Session on how to stop scammers

IF the growing presence of internet and phone scams is causing you concern, Bannockburn Library is hosting a session with an aim to educate locals, pass on some skills, and put them at ease.

The Let’s Talk Scams information session is set for Thursday 24 August from 10.30am to 11.30am and is free to attend as part of the State Government’s Literacy for Seniors Program.

The presentation will cover common types of scams people are faced with, how to spot them, and what a person can do if they are suspicious that someone is trying to scam them.

Geelong Regional Libraries CEO Vanessa Schernickau said scams are becoming more sophisticated and more difficult to discover, so the more understanding the community has, the better.

“One of our roles as a public library service is addressing the digital divide that exists in many of our communities,” she said.

“People of all ages and background, working or retired, can be vulnerable to the sophisticated scams that operate these days.

“This session at Bannockburn Library is free, open to anyone and will provide practical and judgement-free advice.”

It is reported that about $3.1 billion was lost by Australians to scammers in 2022; 80 per cent more than the previous year.

Let’s Talk Scams attendees are also encouraged to head along to find out about the new National Anti-Scam Centre, which is an initiative being delivered by government, law enforcement, and private partners to tackle scamming across the country.

Contact the library on 4201 0661 or drop in to register.