Be aware there have been fake AI-generated articles and videos claiming there is an Australia-wide driving curfew coming for people aged 60+. This is a false claim and is completely fabricated news.
Here’s a few tips to tell if information online may be fake:
- Don’t click any links in the article or under the video, always search for more information in a new google search.
- Check the website where the news article is. If you’ve never heard of it and local and national news platforms are not writing about the story, it is highly likely to be false.
- Check official government websites to verify information if it says it’s a ‘government-led initiative’. Any WA State Government changes go through extensive processes, and media statements about them can be found online at wa.gov.au/government/media-statements
- Other red flags to look out for include: the use of AI-generated voiceovers or images, spelling or grammatical mistakes, American spelling instead of Australian spelling. Be suspicious of any other elements that seem ‘off’ or not quite right.
- If unsure if it’s real don’t share it. Do the above fact-checking first, and ask a friend or family member.
A final reminder, always try to verify information by checking official websites (in this case, the Department of Transport), or get in touch with Consumer Protection, particularly if there are any mentions of handing over personal information or money.
And if the worst happens and you’ve been scammed in WA, report it to WA ScamNet at www.scamnet.wa.gov.au
