Scams and Brain Injury: How Safe Are You?

Scam losses now cost $1 trillion every year worldwide. Anyone can be scammed, but people with brain injury are at higher risk. One of the best ways to reduce vulnerability to being scammed is understanding how scams work and learning practical ways to stay safe online and on the phone. In this Carolyn Rocchio Caregivers webinar, Kate Gould, D.Psych., draws on 10 years of advocacy, research, and education on the topic of brain injury and scams. Joining her is brain injury survivor Colin Brokenshire, who discusses his experience with a scam.

Session Objectives:

• Describe what scams are and how they work.
• Discuss the latest research about how brain injury can affect scam risk.
• Discuss practical and evidence-based tips to improve your online safety.

Dr. Kate Gould is a Senior Research Fellow and Clinical Neuropsychologist working in brain injury research and community rehabilitation in Melbourne, Australia. She is the world’s leading expert on cybersafety and brain injury. She leads the CyberAbility Project to co-design and provides innovative and evidence-based solutions. Her team includes people with living experience of brain injury, researchers, clinicians, and people from the technology and disability sectors.

Colin Brokenshire is a brain injury survivor who has been sharing his lived experience for more than 10 years. He is the lead CyberAbility Ambassador and currently serving as acting chair of Brain Injury Matters, Victoria’s peak self-advocacy organization. Colin is also currently completing his Masters in Disability and Inclusion.