Almost everyone will be approached by a scammer at some stage. Some scams are very easy to spot while other scams may appear to be genuine offers or bargains. Scams can even take place without you doing anything at all.
Most scams need you to do something before they can work. You may send money to someone based on a promise that turns out to be false. You may give your personal details to people who turn out to be scammers. Some scams rely on you agreeing to deals without getting advice first, or buying a product without checking it out properly.
The simple tips below will help you protect yourself and your family from scams. Scams can cost people a lot of money and cause a great deal of distress. By following these simple tips, you can protect yourself against scams.
ALWAYS get independent advice if an offer involves significant money, time or commitment.
Remember there are no get-rich-quick schemes: the only people who make money are the scammers.
Do not agree to offers or deals straight away: tell the person that you are not interested or that you want to get some independent advice before making a decision.
NEVER send money, or give credit card or online account details to anyone you do not know and trust.
Check your bank account and credit card statements when you get them. If you see a transaction you cannot explain, report it to your credit union or bank.
Keep your credit card and ATM cards safe. Do not share your personal identity number (PIN) with anyone. Do not keep any written copy of your PIN with the card.
Only give out your personal details and information where it is absolutely necessary and where you have initiated the contact and trust the other party.
Destroy personal information, don’t just throw it out. You should cut up, burn or shred old bills, statements or cards so scammers can not get your personal details from them later.
Treat your personal details like you would treat money: don’t leave them lying around for others to take.
Order a free copy of your credit report every year to make sure no one is using your name to borrow money or run up debts.
Remember that family members and friends may try to involve you in a scam without realising that it is a scam: you should seek independent advice (from a lawyer or financial adviser).
If you receive a phone call out of the blue, always ask for the name of the person you are speaking to and who they represent.
Do not give out your personal, credit card or online account details over the phone unless you made the call and the phone number came from a trusted source.
It is best not to respond to text messages or missed calls that come from numbers you don’t recognise.
Be careful of phone numbers beginning with 190. These are charged at a premium rate and can be very expensive.
Look out for SMS and MMS numbers that start with 19. These are charged at a premium rate (sometimes even for receiving a message) and can be very expensive.
If you want to access an internet account website, use a bookmarked link or type the address in yourself: NEVER follow a link in an email.
Install software that protects your computer from viruses and unwanted programs and make sure it is kept up-to-date.
Beware of free websites and downloads (such as music, adult sites, games, movies). They may install harmful programs without you knowing.
Check the website address carefully. Scammers often set up fake websites with very similar addresses.
Never enter your personal, credit card or online account information on a website that you are not certain is genuine.
Never send your personal, credit card or online account details through an email.
Try to avoid using public computers (at libraries or internet cafes) to do your internet banking.
Do not use software on your computer that auto-completes online forms. This can give internet scammers easy access to your personal and credit card details.
Choose passwords that would be difficult for anyone else to guess.