ELDERLY locals have once again been warned against online scams and are being urged to especially err on the side of caution regarding the authenticity of online advertising and social media accounts.

Last week reports of a phishing scam in the region were made with phony callers claiming to be doing a survey on local residents, on behalf of Southern Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) who advised residents not to divulge personal details over the phone to anonymous callers after reports of the scam.

Residents may have been confused as the reports of the scam came just as National Field Services (NFS) were in the final stages of completing the legitimate annual Community Satisfaction Survey, which is now completed.

Furthermore, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the nation’s competition and consumer affairs watchdog, has launched proceedings against Facebook owner Meta, alleging that they engaged in false, misleading or deceptive conduct by publishing scam advertisements featuring prominent Australian public figures.

The ACCC alleges that this conduct was in breach of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) or the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act (ASIC Act).

“Meta should have been doing more to detect and then remove false or misleading ads on Facebook, to prevent consumers from falling victim to ruthless scammers,” ACCC Chair Rod Sims said.

In recent weeks, an East Gippsland resident was swindled out of $20,000 after trying to update virus protection software, while another elderly resident admitted being tricked into handing over personal details to a Facebook account they thought belonged to a friend.

Consumer Affairs shadow minister, Roma Britnell said people should heed the old adage: “if it’s too good to be true, it probably is”.

“Scammers are becoming more and more devious in the ways they trick people,” Ms Britnell said.

“This can be through text messages, elaborate emails or social media channels like Facebook Messenger.

“Fake Facebook accounts sending messages and links to their ‘friends’ is heinous, particularly for older people who might not be as social media savvy.

“The key message remains the same: never click on links in text messages or emails and never agree to money transfers over the internet unless you are absolutely sure it’s a legitimate website.”

Seniors shadow minister, Tim Bull said scammers deliberately targeted older Victorians, hoping to exploit any vulnerability in their knowledge of online security.

“These people leave a trail of disaster in their wake,” he said.

“For those who are a little unsure on social media, I urge them to check their settings on their accounts with family or friends and also be very wary of any requests for money online.

“Don’t rush into any money transfer requests until you have checked with someone.”