Sergeant Mick Savage from Rutherglen Police said everyone was very interested to hear from police and bank officials.
Their message was to be careful, always verify the caller or initiator, and if unsure, don’t respond and contact the police.
One of those victims, from Springhurst, spoke of her experience in early March this year.
It started with an email saying her friend had received an amount of money, and the woman believes artificial intelligence may have played a part in her eventual loss.
As with many scam victims, she is still mystified as to how it happened, when it sounded convincing.
“Just be very careful and be alert to any warning sign; it’s a different world now,” she said.
The idea for a workshop was raised by Rutherglen Neighbourhood Watch and Sgt Savage was quick to swing into action.
Special guests were Leading Senior Constable Lisa Lorenz of Tangambalanga Police and Hume Bank’s Ainslie Milthorpe.
“It was great,” Sgt Savage said. “There were over 40 people who were very interested to hear from police and bank officials.”
Neighbourhood chairman Peter Twigg said he was very pleased with the workshop and thankful for the police and bank’s involvement, with residents gaining valuable knowledge.
“It was great,” Sgt Savage said.
“Residents were happy to stand up and say what happened to them.
“Many questions were asked and all were answered.”
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