State government warns uptick in scams targeting elderly

A small group of seniors from central Far North Queensland have reported staggering losses of more than three million dollars from scam attacks last year.

A small group of seniors from central Far North Queensland have reported staggering losses of more than three million dollars from scam attacks last year.

The Queensland government are encouraging Far Northern seniors to stay vigilant after six scam incidents in 2023 involving over 65-year-olds from the 4871 postcode resulted in losses totalling $3,004,300.

The 4871 postcode takes in 73 localities from The Gulf to The Cape, including Julatten, Mt Molloy, Chillagoe and Aloomba.

Member for Cook Cynthia Liu said she was sadden to hear how “heartless scammers” had impacted her community.

“Part of 4871 sits within my electorate and to hear there were only six reports of people being scammed out of a share of three million dollars means some individuals have lost enormous amounts of money,” Ms Liu said.

“That’s why it’s so important people take the time to do their research before they hand over their private details or click suspicious links.”

Far North seniors from the 4877 postcode, including Port Douglas, lost a further $341,639 and those residing in the 4878 postcode, encompassing Caravonica, Smithfield and Cairns’ Northern Beaches, lost $106,209 last year.

Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said increases in cost-of-living have made “get rich quick” schemes more alluring for Queenslanders.

“It’s tempting in a cost-of-living crisis to be blinded by opportunities that are just too good to be true,” Mr Pitt said.

“My advice to everyone, but especially seniors, is to talk to family or friends before clicking the link, before sending money or before replying to an email from an unknown source.”

Across the state, around $93m was lost to scammers in 2023 with seniors losing more than any other age group, nearing $35m in losses.

Queensland’s Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath said it was worrying to see seniors preyed upon in such high numbers.

“Scammers are getting more sophisticated and it’s alarming to see the growing amount of money Queenslanders are losing to them.

“These swindlers are targeting victims through their phones, via email, social media, and in person.

To avoid falling victim to scammers, the state government recommends thoroughly researching any investment opportunity, ignoring and deleting unsolicited calls and emails asking for personal details or monetary contributions, avoiding any links or attachments from unverified sources, and replying to organisations using substantiated contact details sourced through online search or official web pages.

Originally published as State government warns uptick in scams targeting elderly