Online scammers are increasingly targeting older Australians. New data shows this age group is losing more money than any other, even though overall scam losses are falling across the country. In response, a new technology-based education program aims to improve digital literacy and help seniors protect their savings online.
Australians over 65 lost $120 million to scams last year, an increase of more than 13% from the previous year. This rise contrasts with a 13% fall in scam losses across all age groups, as reported by the government’s consumer watchdog. Older people are often targeted because they tend to have significant retirement savings. Scammers take advantage of trust and limited digital skills to carry out their fraud.
To reduce these growing losses, Google has partnered with the Council on the Ageing and the National Anti-Scam Centre to introduce Project Bridge. This national campaign focuses on scam awareness and prevention for older adults. The program shares practical online safety tips and runs training events, including the first session in Melbourne, which nearly 1,000 seniors attended.
This initiative forms part of a wider strategy to fight digital crime through education and collaboration. Google’s platforms already work to block scams, having stopped 5.5 billion scam ads in 2023 and filtered suspicious emails and messages. However, the company acknowledges that technology cannot solve the problem on its own. Scammers are using AI and more advanced methods like phishing, fake investment schemes and romance scams, which can fool even experienced internet users.
Project Bridge promotes safer digital habits that can make a real difference. These include creating stronger passwords, using passkeys, enabling multi-factor authentication and learning to identify scams. The training is designed for seniors, though experts say people of all ages can benefit from reviewing their online security.
The broader aim is to give more Australians the tools and confidence needed to stay safe online. Collaboration across industries, including tech companies, banks, telcos and the government, is considered vital to reduce scam losses.
