Our services to assist the community
SCAM PREVENTION ASSISTANCE
PREVENT BEING COMPUTER SCAMMED
Out team can determine whether computer communication to you is a scam, contact us for assistance.
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THE RISE OF SCAMS TARGETING THE ELDERLY
Elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable to scams, as they may lack the technical knowledge to identify fraudulent schemes or be more trusting of others. With the rapid growth of technology, scammers are increasingly targeting seniors through computers, smartphones, and email. This article will explore some recent examples of scams that have cost Australian elders significant sums of money and discuss how Elder-Help Community Centers can assist in assessing potential scam communications received by elders.
The Rise of Scams Targeting the Elderly
Scammers prey on the elderly by exploiting their unfamiliarity with technology and the trusting nature of seniors. These scams often involve impersonating a trusted authority, manipulating the senior's emotions, or offering a too-good-to-be-true opportunity. Here are a few recent examples of scams that have affected Australian elders:
1. The Tech Support Scam: In this scam, the elderly individual receives a phone call from someone claiming to be from a reputable tech company, like Microsoft or Apple. The scammer tells the senior that their computer is infected with a virus and offers to fix the issue for a fee. Once the victim provides their credit card information or allows remote access to their computer, the scammer steals sensitive information or demands more money to "fix" the problem.
2. The Romance Scam: This scam involves the elderly person being contacted by a scammer who pretends to be interested in a romantic relationship. After gaining the victim's trust, the scammer requests money for a supposed emergency, travel expenses, or other needs. The victim often loses thousands of dollars before realizing they have been deceived.
3. The Grandparent Scam: In this scam, the elderly person receives a call from someone posing as their grandchild or another family member. The scammer claims to be in trouble and urgently requests money for bail, medical expenses, or legal fees. The senior, worried about their loved one, sends the money only to find out later that it was a scam.
4. The Government Impersonation Scam: Scammers contact elderly individuals, pretending to be from the Australian Tax Office, Centrelink, or another government agency. They tell the senior that they owe money, have won a prize, or are eligible for a refund. The victim is then asked to provide personal information or make an immediate payment, putting their finances and identity at risk.
Elder-Help Community Centres: A Solution to Scam Protection
Elder-Help Community Centres can play a vital role in protecting seniors from scams by offering educational resources and support. Here's how these centres can assist in assessing potential scam communications:
1. Education and Awareness: Community centres can provide workshops and seminars on common scams targeting seniors, teaching them how to identify and avoid falling victim to these schemes. They can also provide resources such as brochures and articles detailing the latest scams.
2. Technical Assistance: Elder-Help Community Centres can offer technical support to seniors, helping them set up security measures on their devices and email accounts. This includes enabling two-factor authentication, setting up strong passwords, and installing antivirus software.
3. Reporting and Support: Community centres can guide seniors in reporting scams to the appropriate authorities, such as Scamwatch or the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). They can also provide emotional support to seniors who have been victims of scams, connecting them with counselling services or support groups.
HOURS & LOCATION
Location
Condor Tower
22 Saint Georges Terrace
Perth, WA 6000
Tel: 0402 941 969
Email: info@ehccwa.org
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Hours
Monday - Friday
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
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Evenings by Appointment
ELDER-ABUSE
FAMILY VIOLENCE TOWARDS THE ELDERLY
Contact us for assistance if you feel there is a risk of Family Domestic Violence.
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PREVENTION OF FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Elder abuse is a deeply concerning issue that often leads to family and domestic violence, highlighting the vulnerability of elderly individuals within their own homes. In Western Australia, the Elder-Help Community Centre plays a pivotal role in assisting clients who have fallen victim to such abuse. This center offers a range of services and support to address the physical, emotional, and psychological trauma experienced by elderly individuals, ultimately aiming to break the cycle of abuse within families.
One common form of elder abuse that can escalate into domestic violence is financial exploitation. For instance, a case involving an elderly woman named Margaret illustrates this. Margaret's adult son, who lived with her, began taking control of her finances, stealing her pension and manipulating her into signing over her property. The situation escalated into emotional and physical abuse when Margaret resisted. The Elder-Help Community Centre intervened by providing Margaret with legal referrals to regain control of her assets and counseling to cope with the emotional scars of abuse.
Elder abuse can also manifest as neglect, where family members fail to provide the necessary care and support. James, an elderly man suffering from dementia, was living with his daughter, who neglected his medical needs and subjected him to emotional abuse. The Elder-Help Community Centre stepped in by arranging for James to receive proper medical attention and support, and they provided his daughter with counseling and resources to address her caregiving challenges, ultimately preventing further domestic violence.
