As Australia’s aged care system continues to evolve, so do the tactics used by scammers who deliberately target older people. Sadly, seniors remain one of the most vulnerable groups when it comes to fraud—especially when individuals pose as aged care assessors or government representatives.
Recent alerts from the Department of Health and Aged Care highlight a concerning rise in fake phone calls, unannounced home visits, and fraudulent claims relating to My Aged Care. These deceptive attempts aim to access personal information, financial details, or the home itself.
Protecting our older community begins with awareness. This guide explains the most common scam tactics, what genuine aged care assessors will and will not do, and how families can stay vigilant.
Why Older Australians Are Being Targeted
Scammers often prey on seniors because they may be:
- Less familiar with digital systems
- Trusting of callers claiming to be from government services
- Quick to cooperate with what seems like official aged care processes
- Living alone or feeling unsure about aged care assessments
This makes it essential for both older Australians and their families to recognise red flags before any information is shared.
Common Scam Tactics Related to Aged Care
Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated. They may:
🔹 Call and claim to be from My Aged Care
They may say an assessment is due, that personal details need to be “updated,” or that a visit must be arranged immediately.
🔹 Turn up at the door unannounced
Some scammers impersonate assessors or health workers, hoping to gain access to the home.
🔹 Request personal or financial information
This could include Medicare details, bank information, date of birth, or My Aged Care ID numbers.
🔹 Pressure seniors into making quick decisions
They may insist something is urgent or must be done “right now,” which is a major warning sign.
How to Identify a Genuine Aged Care Assessor
Authentic My Aged Care representatives follow strict protocols.
✔ They always arrange appointments in advance
A real assessor will never appear at the door without prior notice.
✔ They will always show official identification
This includes a photo ID, organisation details, and contact information.
✔ They do not ask for financial details
A genuine assessor will never request banking information or payments.
✔ They will not pressure or rush the older person
All visits and conversations should be conducted respectfully, at a comfortable pace.
Essential Safety Tips for Seniors and Families
- Never give out personal or financial information
No government service will ever ask for this unexpectedly via phone or unannounced visits.
- Deny entry if you feel uncomfortable
If something feels suspicious, trust your instincts.
- Validate all appointments with My Aged Care
Call 1800 200 422 to confirm whether an assessment is real.
(Mon–Fri 8am–8pm; Sat 10am–2pm)
- Report scams immediately
Visit Scamwatch to document suspicious activity.
Reporting protects others as well.
- Involve family members
Encourage older Australians to consult family before responding to unexpected calls or visitors.
The Emotional Impact of Scams on Seniors
Scams do more than cause financial loss—they can seriously affect wellbeing. Many older Australians report:
- Feeling embarrassed
- Losing trust in real health or aged care workers
- Anxiety about answering the phone
- Isolation because of fear of visitors
- Difficulty engaging with genuine support services
This only emphasises the importance of providing reassurance, education, and ongoing visibility of safe pathways into the aged care system.
Building a Safer Aged Care Experience
Preventing scams requires both awareness and clear communication. Families play a crucial role in:
- Checking in regularly
- Helping older relatives verify appointments
- Encouraging them to ask questions
- Ensuring they never feel pressured to act alone
A secure, supportive environment empowers older Australians to make confident decisions.
⭐ How SSCA Supports Older Australians With Trust and Clarity
Navigating aged care can already feel overwhelming—scams only add to the confusion.
At Support Services Connect Australia (SSCA), our mission is to support seniors and families through a free Care Finding service that prioritises clarity, safety, and trust.
With over 25 years of aged care experience, our team helps older Australians:
- Understand real aged care processes
- Identify genuine Home Care Package providers
- Avoid misleading or fraudulent information
- Compare providers with transparent guidance
- Make decisions based on accurate, trusted advice
Our role is simple:
to help families choose safe, appropriate, and high-quality aged care providers—at no cost.