Switched On Seniors

05/08/2026

Beware of Scambling!

Scambling refers to gambling and betting scams where criminals pretend to offer betting tips, prize wins or online gambling opportunities, but the aim is to steal money or personal information.

These scams can look very real. They might appear as:

• Messages saying you have won a prize or bonus credit
• Fake betting websites or apps
• Social media posts offering “guaranteed wins”
• Requests to deposit money before you can “claim your winnings”
• Pages asking you to verify your identity or share personal details

A few signs something is not genuine include:
• Being asked to pay upfront
• Unexpected messages or offers
• Pressure to act quickly

More information is available from Scamwatch:
https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams/gambling-and-betting-scams

If you are unsure about something you have seen online, bring it along to a Switched on Seniors session. We are here to help.

Gambling and betting scams involve fake betting offers fake tipping services, copying real betting businesses, and illegal online gambling games. These are designed to steal your money or personal information.

02/08/2026

Touchscreens can be fiddly. Buttons don’t always respond. Things open when you didn’t mean to tap them. It can be really frustrating, especially if you feel like you “should” know how it works. Your're not alone in this experience and we can help.

Switched on Seniors is a friendly, peer‑led space where seniors help other seniors with everyday technology. There’s relaxed learning, a hot cuppa, and plenty of time for one‑on‑one support. We’re here week in, week out, so join a group whenever you like and stay for as long as you need.

If you’re feeling unsure with your phone or tablet, come along this week! If you know someone who needs support, please share and encourage them to pop in. Our friendly team of mentors are waiting to help.

📍 Where we’re meeting this week:

ROCKINGHAM – Autumn Centre
McNicholl Street
Tuesdays, 10am to 12pm | $4 per week
Centre membership required

WAIKIKI – Rockingham Baptist Church
30 Gnangara Drive
Thursdays during school terms, 10am to 12pm | $4 per week

SHOALWATER – Church Hall
78 Frederick Street
Fridays, 10am to 12pm | $4 per week

COCKBURN – Spearwood Library
9 Coleville Crescent, Spearwood WA 6163
Wednesdays, 1pm to 3pm
Free to attend, no bookings required
Tel: 9411 3800
https://www.cockburnlibraries.com.au/programs/switched-on-seniors/

PERTH CBD – Uniting Seniors in the City
Level 1, 97 William Street, Perth WA 6000
Tuesdays, 1pm to 2.30pm
$99 per term, includes access to up to 3 classes per week
Tel: 9483 1333
Email: [email protected]
https://www.perthunitingchurch.org.au/courses/view/tech-time

29/07/2026

📧 Scam emails are getting harder to spot - here’s what to look out for

Most people who fall for email scams aren’t careless - they’re busy. A message arrives while you’re in the middle of something, it looks routine, and you respond before you’ve had a moment to think.

Scammers rely on that split second.

How these scam emails work:
Email scams usually start with something that sounds believable:
a missed delivery, a billing issue, a tax refund, or a problem with your account.
Then they add urgency - phrases like “action required” or “final reminder” - to push you into clicking a link or opening an attachment without stopping to question it.

Why they’re harder to spot now:
- Modern scam emails can look almost identical to the real thing.
- Same logos, same layout, same tone.
- They often arrive at times when you’re expecting similar messages, like tax season or busy shopping periods.

Pause if you receive:
- a delivery notice for something you didn’t order
- a prompt about an account you haven’t used in a while
- an unexpected request to update payment or personal details
- an email pushing you to click a link instead of using your usual login

Three habits that really help:
- Take a moment to ask whether the email actually makes sense
- Go directly to the website instead of clicking links in the message
- Use a phone number or contact details you’ve found yourself, not one provided in the email
- If something feels wrong, trust that instinct

You don’t need to prove an email is a scam - you just need to avoid engaging with it.

If you’re unsure, log in to your account directly or contact the organisation using a trusted number. You can also report suspicious emails to WA ScamNet, Scamwatch, or the Australian Cyber Security Centre.

If you ever receive an email that doesn’t feel quite right, bring it along to Switched on Seniors. We can look at it together and help you stay safe online.

Most people who fall for email scams aren’t careless - they’re busy. An email arrives mid-task, it looks routine, and they respond without stopping to question it. The good news is that a few simple habits are all it takes to stay ahead.

