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DEVELOP: What I needed then. What I know now. The role of financial advice from a con man's last victim

Speakers

Tracy Hall
Tracy Hall
Tracy Hall is an author, keynote speaker, and survivor of one of Australia’s most high-profile fraud cases. After losing her life savings to serial con man Hamish McLaren, she rebuilt her financial future with the help of a trusted adviser. Tracy now works with organisations to raise awareness about financial fraud, trust, and resilience. With warmth, humour, and sharp insight, she helps financial professionals understand their pivotal role in protecting clients from risk and rebuilding lives.



Watch Tracy's video

Tracy Hall knows firsthand the devastating consequences of financial fraud. She lost $317,000 to one of Australia’s most prolific con men, Hamish McLaren. Tracy had a successful career, was intelligent and financially independent, but she didn’t have a financial adviser or a financial plan for her future. And that, she believes, made all the difference.

In this session, Tracy shares her very public story of loss and recovery, but more importantly, she highlights how her financial adviser became the key to rebuilding her finances, her confidence, and her future. She explores the psychological tactics used by scammers, the critical moments when people are most financially vulnerable, and the powerful role advisers can play - not just in growing wealth but in protecting it.

Advisers be armed with insights and practical tips into how you can use structured processes, emotional intelligence, and accessible technology to protect your clients. From identifying behavioural red flags to providing cyber-savvy tools and emotional support, Tracy demonstrates how you can become one of your clients’ most valuable lines of defence, helping your clients feel less vulnerable to cyber and fraud attacks.

Tracy’s message is clear: when it comes to financial resilience, advisers are not optional - they’re essential.

Learning Outcomes
  Attendees will learn about the following:
- Identify behavioural red flags and psychological tactics scammers use to exploit client vulnerability and urgency.
- Apply structured advice processes and emotional intelligence to rebuild client trust, confidence, and financial resilience.
- Use accessible technology and scam prevention tools to educate clients and reduce exposure to cyber fraud.
- Support clients in restoring financial agency through literacy, planning, and proactive fraud protection strategies

CPD: 0.75 hrs Client Care & Practice / 0.25 hrs Reg. Compliance and Consumer Protection

Date & Time: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 • 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

Location: Riverside Theatre

Type: Session

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