Lunch & Learn: Join us as Westpac presents Scam or safe: could you tell the difference?

A first for EAAA, this Lunch & Learn session featured one of Australia’s Big 4 banks, Westpac. A long-standing EAAA member, shared insights into the evolving landscape of financial abuse and fraud.

Fraud and scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and harder to detect. This session explored how they operate, the warning signs to watch for, and how they can intersect with the financial abuse of older people. It offered practical insight into staying one step ahead and knowing where to go for support.

In this session, we were joined by Sophie Gee, Executive Manager of Fraud Intelligence at Westpac who covered:

• Personal information: what is meant by personal and sensitive information, why it matters, and how it can be exposed or shared in trust-based relationships.
• How scammers manipulate: how scammers exploit vulnerability to access money and information, including factors that may increase risk for older people.
• Types of fraud and scams: key fraud and scam types and how they impact Australians, with a focus on those commonly targeting older people.
• Technology across banks: how banks are using technology to reduce scams and fraud and their role in identifying unusual activity.
• Trends: emerging scam trends, including the use of AI, and how these may disproportionately impact older people.
• Warning signs and protection strategies: how to recognise warning signs, including changes in behaviour or the involvement of others, along with practical steps to stay safe and maintain independence.

Attendees will benefit from case studies highlighting warning signs, including those that may indicate undue influence or financial abuse, making this a practical and important conversation for anyone supporting older Australians, with insights to help you safeguard others and protect yourself.

Watch the video recording on our YouTube channel:

ABOUT OUR PRESENTER

Sophie Gee
Executive Manager of Fraud Intelligence, Westpac

Sophie Gee is the Executive Manager of Fraud Intelligence at Westpac, sitting within Fraud Prevention. Her role involves early identification of new trends within the Fraud and Scams space and communication of what’s identified to the bank and broader community.

She is particularly passionate about ensuring everyone has the tools and information they need to protect themselves from scams.