The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant has announced a new course for older Australians aimed at making their use of online banking safer and more accessible for them.
Part of the Be Connected program, the course targets seniors who are still reticent to engage in online banking, mainly due to security concerns.
Ms Inman Grant said society took it for granted that online banking had been widely adopted, but for many older Australians, “taking the plunge” could be a huge leap of faith.
“The idea of having your money accessible and transferable with one click can be both liberating and incredibly frightening,” Ms Inman Grant said.
She said 75 per cent of older Australians were concerned about the safety and security of online banking, so the course was designed around building their confidence in the area.
“The course will teach older Australians to transfer funds, check balances, download statements, pay bills — and will help them to set strong passwords, avoid scams and use safe ways to communicate with their bank,” Ms Inman Grant said.
“It also features a simulated online bank, called Squirrel Bank — to help older Australians practice skills learned in the course and help increase their confidence to bank online.”
Chief Executive of the Australian Banking Association, Anna Bligh said she wanted banking to be accessible and safe for all bank customers.
“Be Connected will help older customers gain the confidence they need to bank online,” Ms Bligh said.
“Importantly the module covers both banking essentials and online safety information to help warn people of potential fraud and scams.
‘Remember, a bank will never ask for your account details, PIN or passwords,” Ms Bligh said.
