Social media has become one of the easiest ways to stay in touch with family and friends. Whether it’s seeing photos of the grandkids, catching up with old mates, or joining local community groups, platforms like Facebook have made it simple and enjoyable. But it also comes with risks. Scammers, fake accounts, and misleading information are becoming more common. The good news is that with a few simple habits, you can enjoy social media safely and confidently. Learn how, rig

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.

Online scams are constantly evolving, and a new one is currently targeting Australians through something that appears harmless — free community classes. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued a warning about a scam spreading through social media that tricks people into installing malware on their phones or computers. The scam often promotes “free tai chi classes”, or similar, activities like dancing, walking, or hiking. Here's how you can avoid

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.

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.

Scams are getting smarter. But thankfully, so are we. Across Australia, seniors are being targeted more frequently than ever before. However, most scams follow predictable patterns. Once you know what to look for, they become much easier to spot. Let’s calmly walk through the five most common scams happening right now.

If you’ve just bought a new Android phone, you might be feeling a mix of excitement and uncertainty — especially if this is your first time using an Android device. That’s perfectly normal. Many senior Australians and small business owners tell us the same thing: “I just want to set it up properly and not break anything.” The good news is that Android phones are designed to guide you step by step. Let’s go through it slowly, in plain English.

Every year, around Christmas, retailers offer genuine bargains, and unfortunately, there is also a surge in cyber scams. Scammers know people are rushed, distracted, and eager to grab a deal. They take advantage of this moment with fake websites, dodgy emails, and convincing messages designed to separate you from your money or personal details. Learn our simple ways to spot a cyber scam...

The holiday season should be a time for joy, connection, and giving — not falling victim to fraud. As scammers ramp up their tactics around Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year's sales, Aussies need to be aware of common seasonal scams and how to avoid them. Scams can happen online, over the phone, by SMS and even in person, and they often cost victims real money and personal data. Here’s a practical guide to the top 12 holiday scams and how to avoid them.

The Christmas holiday season brings joy, generosity, and… a flurry of online activity. For many Australians, that means gifts, online shopping, festive greetings, and maybe a new device or two. But it can also attract cyber-scammers looking to take advantage of the hurry and goodwill. At Arafura Consulting & Media, we believe — Smart • Secure • Connected — means enjoying the holidays safely. Here’s how you (and your loved ones) can stay protected online this festive seaso

More and more of us manage finances and make purchases online — from paying bills to buying gifts. It’s convenient, but also means we need to be a little more careful. Here are some straightforward steps you can take to protect your money and your personal information when banking or shopping over the internet.

Online shopping is a wonderful convenience, from ordering gifts for grandkids, to getting groceries or essentials delivered straight to your door. But shopping online also comes with risks. Cyber criminals often use online stores to try to steal personal or financial information. That’s why it’s wise to take a few simple precautions before you click “Buy”.

Every year, late November brings two big shopping events that started in the United States: Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Fake online stores, unbelievable discounts, and dodgy payment links often appear during this period, and all are designed to trick you into handing over money or personal information. The good news? A few simple checks can help you spot a scam before it spots you.

Remember when doing the shopping meant a trip into town, queuing at the checkout, and lugging bags back to the car? These days, you can buy almost anything from the comfort of your favourite armchair — from groceries and gardening supplies to gifts for the grandkids. It's marvellous, really. A few clicks on your computer or tablet, and it arrives at your doorstep.