Townsville scams: Scammers steal $750k from North Queensland eldery

Vulnerable elderly Townsville residents were scammed out of almost $1 million in 2023 with three areas proving rich hunting grounds for immoral criminals.

In the Townsville region, a total of $753,293 was lost to scammers targeting senior citizens in 2023. Picture: iStock

Vulnerable elderly Townsville residents were scammed out of almost $1 million in 2023 with three post codes proving particularly rich hunting grounds for immoral criminals.

“It’s so sad to hear people in our community have fallen victim to heartless scammers,” Townsville MP Scott Stewart 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.”

According to new government figures, Queenslanders were scammed out of $93 million in 2023, with people over the age of 65 are reporting the largest losses to scams ($35 million) compared to any other age group.

In the Townsville region, a total of $753,293 was lost to scammers targeting senior citizens in 2023.

The 4810 post code encompassing Townsville City and West End was the most lucrative for scammers who stole a reported $289,255 in 2023.

The comparatively affluent area was followed by 4816, which includes Balgal Beach, Alligator Creek, Nome and Julago, with $212,880 lost to scammers and 4818, which incorporates Burdell, Bushland Beach, Deeragun, Mount Low and Bohle, with $179,817 in loses.

Postcodes where over 65s lost money to scammers in Townsville in 2023.

The 4810, 4816 and 4818 postcodes were well ahead of fourth-placed 4815, which includes Kelso, Condon, Rasmussen, Gumlow, Pinnacles and Granite Vale, with $16,499 lost to scammers.

“One way we can spread awareness of scams is to talk about them,” Mundingburra MP Les Walker said.

“Talk to your family, your friends, colleagues or neighbours – because the more we share our stories of scams, the more we can help to spot them and avoid them.”

Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper said it was “tempting in a cost-of-living crisis to be blinded by opportunities that are just too good to be true”.

“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.”

Among the top scams Australians of all ages have reported to Scamwatch in 2023 were:

• Investment scams: $292,623,743

• Dating and romance scams: $34,344,656

• False billing scams: $27,991,378

The top three scams most reported by Australians to Scamwatch in 2023:

• Phishing scams: 108,636 reports

• False billing scams: 39,588 reports

• Online shopping scams: 21,346 reports

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath said it was alarming to see a growing number of Queenslanders falling victim to increasingly sophisticated scammers. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath said it was alarming to see a growing number of Queenslanders falling victim to increasingly sophisticated scammers.

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

“It’s worrying to see seniors continuing to fall victim to investment scams which promise big payouts, quick money and guaranteed returns.”

Tips on how to be scam aware:

• If you are looking to invest money, do your research and check the company or scheme is licensed on the Australian Securities and Investments Commission’s website

• If you receive phone calls or emails offering financial advice or investment opportunities, hang up or delete the email

• Be wary of phone calls or text messages from numbers you do not know, and never give out your personal details

• Be cautious of messages or emails asking you to click on a link or open an attachment

If you receive emails asking you to verify your contact details, do not reply – contact the organisation directly using contact details sourced through an online search or phone book

• Be suspicious of any requests for money – scammers can often stress urgency in acting on the payment

The Office of Fair Trading regularly talks to community groups about consumer protection and scam awareness.

For more information about how you can book an OFT guest speaker, see the Fair Trading website or call 13QGOV (137468).

Queenslanders are encouraged to check the Scamwatch website regularly to avoid the latest scams.

The government advice is to contact your bank or financial institution immediately if you believe you have provided your account details to a scammer.

Scams can be reported at the ACCC’s Scamwatch’ scam page.

Originally published as Townsville scams: Scammers steal $750k from North Queensland eldery