The digital age has brought us many conveniences, but with those conveniences come new risks, particularly in personal finance.

The story of a Melbourne woman who lost her life savings of $44,000 to scammers in just 25 minutes is a stark reminder of the dangers lurking online.

Gay de Beer's experience is a cautionary tale for all of us, especially for those in the over-60s community who may be more vulnerable to such scams.

Gay was working on her laptop when a message claimed she had a major virus.

A phone number, purportedly from Microsoft, was provided to help resolve the issue.

A remote access scam stole $44,000 from a Melbourne woman's account in just 25 minutes. Credit: Shutterstock

In a moment of panic, Gay called the number and was convinced to give the scammers remote access to her computer.

They claimed to secure her PayPal and debit card details from unauthorised access.

Tragically, between 12:26 pm and 1:00 pm, the scammers transferred her entire life savings from her Bendigo Bank account.

The situation escalated when Gay, realising what was happening, rushed to her local bank branch.

The transfer continued despite being present at the bank while the final transaction was processed.

The transfers were made in nonsensical names, raising the question of why the bank's systems did not flag this unusual activity.

The emotional and financial impact on Gay has been devastating.

She has expressed feelings of hopelessness and has struggled with her mental health.

The loss of her funds meant to cover her living expenses, including rent and car payments, has left her in a precarious position.

She is now reliant on her pension, which barely covers her rent.

Gay's case is not isolated. Another Bendigo Bank customer, Sylvie Leber, lost her life savings of $20,000 to a similar scam.

These incidents highlight the need for increased vigilance and better support for fraud victims.

Bendigo Bank faced an outage that disrupted its e-banking and app, preventing customers from accessing online services.

The issue was acknowledged Thursday afternoon, and services were restored by 1:45 PM. You can read more about it here.

Key Takeaways

• A Melbourne woman lost her life savings of $44,000 within 25 minutes due to a remote access scam, where scammers gained control of her computer and bank account.
• Despite being at a Bendigo Bank branch while the final transaction occurred, she could not prevent the loss, and the bank's systems failed to identify the fraudulent activity.
• The victim, Gay de Beer, is facing significant financial and mental health difficulties following the scam, and she has criticised the bank for not showing empathy and not reimbursing her losses fully, except for a $2000 goodwill payment, which she rejected.
• Bendigo Bank asserts the importance of cyber security and customer self-protection, mentioning ongoing efforts to combat scams and fraud, but highlights that recovery of funds from scammers is tough.

How can you protect yourself from online scams and prevent remote device access? Should banks do more to flag suspicious transactions and protect customers from fraud? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments below.

 

[Veggiepatch]

I wouldn't get too upset Veg. I feel for this lady, but as you point out, we are constantly warned about scams and how not to click on links etc. We didn't grow up with computers and appear to be easy targets. Unfortunately scams will continue because there seems to be an endless supply of victims.

I am as calm as a cucumber.

However, my allergy to cucumbers is well documented on SDC.

 

[Tenaj]

People should never under any circumstance click on a link our use a phone number or email that is provided in a email or text message. Never give anyone remote access to your computer/laptop. They can see and access everything on your computer/laptop
If you think it’s your bank check your banks details. Phone number, email.
Never assume anything from an email is correct. Also check the senders email address. If it looks suspicious it is suspicious. Look for .au Australia anything out of the ordinary.
Don’t click or call.
Don’t panic ask someone else for advice

 

[Carolann0709]

I just can't believe such dispicable nastiness from some of the repliers. Ok Gay made a mistake. Don't you think she would be regretting it enough and torturing herself. With today's technology, especially the banks. Bendigo Bank surely should of picked it up. I hope they do something for Gay.

 

[Kevin. A.]

I think Bendigo Bank needs to get their act together and refund the total amount considering she was in the bank and the bank allowed the transactions to go through. The bank needs to take responsibility for their ineffective security procedures. If you ever get a message on your computer telling you that you have a virus and you need to call this number for assistance. Use Ctrl, Alt and Delete keys all at the same time. This will bring up a menu to allow you to shut down your computer. Select restart or shut down from the menu. Then once your computer has shut down then restart your computer and continue your work. Never click any links or ring any numbers provided by these scammers.

 

[deni67]

"No-one " on planet earth, has " any right " to vilify, criticise or arrogantly condemn " any victim " of any scam whose purposeful intent for the scammer is to obtain obscene, callous financial gain so that they can maintain/increase their " lavish lifestyle "; without having earned a day's pay, by doing an " honest hard day's work ". You: Veggiepatch in your scornful quip, are just as " callous " as the scammer who deliberately fleeced Gay de Beer . . . . no doubt amongst many other innocent victims.

Over the time iv'e been here iv'e got to know Veggie and their posts, they don't mince their words and they say things that others on here would be too scared to say, myself included, all I can do is like their posts.
They are allowed to put in their OPINIONS as you and I are, and for you to vilify them for such opinions are just as bad as the scammers that duped Gay into losing all of her money!
That is my OPINION.

