things and understanding so they wouldn’t get scammed,” he said.
“You have no need to be caught.”
Mr Martin recommended Scamwatch to report or find out more about scamming – a website that has helped Mr Martin with previous scams.
To find more information on scamming, visit www.scamwatch.gov.au/ or contact the Australian Cyber Security Centre at 1300 292 371.
