A suspicious insurance document showed how sophisticated modern phishing has become. The email appeared to come through a trusted business associate's genuine email environment, while the attached PDF concealed a fake Microsoft 365 document link. Here's what Australian seniors and business owners can learn from the investigation.

Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated technology to make fraudulent calls, emails and messages appear legitimate. We explain the new warning signs and the practical steps Australian seniors and small businesses can take to protect themselves.

Phishing scams are becoming increasingly convincing. Learn how to recognise five common phishing techniques, spot the warning signs and protect yourself or your Australian business.

When Australians think about online scams, we often picture a lone criminal behind a computer sending fraudulent emails or messages and hoping someone will fall for it. The reality can be very different. Across parts of South-East Asia, organised criminal networks have developed large-scale scam centres — facilities that contain hundreds or even thousands of people who systematically target victims around the world. Their product, is fraud.

Australia has introduced new protections against SMS scams. Learn what "Unverified" means, why it appears on some text messages, and how to protect yourself from scammers.

From 1 July 2026, Australians will see a major change to text messaging designed to make scams easier to identify. New ACMA regulations require businesses to register their SMS Sender IDs, helping prevent scammers from impersonating trusted organisations such as Optus, Telstra, Australia Post, banks and government agencies. The changes provide an important new layer of protection, particularly for seniors and other frequent scam targets. Learn more in our latest blog...

Most Australians have spent years building an online presence. Family photos, messages, friendships, memories and milestones are often stored on Facebook. But have you ever considered what happens to your account after you die? For many families, dealing with digital accounts can be confusing and emotionally challenging during an already difficult time. Fortunately, Facebook provides options that allow users to plan ahead and make things easier for loved ones.

Imagine arriving at work tomorrow and discovering your internet connection is down. Most business owners would be frustrated. Now imagine it stays down for an entire week. For many modern businesses, operations would grind to a halt. Email, cloud storage, accounting systems, online bookings, EFTPOS terminals, supplier portals, customer databases and communication platforms all depend on reliable internet connectivity. Be prepared with our survival tips...

When an employee leaves your business, most owners focus on the obvious tasks of collecting keys, equipment, uniforms, and processing final paperwork. Unfortunately, one of the biggest risks often goes unnoticed - Digital access. Learn how you can easily plug this security gap in your business by reading our easy to follow guide.

Tax time in Australia can feel stressful enough without scammers trying to take advantage of you. Unfortunately, every year, cyber criminals ramp up their efforts to trick everyday Australians into handing over personal information, money, or access to their accounts. At Arafura Consulting & Media, we’re seeing a steady rise in scams targeting people through emails, text messages, and even phone calls pretending to be from trusted organisations like the ATO. But it's not ba

Who doesn’t love a freebie? After sharing our recent post about the scam call that nearly had us second-guessing ourselves, quite a few people reached out to ask about the quick-reference action card we mentioned. That got us thinking about making a simple card you can download, print out and keep near your phone. And that's exactly what we've done...

It started quietly. A normal Sunday morning in Darwin. A cup of tea, a familiar routine, and a quick check of the bank account, something this elderly woman had done countless times before. But this time was different. She saw a large transfer between her accounts (many tens of thousands of dollars). The money had moved… but she had no memory of doing it. That moment, in that flicker of confusion, was the first real warning that something had changed....

At Arafura Consulting & Media, we often talk about scams, phishing, and online threats. However, sometimes the biggest risks don’t come from criminals at all—they come from simple, human moments when we’re not at our best. This is the story of a retiree who did everything right… and still ended up with a confusing, costly mistake.

It starts the way many scams do—quietly and just believable enough. A notification appears on your phone. A suspicious transaction. Your instincts kick in. You check with your bank. Everything seems resolved. Then, days later… the phone rings. And that’s when the real scam begins....

Scams are not slowing down — in fact, they’re costing Australians more than ever. New figures released by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission show that Australians lost $2.18 billion to scams in 2025.

For many Australians—especially those enjoying retirement—choosing a smartphone can feel confusing. Walk into a shop and you’ll usually hear the same question: “Do you want an Android phone or an iPhone?” These two systems dominate the smartphone world. In fact, together they make up almost the entire global smartphone market. But what does that really mean for everyday users—especially seniors who want a phone that is simple, secure, and reliable? Let’s break it down in

For many Australians, computers weren’t part of everyday life growing up. So stepping into today’s digital world can feel overwhelming. The good news? Modern computers are more user-friendly than ever — and with the right device, getting online can be simple, enjoyable, and safe. A National Seniors Australia guide suggests computers open doors to connection, entertainment, lifelong learning, and creativity. Let’s break it down clearly and simply.

For many years, we heard the same advice: “If you don’t use Windows, you’re probably safe.” That’s no longer true. In 2025, cybercriminals expanded their focus. Malware now targets Android phones, iPhones, Macs, tablets, and even smart devices — not just traditional desktop computers. The good news? With the right habits and simple protections, you can stay safe. Let’s break this down in plain English.

A recent A Current Affair investigation uncovered a heartbreaking story of how a man lost hundreds of thousands of dollars to online romance scammers. After his death, his ex-wife found bank statements, receipts and tens of thousands of dollars in gift cards sent to scammers he believed were love interests. He even took out a reverse mortgage of $150,000 to continue funding the relationships, despite having very real financial needs at home.

Running a small business is demanding, and cybersecurity often feels overwhelming. However, strong protection does not always require lots of your time or expensive software. In fact, the most effective safeguards are simple habits. Here are seven practical steps every Australian small business can implement today.