Session to show how to beat the scammers

A FREE workshop run by staff at Ballarat East Neighbourhood House is seeking to teach people how to stay safe online.

Set to take place at Barkly Square next Wednesday in two sessions, BENH manager Sarah Greenwood-Smith said it’s important people are aware of online dangers like phishing and scamming.

“As a person who uses digital devices a lot, I find personally you always need to be on your game,” she said.

“We’re trying to make people in the wider community who might not be using digital devices can be aware of potential scams and not get caught out.

“The first workshop will be about phishing and romance scams. The second will cover three different topics like investment scams, remote access scams, and crypto currency scams.”

Both sessions will be hosted by BENH lead digital mentor Greg Horgan.

The first workshop will run from 9.30am to 11am and the second from 11.30am to 1pm, with morning tea in-between.

The event is being funded through the Federal Government’s Be Connected project which BENH is a network partner, with similar digital literacy workshops delivered throughout Ballarat’s four neighbourhood houses.

The Be Connected initiative was originally established to teach digital literacy to older people but Ms Greenwood-Smith said anyone is welcome to attend the workshop.

“We’re very happy for anyone who’s available to come along to these sessions,” she said.

“People who are trying to scam can be quite sophisticated and the consequences of getting tricked can be quite dramatic.”

Registration is required for catering purposes and can be done via the BENH website or by calling 0422 612 052.