26/07/2026

Phone, internet and other subscriptions can be confusing, and many older Australians discover they’re paying for things they don’t use or didn’t realise they agreed to. If you’ve ever felt unsure or taken advantage of, you’re not alone, and support is available.

Switched on Seniors is a friendly, peer‑led space where seniors help other seniors with everyday technology. There’s relaxed learning, a hot cuppa, and plenty of time for one‑on‑one support. We’re here week in, week out, so join a group whenever you like and stay for as long as you need.

If you’re feeling unsure with your phone or tablet, come along this week! If you know someone who needs support, please share and encourage them to pop in. Our friendly team of mentors are waiting to help.

📍 Where we’re meeting this week:

ROCKINGHAM – Autumn Centre
McNicholl Street
Tuesdays, 10am to 12pm | $4 per week
Centre membership required

WAIKIKI – Rockingham Baptist Church
30 Gnangara Drive
Thursdays during school terms, 10am to 12pm | $4 per week

SHOALWATER – Church Hall
78 Frederick Street
Fridays, 10am to 12pm | $4 per week

COCKBURN – Spearwood Library
9 Coleville Crescent, Spearwood WA 6163
Wednesdays, 1pm to 3pm
Free to attend, no bookings required
Tel: 9411 3800
https://www.cockburnlibraries.com.au/programs/switched-on-seniors/

PERTH CBD – Uniting Seniors in the City
Level 1, 97 William Street, Perth WA 6000
Tuesdays, 1pm to 2.30pm
$99 per term, includes access to up to 3 classes per week
Tel: 9483 1333
Email: [email protected]
https://www.perthunitingchurch.org.au/courses/view/tech-time

22/07/2026

📢 National Emergency Alert Test

You might hear a loud siren‑style sound from your mobile phone soon. Don’t be alarmed - it’s only a test of Australia’s new national emergency alert system, called AusAlert.

🟦 What is AusAlert?
AusAlert is Australia’s new national mobile warning system. It sends urgent alerts to mobile phones during serious emergencies, such as:

- Bushfires
- Floods
- Cyclones
- Terror incidents
- Other life‑threatening situations

The system uses a special technology that can reach phones in a specific area, even if networks are busy. It’s designed to give people clear, fast instructions to help keep communities safe.

🟦 Why is it being implemented?
Australia has had state‑based warning systems for years, but emergencies often cross borders. AusAlert creates one consistent national system so everyone receives the same style of alert, no matter where they are.

The test helps make sure:
- The system works across all phone networks
- People recognise the alert sound
- Emergency services can use it confidently when it’s needed

🟦 When is the test happening in Perth?
📅 Monday 27th July 2026
⏰ 12:00 pm (AWST)

During this time, your phone may:
- Make a loud siren‑style noise
- Display a test message
- Sound even if it’s on silent

🟦 No action needed
You don’t need to reply, tap anything, or change your settings. It’s simply a system check.

For more information, and to hear the alert sound go to:
https://www.ausalert.gov.au/alerts-explained/national-test

If you’d like help or want to know more, you’re always welcome to drop into Switched on Seniors.

19/07/2026

Passwords, codes, and logins can feel like a maze. Lots of people feel overwhelmed or stuck, especially when something locks them out. These challenges are incredibly common, but we can help!

Switched on Seniors is friendly, peer-led tech help for seniors, by seniors. You can join at any time and stay for as long as you need. Every session includes relaxed learning, a cuppa and time for individual support.
If you’re feeling unsure with your phone or tablet, or know someone who is, join one of our groups this week! Our friendly team of mentors are waiting to help.

📍 Where we’re meeting this week:

ROCKINGHAM – Autumn Centre
McNicholl Street
Tuesdays, 10am to 12pm | $4 per week
Centre membership required

WAIKIKI – Rockingham Baptist Church
30 Gnangara Drive
Thursdays during school terms, 10am to 12pm | $4 per week

SHOALWATER – Church Hall
78 Frederick Street
Fridays, 10am to 12pm | $4 per week

COCKBURN – Spearwood Library
9 Coleville Crescent, Spearwood WA 6163
Wednesdays, 1pm to 3pm
Free to attend, no bookings required
Tel: 9411 3800
https://www.cockburnlibraries.com.au/programs/switched-on-seniors/

PERTH CBD – Uniting Seniors in the City
Level 1, 97 William Street, Perth WA 6000
Tuesdays, 1pm to 2.30pm
$99 per term, includes access to up to 3 classes per week
Tel: 9483 1333
Email: [email protected]
https://www.perthunitingchurch.org.au/courses/view/tech-time

15/07/2026

🍏 New Apple Email Scam: This one’s harder to spot

Scammers have found a new way to make fake Apple emails look completely genuine - and it’s catching people off guard.

