A scam is when someone tricks you out of your money. Scammers are skilled at pretending they are real and that they can help you in some way.
How to detect a scam
Here are the main signs of a scam:
- Contact you were not expecting – someone offers to help you with something, like your bank account or internet, or suggests you invest
- The offer is too good to be true – it sounds like a plan to 'get rich quick', which is not realistic
- You are pressured to do something fast – like transfer money or make a quick decision
A scammer may ask you to:
- pay for something in an unusual way, such as with gift cards
- update your log-in details, or give them your passwords or other personal details
- confirm your banking details so they can give you a 'refund'
- supply them with banking verification codes
- click on a link they send you
- download software they provide
- give them remote access to your computer so they can 'fix' a problem (that doesn't exist)
How to protect yourself from scams
STOP
If you are contacted unexpectedly, stop and think before you respond.
CHECK
Check if the contact is from a real person or organisation.
Look for their publicly listed phone number. Or, if you know the person, call them directly and ask if they really contacted you.
Regularly check for suspicious transactions on your bank accounts, credit report, and online shopping accounts.
ACT
If you suspect something is not right, act fast. Block or delete the text or email, or hang up the call.
Do not send any money. Or, if you have sent money, contact your bank or financial institution straight away to report the scam.
Warn your family and friends about it and watch out for any follow up 'offers' to recover your lost money.
MONEYSMART
To protect yourself from scammers, follow these tips:
- Only use trusted websites for banking, investing, shopping – look for the 'padlock' sign in the website address
- Do not click on links in suspicious emails or text messages
- Check your transactions for anything suspicious
- Use strong passwords and change them every 6 months
- Keep your personal information safe – date of birth, address, email, social media contacts
- Secure your computer and mobile devices – keep them in a safe place at home and use antivirus software from a trusted provider
What to do if you've been scammed
If you've been scammed, follow these steps to take action.
- Don't send any more money. Block all contact from the scammer.
- Contact your bank or financial institution immediately to report the scam. Ask them to stop any transactions.
- Warn your family and friends about the scam.
- Watch out for potential follow up scams with 'offers' to get your money back if you pay more.
If a scammer has your personal information, contact IDCARE on 1800 595 160 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm). They can help you make a plan (for free) to limit the damage.
Being scammed is a horrible experience. If you need someone to talk to (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
Get help if you need it
There is free help available, if you need it:
- For help in your language, call the translating and interpreting service TIS National on 131 450. They will get an interpreter to call the service you need help with.
- For help to sort out money issues, call the free National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007. The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:30pm.