29/05/2026
Raising Awareness: Protecting Riversdale’s Elderly from Scams
On 25 May 2026, Rieke Coetzer, our Group Operations Manager, visited the Riversdale Old Age Home with a mission that goes beyond operations. The purpose of the visit was to empower elderly residents by informing them about the various scam scenarios they might encounter and how to protect themselves.
Elderly individuals are often targeted by fraudsters due to their trusting nature and limited familiarity with digital platforms. Rieke highlighted common fraud tactics such as:
• Phishing calls pretending to be banks or internet providers.
• WhatsApp scams where fraudsters pose as acquaintances and send malicious links to steal personal information.
• Fake charities exploiting goodwill during crises.
Rieke emphasized simple yet powerful preventive measures:
• Never share personal or financial information over the phone.
• Verify the identity of callers or visitors before engaging.
• Report suspicious activity to trusted family members or authorities.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.
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The session was interactive, with residents asking questions and sharing their own experiences. By the end of the visit, many expressed gratitude for the practical guidance and felt more confident in recognizing and avoiding scams.
This initiative not only raised awareness but also strengthened the bond between our organization and the Riverdale community. Due to its success, we have been invited to conduct a similar session at another old age home in Riverdale next week, further extending our commitment to safeguarding the elderly against fraud.
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