They’re creating Apple IDs and fake messages that get inserted straight into a real Apple alert email.

The email claims an $899 iPhone was purchased via PayPal and gives you a phone number to call to “cancel” the transaction. It looks official, it comes from a real Apple address, and it passes all the usual security checks.

Why this scam is so dangerous:
- The email is sent from Apple’s own servers
- It uses a legitimate Apple address ([email protected])
- Usual checks like hovering over the sender won’t help
- It can land in your inbox looking completely authentic.

What happens if you call the number:
You won’t reach Apple. You’ll reach scammers who may try to:
- convince you your account is compromised
- get you to install remote access software
- ask for financial details

In past scams like this, people have had bank accounts drained, malware installed, or personal data stolen.

How to protect yourself:
- Never call a phone number from an unexpected email, even if it looks official
- If you’re worried about a purchase, go directly to Apple’s website or check your account in Settings.

Remember: Apple will never ask for your password, passcode, or security codes by email or phone

If someone asks for that information, it’s not Apple.

If you ever receive an email you’re unsure about, bring it along to Switched on Seniors. We can look at it together and help you stay safe online.

Some phishing emails now appear to come from trusted sources like Apple itself. Credit: Chuttersnap/Unsplash

12/07/2026

Important reminder!

School holidays are here, which means the Waikiki group is taking a break. But don't worry, we’ll be back on the 23rd of July. In the meantime, you’re welcome to join one of our other groups.

Switched on Seniors is friendly, peer led tech help for seniors, by seniors. You can join at any time and stay for as long as you need. Every session includes relaxed learning, a cuppa and time for individual support.
If you’re feeling unsure with your phone or tablet, or know someone who is, join one of our groups this week! Our friendly team of mentors are waiting to help.

📍 Where we’re meeting this week:

ROCKINGHAM – Autumn Centre
McNicholl Street
Tuesdays, 10am to 12pm | $4 per week
Centre membership required

WAIKIKI – Rockingham Baptist Church
30 Gnangara Drive
Thursdays - Not meeting due to school holidays

SHOALWATER – Church Hall
78 Frederick Street
Fridays, 10am to 12pm | $4 per week

COCKBURN – Spearwood Library
9 Coleville Crescent, Spearwood WA 6163
Wednesdays, 1pm to 3pm
Free to attend, no bookings required
Tel: 9411 3800
https://www.cockburnlibraries.com.au/programs/switched-on-seniors/

PERTH CBD – Uniting Seniors in the City
Level 1, 97 William Street, Perth WA 6000
Tuesdays, 1pm to 2.30pm
$99 per term, includes access to up to 3 classes per week
Tel: 9483 1333
Email: [email protected]
https://www.perthunitingchurch.org.au/courses/view/tech-time

08/07/2026

🔍 Scammers are getting smarter - here’s what to watch for

Many scams today don’t start with a request for money. They start with trust.

Scammers are becoming extremely skilled at sounding genuine, patient and caring. They often spend days or even weeks building a relationship before introducing a problem, a favour or a financial request. Some even mirror your communication style, remember details you’ve shared, or pretend to “check in” like a friend would.

These tactics work because they feel real - and that’s exactly why they’re dangerous.

If you’ve ever thought “I’d never fall for a scam”, this article is worth a read. It shows just how convincing these scammers can be, and why even confident, tech‑savvy people can get caught out.

🔗 Read the full article here:
https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/finance/how-scammers-build-trust-and-why-it-works-so-well/?utm_source=campaign-monitor&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily-newsletter

If you’re ever unsure about a message, phone call or online conversation, you’re always welcome to check in with Switched on Seniors. A second pair of eyes can make all the difference.

When online games become hunting grounds for scammers. Image source: Helena Lopes/Pexels