Physical abuse against elderly individuals is another troubling issue. The center encountered a case involving Maria, an elderly woman who was physically assaulted by her son. The Elder-Help Community Centre helped Maria relocate to a safe environment, connected her with legal resources to obtain a restraining order, and offered counseling to address the trauma she had endured. Simultaneously, they worked with her son to address his anger management issues and provide support to break the cycle of violence.
Emotional and psychological abuse can also be prevalent in elder abuse cases. Sarah, an elderly woman, faced constant verbal abuse and isolation from her daughter. The Elder-Help Community Centre provided Sarah with emotional support and counseling to help her regain her self-esteem and confidence. They also engaged in family mediation to improve communication between Sarah and her daughter and prevent further emotional harm.
In conclusion, elder abuse is a pressing issue that often leads to family and domestic violence. The Elder-Help Community Centre in Western Australia plays a vital role in assisting clients who have experienced such abuse, offering a range of services to address their unique needs. By addressing financial exploitation, neglect, physical abuse, and emotional abuse, this center strives to break the cycle of violence within families and provide elderly individuals with the support and protection they deserve. These case examples illustrate the crucial role this organization plays in transforming the lives of elderly abuse survivors and fostering healthier family dynamics.
ESTATE PLANNING, WILLS, EPA, EPG and AHD.
Creating essential legal documents such as a Will, Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA), Enduring Power Guardianship (EPG), and Advance Health Directive (AHD) is crucial for individuals of all ages, but it becomes particularly vital as people age and face potential health issues or cognitive decline. These documents ensure that one's wishes are respected, their assets are protected, and their healthcare preferences are honored. In Western Australia, the Elder-Help Community Centre (EHCCWA Inc.) recognizes the importance of these documents and refers qualified lawyers to assist their members in creating them, thus safeguarding their wellbeing and security.
A Will is essential for outlining how a person's assets should be distributed after their passing. Without a Will, the distribution of assets may be determined by intestacy laws, potentially causing conflicts among family members. Having a clear and legally valid Will ensures that an individual's wishes are carried out, reducing stress and disputes during an already difficult time.
An Enduring Power of Attorney grants someone the legal authority to make financial decisions on behalf of the individual, should they become unable to do so themselves due to illness or incapacity. This document ensures that financial matters are managed smoothly and in accordance with the individual's preferences.
Similarly, an Enduring Power Guardianship designates someone to make personal and lifestyle decisions, such as healthcare and accommodation, on the individual's behalf if they are no longer capable of making these choices. This is crucial for ensuring the individual's values and wishes are respected when they cannot express them personally.
Advance Health Directives allow individuals to outline their healthcare preferences in advance, including decisions about medical treatment and end-of-life care. Having this document in place ensures that medical professionals and family members are aware of and can adhere to the individual's wishes regarding their health.
The Elder-Help Community Centre plays a pivotal role in helping refer their members to quality law firms to create these vital legal documents by providing access to qualified lawyers who can take instructions and draft them. This service ensures that the elderly members of the community have the necessary legal protections in place, giving them peace of mind and security.
It's important to note that EHCCWA Inc. relies on donations and grants to subsidize their services for members, making these crucial legal services more accessible to those who may not have the financial means to obtain them through traditional legal channels. This not only benefits individual members but also strengthens the overall legal and financial security of the elderly community, fostering a safer and more protected environment for all involved.
REACH-OUT AND ASSIST IN COLLABORATION WITH OZHARVEST
The pending collaboration between Elder-Help Community Centres - Perth City and OzHarvest will bring a remarkable positive impact to the elderly community within the heart of Perth's Central Business District (CBD). By teaming up to distribute food to elderly residents, this partnership will not only alleviated food insecurity but also fostered a sense of community and support among the elderly population.
OzHarvest's expertise in food rescue and distribution perfectly complements the mission of the Elder-Help Community Centre. Together, they've established a regular schedule for delivering fresh and nutritious meals to seniors in need. This initiative has not only provided vital sustenance but also improved the overall health and well-being of elderly residents who may struggle to access or afford nutritious food.
Beyond the practical benefits of food distribution, this collaboration has created a sense of camaraderie and social connection among the elderly community in Perth's CBD. Seniors often gather at designated distribution points, providing them with an opportunity to interact, share stories, and form meaningful relationships. This social aspect of the collaboration fosters a sense of belonging and combats social isolation, which is a significant concern for many elderly individuals living in urban areas. In essence, this partnership between the Elder-Help Community Centre and OzHarvest not only addresses a pressing issue of food insecurity but also enriches the lives of Perth's elderly residents by nurturing a supportive and inclusive community environment.
Call us to find out when our next Reach-Out day is,
