Course Overview
Learn how to protect yourself online with our Stay Safe Online and Avoid Scams workshop.
Technology offers many benefits, helping us stay connected with family and friends, manage our finances, access government services and shop online. However, scammers are increasingly targeting people through emails, text messages, phone calls, social media and websites.
Knowing how to recognise the warning signs of a scam is one of the most important digital skills you can develop. Understanding how scammers operate can help you make safer decisions online and reduce the risk of becoming a victim of fraud.
This practical workshop is designed specifically for seniors who want to build confidence using technology safely. Through real-world examples and guided discussions, you’ll learn how to identify common scams, recognise suspicious messages and websites, and understand simple steps you can take to protect your personal information.
You’ll also learn what to do if you receive suspicious contact, how to block or report potential scams and where to find trusted advice and support if you are concerned about online safety.
This workshop is delivered in a relaxed and supportive environment where questions are encouraged and learners can develop practical skills to help them stay safer 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 scams are and how they work
- Common types of online, phone and text message scams
- How scammers use urgency, fear and pressure to target people
- How to recognise scam warning signs in emails
- How to identify suspicious SMS and text messages
- How to recognise suspicious or unexpected phone calls
- How to identify warning signs on potentially unsafe websites
- Practical ways to protect your personal information online
- Simple steps to reduce the risk of being scammed
- What to do if you think you have received a scam message or call
- How to block, delete or report suspicious communications
- Where to find help and trusted advice if a scam occurs
Course outcome
After this workshop, you should feel more confident recognising scams and making safer decisions online.
By the end of this course, you will:
- Understand how common scams target individuals
- Recognise warning signs in emails, text messages, phone calls and websites
- Identify potential scam red flags before responding
- Apply practical strategies to protect your personal information
- Know what steps to take if you receive suspicious contact
- Understand how to block, delete or report potential scams
- Feel more confident using online services safely
What you need to know
Entry requirements
This course is designed for beginners and assumes no prior knowledge of online safety or cyber security.
Prerequisite: Essential
Participants must be over 60 years old. Tech Savvy Seniors is an initiative of the NSW Ageing Strategy and is funded in partnership between the NSW Government and Telstra.
You are welcome to bring your own laptop, smartphone or tablet to practise during the workshop.
What you need to provide
- Notepad and pen
- A smartphone, tablet or laptop if you would like to practise using your own device
Other information
This workshop is designed to be practical, supportive and easy to follow, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and discuss real-life examples. No technical knowledge is required.
The skills covered in this course can help you feel more confident using online services such as banking, shopping, government websites, email and social media.
About your trainer
David has extensive experience helping seniors build practical digital skills and confidence using computers, smartphones and online technologies. His patient and supportive teaching style helps learners feel comfortable exploring technology and asking questions in a relaxed environment.