Are you being charged for a seniors card? Authorities warn against this prevalent scam
By
Danielle F.
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As seniors navigate the golden years of their lives, it's also time to take advantage of the benefits and discounts available to them.
One of these benefits is the Seniors Card—a must-have for savvy seniors who want extra savings from their everyday expenses.
However, it's crucial to stay alert and informed to avoid falling prey to misleading websites that exploit Australian seniors.
Recently, South Australian seniors have been the target of deceptive websites that charge a fee for processing Seniors Card applications.
These sites falsely claim to be 'officially approved' by the state.
The fraudulent websites may ask for an application fee that starts from $29.
However, the official South Australia (SA) Seniors Cards are free of charge.
The SA government assured seniors that they would never ask seniors to pay a fee for the card.
They also will not request your bank, credit card, or PayPal details in exchange for a membership card.
The Seniors Card is a token of appreciation from the community to its elders,
This card recognises their lifelong contributions to their local communities, offers several discounts, and is exclusively for seniors.
When applying for your card, always look for the official Government of South Australia roundel and the official Seniors Card logo.
These marks of authenticity should assure seniors that they are on the right track to accessing a multitude of benefits without unnecessary costs.
The official SA Seniors Card website can be found here.
For seniors who have accidentally sent payments to an unofficial Seniors Card application website, take these immediate steps:
Scammers may pose as authorities or as banks to extract more information or money.
If you receive a call from any unidentified sources, hang up immediately and contact your bank directly through a verified contact number or website.
This scam is not limited to those applying for an SA Seniors Card alone; seniors in other states also need to be wary of these scams.
For residents in New South Wales, know your rights about your Seniors Card, among other things, with Legal Topics for Seniors.
Seniors in other states may also contact their local council for assistance, especially if applying for a Seniors Card for the first time.
The Seniors Card is a valuable asset, as it is a key to unlocking a world of savings and opportunities.
Do not let scammers deter you from obtaining this essential card.
Have you or someone you know encountered similar misleading websites? Share your experiences in the comments below to help your fellow seniors stay vigilant!
One of these benefits is the Seniors Card—a must-have for savvy seniors who want extra savings from their everyday expenses.
However, it's crucial to stay alert and informed to avoid falling prey to misleading websites that exploit Australian seniors.
Recently, South Australian seniors have been the target of deceptive websites that charge a fee for processing Seniors Card applications.
These sites falsely claim to be 'officially approved' by the state.
The fraudulent websites may ask for an application fee that starts from $29.
However, the official South Australia (SA) Seniors Cards are free of charge.
The SA government assured seniors that they would never ask seniors to pay a fee for the card.
They also will not request your bank, credit card, or PayPal details in exchange for a membership card.
The Seniors Card is a token of appreciation from the community to its elders,
This card recognises their lifelong contributions to their local communities, offers several discounts, and is exclusively for seniors.
When applying for your card, always look for the official Government of South Australia roundel and the official Seniors Card logo.
These marks of authenticity should assure seniors that they are on the right track to accessing a multitude of benefits without unnecessary costs.
The official SA Seniors Card website can be found here.
For seniors who have accidentally sent payments to an unofficial Seniors Card application website, take these immediate steps:
- Contact your bank and inform them of the situation.
- Report the incident to Scamwatch, the Australian Government's National Anti-Scam Centre.
- Have someone make a report on your behalf to the Australian Cyber Security Centre.\
Scammers may pose as authorities or as banks to extract more information or money.
If you receive a call from any unidentified sources, hang up immediately and contact your bank directly through a verified contact number or website.
This scam is not limited to those applying for an SA Seniors Card alone; seniors in other states also need to be wary of these scams.
For residents in New South Wales, know your rights about your Seniors Card, among other things, with Legal Topics for Seniors.
Seniors in other states may also contact their local council for assistance, especially if applying for a Seniors Card for the first time.
The Seniors Card is a valuable asset, as it is a key to unlocking a world of savings and opportunities.
Do not let scammers deter you from obtaining this essential card.
Key Takeaways
- South Australian seniors were warned about misleading websites charging fees for Seniors Card applications.
- The legitimate SA Seniors Card is free, and the official website does not require payment or bank details.
- Victims of these scams should contact their bank and report to Scamwatch and the Australian Cyber Security Centre.
- Seniors were also reminded to be vigilant against secondary scams and contact their bank directly if in doubt.