MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY
Home » News » Seniors at-risk of AI spam and online scam

Seniors at-risk of AI spam and online scam

Have you recently fallen for artificial-intelligence-generated content? Or maybe you’re finding it harder to spot a scam online?

You’re not alone — research from Good Things Australia points to a growing lack of digital literacy in the age of AI.

The research reveals that nearly 48 per cent of Australians are finding it increasingly difficult to spot scams, while 29 per cent say they can’t always tell if something online is AI-generated.

For people aged over 65, the risk of falling for scams is intensified.

In line with the report, nearly 60 per cent of older people are worried about getting scammed online, the report also suggests that it’s getting increasingly hard to tell what’s real or not on the digital spheres.

As part of tackling these issues and teaching the critical skills involved in spotting a scam before it’s too late, Good Things Australia’s ‘Get Online Week’ aimed to make it easier for attendees of the event to learn practical digital skills and to close the digital divide.

The organisation held several classes across the south east earlier in 2025, including in Narre Warren and Berwick.

Jess Wilson, Chief Executive at Good Things, said there are a range of skills that help people protect themselves online.

“Simple steps make a big difference… avoid clicking links in suspicious emails, go directly to the official website instead, never share PINs or passwords, and never send money or personal details to unfamiliar contacts,” she said at the time.

Already, across Australia, Get Online Week reached hundreds of people wanting to build on their digital literacy skills.

Nearly 32 per cent of Australians say that with the right support, they’re keen to get education about the characteristics and world of AI and equally, excited to gain skills and confidence to adapt to online environments.

“Get Online Week is a chance to connect with your community, learn something new and leave feeling more confident,” she said.

Wilson says that the fast-paced nature of the digital landscape can be overwhelming, but also considers education as the “foundation of online safety”.

Digital Editions


  • Faces of the west

    Faces of the west

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 532699 Each week Star Weekly photographers are out and about capturing events and people across the west.

More News

  • Footscray’s day of hospital history

    Footscray’s day of hospital history

    Almost a decade since it was first announced and half a decade since it first broke ground, the new Footscray Hospital is now open. The doors of the $1.5 billion…

  • Health workers rally on new hospital

    Health workers rally on new hospital

    Thousands of striking health workers have rallied outside the new Footscray Hospital on its opening day on Wednesday, despite a personal intervention from the premier leading to a breakthrough in…

  • Altona City ready for challenge

    Altona City ready for challenge

    Altona City is hoping for a smoother Victorian Premier League 2 season than the pre-season it’s had so far. Injuries have interrupted the preparation of the side under new coach…

  • Man to face trial over granny’s ‘reprehensible’ rape

    Man to face trial over granny’s ‘reprehensible’ rape

    A magistrate has committed a man to stand trial over the rape of a grandmother more than 40 years ago. However, he has been cleared over an alleged second rape…

  • New chapter for festival

    New chapter for festival

    Lovers of literature rejoice! The Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival is returning next month for its biggest event to date. Thirty-four events will run over six days, from 12-17 March,…

  • Folk at your doorstep

    Folk at your doorstep

    Get ready for an unforgettable night of music and storytelling as the Festival of Small Halls brings world-class folk talent to Ballan next month. On Wednesday 4 March, Ballan’s Neighbourhood…

  • Mount Players kick off 2026 season

    Mount Players kick off 2026 season

    The Mount Players has an exciting 2026 season coming up, with the first show about to open at the Mountview Theatre. Rehearsals have been in full swing as the players…

  • Guitar virtuoso to take centre stage

    Guitar virtuoso to take centre stage

    The tiny, et very mighty, Melbourne Chamber Orchestra is making its way to the west later this month. The orchestra will present its new show Flexible Sky, starring Slava Grigoryan,…

  • Fruity festival returns

    Fruity festival returns

    If you have a green thumb, are an aspiring gardener– or just really love fruit trees– then there’s an event for you. The much-loved Summer Fruit Tree Festival will burst…

  • Health workers to strike for hospital opening

    Health workers to strike for hospital opening

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 529470 A statewide health workers strike is threatening to overshadow the grand opening of the new Footscray Hospital on Wednesday. The $1.5 billion hospital…