Scams Awareness Week
Published on 22 August 2025
From Monday 25 – Friday 29 August, Bathurst Regional Council will be participating in national Scams Awareness Week to encourage scam awareness and ensure that all Australians are aware of how to stay protected.
The theme for this year is ‘STOP. CHECK. PROTECT.’ outlining the three crucial steps that can keep us all safe from scams.
Bathurst Mayor, Robert Taylor, commented on the importance of Scams Awareness Week in highlighting how we can all take steps to protect our privacy and our safety online.
“Scams Awareness Week is a reminder of the harsh reality that anyone can be scammed. This week provides a timely opportunity to stop for a moment, check who it is that’s contacting you online, check the URL of the webpage you are on, and protect yourself and your community.
“With technology improving every day, it’s important for everyone to be cautious of anything that is sent to them, especially if it seems suspicious.
“Council has prepared a communications campaign to inform the public about the prevalence of scams and strategies to reduce our vulnerability. As part of this, Inspector Wells from the Chifley Police District and Narelle Pabis from the Seymour Centre will join 2MCE Radio’s Seymour Hour at 11am on Wednesday 27 August, discussing what to look out for online and simple preventative measures we can all take to protect our safety,” said Mayor Taylor.
Narelle Pabis, Chief Operations Manager at Bathurst Seymour Centre, noted that whilst older people are often targeted, it is all demographics that are susceptible to scams.
“While those aged 65 years and older are statistically among the most vulnerable to scams, Scams Awareness Week brings to light that we all need to remain vigilant, as scammers target everyone of all ages and backgrounds. This week raises awareness and encourages open conversations to ensure our community stays informed,” commented Ms Pabis.
This sentiment was shared by Inspector Bruce Wells of Chifley Police District.
“So far in 2025, scams have cost NSW residents greater than $48million. If you think a phone call, SMS, voicemail, email or social media account is not genuine, do not engage with it. The impact of scams is devastating to many Australians, and we need to remember that through simple factors like our social media usage or online shopping, we are all at risk. The three simple steps of ‘Stop. Check. Protect.’ can keep our community safe from scams,” said Inspector Wells.
Image: Bathurst Mayor Robert Taylor, Chief Operations Manager Bathurst Seymour Centre Narelle Pabis, and Chifley Police District Inspector Bruce Wells.
Media contact: Genevieve Green Media and Communications Officer