 

[Jennylolo]

Other than here, I have to say I have not heard about these scams. I dont watch TV or look at news on my phone. I can see how easy it is for someone not to know about them. One friend does not have a mobile, not the internet. And she is not alone.

 

[magpie1]

Well I sincerely hope that Gaye has changed Banks after this terrible debacle at Bendigo bank....maybe she should speak to an Ombudsman about their obvious lack of security.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Over the time iv'e been here iv'e got to know Veggie and their posts, they don't mince their words and they say things that others on here would be too scared to say, myself included, all I can do is like their posts.
They are allowed to put in their OPINIONS as you and I are, and for you to vilify them for such opinions are just as bad as the scammers that duped Gay into losing all of her money!
That is my OPINION.

Thank you!

When I first joined SDC about 18 months ago, I forewarned the Administration that I call a spade a spade, don't pussyfoot around or sugarcoat my replies just to appease to the ignorant masses. I am here to create conversation, controversy and, at times, division amongst members. I am not any different face to face.

I do not have opinions, beliefs or faith. I rely on views, evidence and observation, generally with reference to verifiable sources and don't rely on thoughts or feelings to make a point.

Because I am straight to the point, I have attracted the ire of numerous discussion website administrators, even to the extent of receiving a lifetime ban. Anything from sporting forums to consumer groups to television discussion blogs.

The truth hurts people with thin skins or without knowledge.

 

[Knell]

Over the time iv'e been here iv'e got to know Veggie and their posts, they don't mince their words and they say things that others on here would be too scared to say, myself included, all I can do is like their posts.
They are allowed to put in their OPINIONS as you and I are, and for you to vilify them for such opinions are just as bad as the scammers that duped Gay into losing all of her money!
That is my OPINION.

Ah haha...what? your alter ego?

 

[Carolann0709]

How many times to people have to be told?
I have absolutely NO sympathy whatsoever for a fool!
An idiot and their money are easily parted!

 

[Carolann0709]

What a nasty remark!!!!

 

[Catherines]

About a year ago I had a call, supposedly from NBN, asking me to turn on my computer as there was a problem with our NBN. I was actually sitting at my computer - it was also on at the time - so I just told the fool that I do not turn on my computer for anyone & told him to have another chat with HIS employer at NBN!!! I feel sorry for those who get scammed out of $000s. However it is their own foolishness that results in their loss, it is not the bank’s negligence.

 

[Knell]

Thank you!

When I first joined SDC about 18 months ago, I forewarned the Administration that I call a spade a spade, don't pussyfoot around or sugarcoat my replies just to appease to the ignorant masses. I am here to create conversation, controversy and, at times, division amongst members. I am not any different face to face.

I do not have opinions, beliefs or faith. I rely on views, evidence and observation, generally with reference to verifiable sources and don't rely on thoughts or feelings to make a point.

Because I am straight to the point, I have attracted the ire of numerous discussion website administrators, even to the extent of receiving a lifetime ban. Anything from sporting forums to consumer groups to television discussion blogs.

The truth hurts people with thin skins or without knowledge.

Well there is truths and there is subjective truths.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Well there is truths and there is subjective truths.

Subjective "truths" are based on a person's perspective, experiences, or preferences, and is dependent on their opinion. Sorry, I did cut and paste that!

It is akin to asking someone what the best band is or their best movie. Ask a thousand people and get a thousand different answers.

Now there is an objective statement on a subject. It is confirmed independently of one's thought and based on fact.

Ask someone the capital city of Australia. The huge majority will answer Canberra because it is based on fact, not because of an opinion.

 

[Knell]

Subjective "truths" are based on a person's perspective, experiences, or preferences, and is dependent on their opinion. Sorry, I did cut and paste that!

It is akin to asking someone what the best band is or their best movie. Ask a thousand people and get a thousand different answers.

Now there is an objective statement on a subject. It is confirmed independently of one's thought and based on fact.

Ask someone the capital city of Australia. The huge majority will answer Canberra because it is based on fact, not because of an opinion.

Yes, I understand the difference, which is why I'm not sure of what point you are making.

 

[Dynamo]

I know how this feels have been scammed too. I contacted Australian Financial Complaints Authority AFCA. They assisted me to recover my funds. Although my sum was lower. It could be worth it for Gay to contact them and complete complaint forms. My financial institution was no help at all.

 

[Dynamo]

That is so obviously a scam and l would completely ignore it

Yes definite alarm bells with this one.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Well there is truths and there is subjective truths.

Yes, I understand the difference, which is why I'm not sure of what point you are making.

I answered your first reply with the explanation of the difference between subjective and objective statements.

The above is a response to your second reply.

That's about it!

 

[BlackWolf]

Gay de Beer is an idiot on two counts.

Firstly, falling for such an obvious scam.

Secondly, banking with Bendigo....the next worst big bank!

that's not nice.

 

[BlackWolf]

How many times to people have to be told?
I have absolutely NO sympathy whatsoever for a fool!
An idiot and their money are easily parted!I