OPAN has completed our investigation into the unauthorised email titled ‘The National Advocate – Special Appeal’, which was sent to people on OPAN’s mailing list through a third-party mailing system on September 11, 2026. The email asked for donations and did not come from OPAN.
As soon as we became aware of the email, we acted to stop it and contacted everyone who received it, as well as our network members and government and sector partners, including the National Anti-Scam Centre.
We also engaged a panel of independent specialists, including forensic investigators and legal and cyber security advisers, to find out exactly what happened. Their investigation is now complete, and we have since taken steps to strengthen our security. OPAN is now communicating directly with a small number of individuals where required under applicable privacy laws. If you are not contacted directly, there is nothing further you need to do.
OPAN CEO Craig Gear OAM said: “I am sorry for the worry and confusion this email caused, particularly for older people and families who look to OPAN for information they can trust. It is also a reminder that scammers often pretend to be organisations we know, so if an email asks for money or personal details and something doesn’t feel right, please pause and check before you act.”
Staying safe
If you receive an unexpected email asking for money or personal details, contact the organisation on a phone number you already have, rather than using any link or number in the email. These services can also help:
Australian Cyber Security Hotline: advice and support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 1300 292 371
Scamwatch: if you think you have been scammed, report it and get advice at scamwatch.gov.au.
Australian Cyber Security Centre: practical guides on staying safe online are available here.
Thank you to everyone who let us know about the email, and for your patience while we worked through it.