Scammers are no longer relying on email and obvious tricks. Today, AI can clone a grandchild’s voice from seconds of audio, generate convincing videos of trusted celebrities promoting fake investments, or simulate romantic relationships that feel entirely real... without a human involved.
This course goes beyond generic warnings. Instead of simply telling participants to “be careful,” it shows how these fakes are created, including the technology behind deepfake videos, voice cloning, and AI-generated images. Understanding how deception is built is one of the strongest protections against it. Through live demonstrations, real Australian case studies, and practical hands-on exercises, participants will leave with genuine confidence, a set of concrete strategies for pausing, checking and protecting themselves and the people they love from this fast-moving threat.
No prior technology experience is required. This course is designed for everyday learners who want to feel informed and empowered, not overwhelmed.
NOTE: Students must bring an electronic device (such as their mobile phone, laptop, iPad, tablet, etc) as well as a suitable charger for your device.
Face to face
Session 1: Understand the Threat
- What deepfakes are and how AI generates fake video, voice and images
- The three scams targeting Australians over 50: investment deepfakes, voice cloning and AI romance scams
- Real Australian case studies
- Live demonstration: can you tell the real from the fake?
Session 2: Spot It and Protect Yourself
- Warning signs in videos, images, phone calls and messages
- The Stop-Check-Reject framework
- Setting up a family safe word and reviewing privacy settings
- What to do if targeted: Scamwatch, eSafety Commissioner, your bank
- Open Q&A- bring your own examples from the week
At the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Explain what deepfakes, voice cloning and AI-generated images are and how they are created
- Identify the most common AI-driven scams targeting older Australians
- Recognise warning signs in suspicious videos, images, phone calls and messages
- Apply the Stop-Check-Reject framework when encountering potentially fraudulent content
- Take practical protective steps including setting up a family safe word and reporting scams to the appropriate Australian authorities
