The WA Commissioner for Consumer Protection has become concerned for Western Australian seniors being targeted by scammers through a fake WA Seniors Card website requesting money and multiple forms of personal identification.
The Commissioner, Trish Blake said the fake website ‘seniorsportal.au’ claims to be “officially approved” and charges WA Seniors Card applicants a fee of $29.
Ms Blake (pictured) said the WA Seniors Card is free of charge and applicants are never requested to pay a fee, or disclose personal identification such as bank or credit card details in exchange for membership.
“WA Seniors Card does not accept Seniors Card applications made by third party organisations,” she said.
“If you have provided any form of ID to this fake website, make sure to contact ID Care on 1800 595 160 or visit their website ‘www.idcare.org’,” Ms Blake said.
“If you have already made a payment to this fake website, contact your financial institution and report that it is a fraudulent transaction,” she said.
She said there was only one website where a WA Seniors Card was available.
“Only use ‘www.seniorscard.wa.gov.au’ to get your card or visit WA Seniors Card in person at Level 2, 140 William Street, Perth 6000.”
Ms Blake advised the seniors to remember that any time they are looking for a WA Government service online, “always make sure the website address ends in a …wa.gov.au to confirm it is legitimate.”
“Be aware that the first listing on an internet search may not be a legitimate website and not the service provider you are searching for,” she said.
She said that to report the ‘seniorsportal.au’ scam or receive further advice, people should contact WA ScamNet by phone 1300 304 054 or email [email protected].
“For further assistance contact the WA Seniors Card team on 1800 671 233 or email ‘[email protected]’.
The idcare website can be accessed at this PS News link and the seniors card at this link.
