By Danielle Kutchel
Fraudulent bills, so-called ‘Nigerian princes’ and credit card hacks – it seems every day there’s a new story about cyber scammers preying on innocent victims.
Now, a group of over-55 Dandenong residents has the know-how to avoid the traps thanks to a visit from a cybercrime expert.
Julie Mackenzie visited Herbert St Community Managed Co-operative on Tuesday 10 September to listen to residents’ stories and provide tips on how to avoid potentially ruinous scams.
There were nods of agreement when Ms Mackenzie asked the room if they had ever fallen victim to cybercrime, demonstrating just how common the issue is.
She told the Journal that she volunteered her time to provide the seminar to residents.
With a background in trauma and having worked as a social worker and been involved in global events like the Bali Bombings, Ms Mackenzie said she had seen the impact of traumatic incidents on people.
“When it comes to cyber, it’s a different type of trauma,” she said.
“The trauma is that they feel violated because they can’t see, touch, smell, hear or feel the enemy.”
At the co-op seminar, Ms Mackenzie spoke of an 82-year-old woman who had taken her life after being scammed and losing all her life savings.
“I have seen a lot of things and worked in a lot of trauma, but to hear that, I can’t comprehend that and that’s why I’m here,” she told the room.
Ms Mackenzie spent much of the session stressing that viewers can enjoy the internet – but that they need to be vigilant about the potential risks.
She touched on password security, internet dating and online banking, and told residents they could contact her any time with any questions they might have.
Robyn Mangan, wellbeing workshop facilitator at the Herbert St Community Managed Co-operative, said the seminar was important and addressed an emotive and sensitive issue for residents.
