Bathurst Regional Council and the Bathurst Community Safety Committee have together developed a campaign providing useful information for senior citizens to combat scammers.
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The campaign, called 'Avoid Being Scammed- Tips for Seniors,' has been launched in response to high instances of fraud targeting the community's elder population.
Bathurst mayor Bobby Bourke said the campaign has been developed in accordance with the Bathurst Community Safety Plan 2019-2023.
"We want to help the Bathurst community out in any way possible to ensure they aren't coaxed into providing personal information to untrustworthy sources," Cr Bourke said.
"If you're not sure about a piece of mail, e-mail, phone call or door knocker, seek a second opinion from a family member or the police."
The campaign has been endorsed by NSW Police and Chilfley Local Area Command [LAC] Senior Constable Sue Rose said, while every member of the community is prone to scams, senior citizens are the most at risk.
"Senior citizens are generally more trusting by nature, which scammers often use to their advantage," Sen Const Rose said.
"They're not as attuned to the modern communications environment as younger generations are, which is why it's essential to ensure they are well equipped to identify fraudulent material."
Sen Const Rose said there are a number of tips residents can implement to protect themselves from scammers.
"Don't give out bank details over the phone or online and be mindful of the sources who are requesting this information," she said.
"If you feel a particular source is attempting to scam you, report it to the police on 13 14 44 so we are able to take appropriate action."
The campaign will see a tip sheet flyer distributed to every letterbox, as well as a fridge magnet and a 50-page notepad containing essential scam prevention information to be delivered through service providers.
Councillor Jacqui Rudge, who regularly cares for her 101-year-old mother, said it's especially important for senior citizens to exercise caution when dealing with suspected scammers.
"These people are becoming better at what they're doing, and are finding it easier to convince people that they're from a financial institution," Cr Rudge said.
"I've worried about mum with the telephone for years, and it got to the point where I had to convince her to disconnect the line as she was getting too many nuisance callers."
"It's scary, and everyone's potentially at risk."