News & Events

Support, Tips & Trusted Resources

At St George Community, we love helping you stay connected – whether that’s through transport, social outings, or a friendly chat on the phone. More recently, we’ve been using social media to share updates, celebrate special moments, and stay in touch with our clients and community online.

As more of us go online to keep in touch with family, manage banking, or enjoy social media, it’s more important than ever to stay safe.

Unfortunately, scams and identity theft are on the rise and many older Australians are being targeted. That’s why we’ve created this page: a place to find trusted resources, simple safety tips, and helpful links to support you and your loved ones online.

📱 Common Scams to Watch Out For

• “Hi Mum” text scams – messages claiming to be from a family member who has lost their phone and needs money
• Fake calls from Telstra, the ATO or MyGov demanding payment or personal information
• Prize or competition scams offering fake rewards
• Phishing emails that look like they’re from your bank or government services

If something feels off, it probably is. When in doubt, pause and check before clicking, replying, or sending money.

💡 Tips for Staying Safe

• Never click on links in suspicious emails or texts
• Use strong passwords or passphrases (e.g. a string of 4–5 random words like PurpleDogHouse99!)
• Don’t share your personal or banking information online
• Enjoy social media, but avoid posting things like your address, birthdate, or photos of new ID cards or tickets
• Talk to someone you trust if you’re unsure and don’t feel ashamed if you’ve been caught out. You’re not alone.

🛒 Safe Online Shopping Tips

Shopping online can be convenient, especially for things like gifts, groceries, or hard-to-find items. But it’s important to shop smart and stay secure. Here are some simple tips to follow:

• Look for “https” in the web address (the “s” means secure)
• Only buy from websites you know and trust – stick to familiar stores or well-known brands
• Avoid deals that seem too good to be true – they usually are
• Don’t shop using public Wi-Fi – use your home connection where possible
• Use a credit card or PayPal, they offer built-in fraud protection
• Avoid direct bank transfers – if something goes wrong, your money is usually gone for good, and it’s almost impossible to get it back
• Be cautious with ads on social media, not every promoted product is from a real business

If something seems off, trust your instincts, and don’t feel pressured to make a quick decision.

🌐 Learn More Online

These trusted websites offer free guides, videos, and support:

• Be Connected: Social Media Safety
  Learn how to use Facebook and other platforms safely, avoid fake friend requests, and protect your privacy.
• Cyber.gov.au – Scam Recovery
  Step-by-step advice if you think you’ve been scammed, plus how to report it.
• Scamwatch
  Up-to-date information on the latest scams and how to protect yourself.
• IDCARE
  Free support if your identity has been stolen or if you’ve been affected by a scam.
• AFP Cybercrime
  Learn more about how cybercrime is investigated and reported in Australia.

🤝 Need Help?

If you are ever unsure about a phone call, message, email, or website, you’re not alone.
Call our team at St George Community ☎️ 9585 3000. We are here to help you stay safe and confident online.