Independent Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines will host two events in Indi next month to help locals understand how they can protect themselves from scams and where to seek help if they have been targeted.

Dr Haines has invited the Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services Stephen Jones to share scam awareness information at a morning tea in Benalla and an afternoon tea in Myrtleford on Thursday 20 June.

“Scams are becoming more frequent, more sophisticated, and they can take many forms,” Dr Haines said.

“Often it is the most vulnerable in our community that are targeted by scammers, but no one is immune from being tricked and defrauded of money.

“I’ve heard many reports of people being scammed out of significant amounts of money – mothers, grandparents, volunteers, people with disability – everyday people misled by bad faith actors.”

The events are supported by Australia Post, Telstra, Bendigo Bank and the Consumer Action Law Centre who will have representatives at the events and useful resources for attendees to take home.

“Australians lost more than $3 billion to scams in 2022. I am pleased to bring Minister Jones to Indi to address the growing community concern around fraud and deceptive conduct,” Dr Haines said.

“These events aim to educate and empower community members to recognise a scam and take preventative measures to protect themselves, their family, small business or volunteer organisation.

“Come along and bring a friend with you who can help spread awareness of how scams are impacting our community.”

The scam awareness events will be held on Thursday 20 June:

10:00 – 11:30am at the Lakeside Community Centre, Benalla Showgrounds

1:00 – 2:30pm at Club Savoy, 252-254 Myrtle Street, Myrtleford

Event registration is encouraged but not essential, visit helenhaines.org/events to register.

ENDS