Because politeness is lovely… but safety comes first.

Hi there my dear friend,

Can we talk about the sheer audacity of scammers for a second?

They text like they’re Australia Post.
They email like they’re your bank.
They call like they’re “from security” and you should be grateful they’re saving you.

And if you’re a midlife woman who’s busy living a full life — family, work, caring, church/community, menopause surprises (hello), and trying to remember why you walked into the laundry — it’s easy to get caught off guard.

So today, I'm doing something powerful:

I'm giving you a script.

Because you don’t need to outsmart scammers.
You just need a few calm rules you can follow even when you’re tired.

Why scams feel so convincing right now

Scams are designed to hijack your emotions:

• urgency (“do this NOW”)

• fear (“your account is locked”)

• shame (“you’ll be arrested”)

• excitement (“you’ve won!”)

• caretaking (“your grandchild needs help”)

And yes — older adults can be targeted heavily, with large losses reported in multiple countries.

In Australia, Scamwatch reporting shows phishing and other scam categories remain significant, even as some report numbers shift year to year.

The 3 scam types you’ll see most (and how they hook you)

1) Text scams (smishing)

They often look like:

• delivery problems

• toll notices

• “unusual activity” on your account

• missed voicemail

• subscription renewal

Scamwatch flags classic warning signs: messages pushing you to click links, share details, or act quickly.

Your rule:
If a text includes a link and wants urgency — pause.

2) Email scams (phishing)

These love:

• fake invoices

• “password reset” emails

• “your mailbox is full”

• “security alert” messages

They’ll use logos, official-looking language, and sometimes even your name.

Your rule:
Never trust an email just because it looks professional. Trust what you can verify.

3) Calls pretending to be your bank, telco, or “tech support”

This is where midlife women often get rattled — because a voice on the phone feels more “real”.

Some scams try to get you to:

• confirm personal info

• move money to a “safe account”

• install remote access software so they can “help” you

Remote access scams can disproportionately affect older Australians.

Your rule:
No legitimate bank needs you to install software or hand over codes to “secure” your money.

Your Midlife Scam-Proof Script (save this!)

Here’s what to say. Out loud. With confidence.

Script #1: For suspicious texts

“Thanks. I’ll check this through the official website/app.”

Then you:

• do not click the link

• open the official app (bank, delivery, telco)

• or type the website yourself (not from the message)

Script #2: For “bank” calls

“I don’t do security checks on inbound calls. I’ll hang up and call the bank back on the number I trust.”

Then:

• hang up

• call the number on the back of your card (or official site)

• ask if the call was real

Script #3: For pressure + threats

“I don’t make decisions under pressure. If this is legitimate, it will still be legitimate in an hour.”

This one is magic because it breaks the scammer’s grip. Scam guidance repeatedly warns about urgency and pressure as key red flags.

Script #4: For “tech support” or remote access requests

“No thank you. I don’t give remote access to my device.”

Then:

• end the call

• if worried, contact the company through official channels

The “Never Ever” list (print this in your brain)

Never:

• share one-time codes or MFA codes with anyone (even “support”)

• move money to a “safe account” because someone told you to

• buy gift cards/crypto/gold to “secure funds” or “pay a fee” (major red flag)

• install remote access tools because a stranger asked

• keep secrets “for security reasons” (legitimate organisations don’t ask for secrecy)

But what if you clicked a link?

Breathe. Here’s your calm plan.

1. Close the page

2. Do not enter info (if you haven’t already)

3. If you entered details, change the password immediately (start with your email)

4. Call your bank if money/accounts may be impacted

5. Report the scam (in Australia, Scamwatch is a key reporting pathway)

And please, tell a trusted person. Shame thrives in silence. Support is strength.

Why midlife women are excellent at scam-spotting

(once you trust yourself)

You’ve lived.
You’ve seen patterns.
You’ve developed intuition.
You can read tone.
You know when something feels “off”.

The scammer’s biggest advantage isn’t intelligence — it’s your rush and your kindness.

So, we’re keeping your kindness… and adding boundaries.

If faith is part of your world, you might appreciate this: discernment is often just wisdom in action — and wisdom rarely yells.

Your next best step...

If you want one action from today:

• Save the script in your phone Notes

• Practise saying it once (yes, really)

• And turn on MFA for your email if you haven’t yet (it matters)

Next up in this batch: we’re making account security ridiculously easier — including passkeys, passphrases, and the “one upgrade this week” plan.

Until we chat again,

Blessing & hugs to you my dear friend,

Dianne xx