Course Overview
Learn how to stay safe online and protect yourself from scams in this practical, beginner-friendly Tech Savvy Seniors workshop. Designed to help older adults build confidence online, this course introduces common online and phone scams, the warning signs to look out for and practical steps you can take to protect yourself and your personal information.
Online scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and can appear through emails, text messages, phone calls and websites. Knowing how to recognise the warning signs of a scam can help you make safer decisions when using digital devices and online services.
In this hands-on workshop, you will learn what a scam is, explore common types of scams and practise identifying potential scam red flags. You will also learn practical ways to protect your personal information and what to do if you receive a suspicious email, SMS, phone call or encounter a suspicious website.
The course will also explain what you can do if you think you have been targeted by a scam, including how to block, delete or report suspicious contact and where to find appropriate help and support.
This workshop is designed to provide a relaxed and supportive learning environment where you can ask questions, practise your digital skills and build greater confidence staying safe online.
Macquarie Community College operates from a range of venues across Northern and Western Sydney. We have campuses in Blacktown, Carlingford, Chatswood, Epping, Mt Druitt, Richmond, and Ryde. Enrol now!
What you will learn
Course outline
In this workshop you will learn:
- What a scam is
- Common types of online and phone scams
- How to recognise warning signs of a potential scam
- How to identify scam red flags in emails
- How to identify suspicious SMS and text messages
- How to recognise suspicious phone calls
- How to identify warning signs on potentially unsafe websites
- Practical steps you can take to reduce the risk of being scammed
- How to better protect your personal information online
- What to do if you think you are being targeted by a scam
- How to block, delete or report a suspected scam
- Where to go for help and support if you are concerned about a scam
Course outcome
By the end of this workshop, participants will have a better understanding of common online and phone scams and the techniques scammers may use to target people.
You will be able to recognise common scam warning signs in emails, SMS messages, phone calls and websites, and take practical steps to protect your personal information.
Participants will also understand what actions to take when suspicious contact occurs, including how to block, delete or report a suspected scam and where to seek help and support.
What you need to know
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course. It is designed for beginners who want to improve their understanding of online safety and learn how to recognise and avoid common scams.
You are welcome to bring your own smart device, including a laptop, Apple iPhone, Apple iPad, Android phone or tablet.
What you need to provide
- Notepad
- Pen
- A smartphone, tablet or laptop if you would like to practise using your own device
Other information
The course is designed to provide a relaxed and supportive learning environment, with no exams and plenty of opportunities to ask questions.
The Epping campus is close to public transport, including trains, light rail and buses.