FINANCIAL elder abuse by scammers is on the rise in all countries and sometimes victims are left with no way to recoup their losses.
COTA Australia’s National Council on Aging is the peak body representing almost nine million Australians over 50.
Chief Executive Patricia Sparrow said that too many older people are being scammed online, and they are urging the Federal Government to support victims through a trial of peer-led training and support services.
“Investment scams alone cost older Australians $66.5 million in 2024,” she said.
“These sophisticated criminal operations are specifically targeting retirement savings, often through social media platforms that aren’t doing enough to protect users.
“In our work on digital literacy we’ve found that older people report they are more comfortable sharing their experiences and learning from their peers.
“Trialling a peer-support service to support older Australians is one practical way we can help combat this issue.”
This year on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Macedon Ranges Shire Council and the Kindness to Elders Initiative are presenting a free family event at the Kyneton Mechanics Institute, 81 Mollison Street on Sunday, June 15, commencing at 11.30am.
The Kyneton Brass Band will play, and there will also be a sausage sizzle with a donut and coffee van on site.
At noon there will be a flag raising ceremony, with choir songs followed by a screening of a series of short stories that shed light on the different forms of elder abuse.
Veteran actor Ian Rooney will emcee and be joined by finance identity Bob Nixon to share preventative measures against scams, and everyone is invited to stay for Stir a Cuppa.
The initiative aims to encourage individuals of all ages to take time to sit down, share a cuppa, and check in with an elder—whether at home or in the wider community. Information and support resources will also be available.
The highlight of the day is the screening of Thelma, a film made by a grandson about his grandmother.
The matinee brings attention to the growing issue of scams which target older people and more importantly it highlights the resilience of seniors in the face of these challenges, Thelma will be screened at 2pm.
For information and to reserve seats phone Council on 5422 0333 or visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/Elder-abuse
If you or anyone you know is experiencing elder abuse in any form you can call the confidential helpline at Senior Rights Victoria on 1300 368 821.
