Workshop at Ontario Tech University Focuses on Online Scam Awareness for Older Adults

Dr. Janette Hughes, a professor at Ontario Tech University, led an interactive workshop on June 13, 2025 at the STEAM 3D Maker Lab in Oshawa for more than 30 members of the Oshawa and Durham Central PROBUS Clubs. The workshop focused on helping older adults identify, avoid, and report online scams.

Employment and Social Development Canada reports that fraud is the most common crime against older Canadians. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre states that Canadians lost more than $630 million to scams in 2024. These figures highlight the prevalence of online fraud targeting older adults, demonstrating the importance of digital safety education for this group.

During the workshop, Dr. Hughes offered several recommendations to help participants stay safe online. She advised attendees to be wary of unsolicited requests for personal information, verify the sources of information, use multi-factor authentication for online accounts, and to disconnect from any suspicious communication by hanging up or deleting messages rather than engaging.

"Some scams involve obtaining personal information to commit identity theft or credit card fraud," Dr. Hughes said. "In other instances, criminals exploit trust or the desire for companionship by posing as interested romantic partners, or as friends or family members asking for help."

Karen Beier, vice-president of the Oshawa PROBUS Club, said that club members discussed their technological challenges prior to the workshop and shared that scams are a frequent concern. "There was one I got that was so realistic: an invoice for an antivirus program," Beier said. "I’m looking at it and I’m thinking, ‘Did I sign up for that?’ I was really questioning myself on it."

Beier said that following the event, she and her fellow club members felt more confident in their ability to spot online scams. "The information we received was amazing; everybody loved the seminar," she said. She also noted that members are interested in additional technology education through the STEAM 3D Maker Lab.

This workshop was the first in a planned series for older adults at Ontario Tech University. The university holds an Age-Friendly University designation, which Dr. Hughes said recognizes the contributions that older adults bring to the campus environment.