The following scams have come across the SCAMwatch radar in recent times. This list is designed to highlight widespread or novel scams that have been reported to SCAMwatch. It is not an exhaustive list of scams that operate in Australia.
You should remember that even if an offer you have received does not appear on this list, it could still be a scam. Be sure to check out the information about common types of scams on the navigation bar to the left.
Remember, if you come across something you are not sure about, exercise caution. Your best defence against scams is to say no, or don't respond. If you are interested in an offer that has been made to you, make sure you seek independent advice before going any further.
If you want to receive warnings and alerts as they are published on the SCAMwatch radar, register for free SCAMwatch email alerts (you can also do this by following the link at the bottom of the page).
July 2008: The Australian community is warned to beware of death threat spam text messages from scammers pretending to be a hired hitman in order to extort thousands of dollars from their victims.
June 2008: Doctors' clinics are warned to beware of aggressive marketing techniques engaged by some advertising companies offering listings in medical directories.
February–March 2008: every year, the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce holds a national campaign to help raise awareness about scams and how you can protect yourself. Fraud Fortnight will run...
October 2007: Scam emails pretending to be from RAC Finance Limited, part of the Western Australian Royal Automobile Club (RAC) are targetting Australians with fake job offers.
October 2007: Fake advertisements offering used vehicles for lower than expected prices continue to appear on Australian car websites, online classifieds and online auction sites.
September 2007: Classified ads offering non-existent pedigree puppies have resurfaced in local newspapers across the country, as well as online classifieds.
August 2007: Consumers have reported receiving emails from the 'Australian Office of Fair Trading'. There is no such organisation, and the email's attachment contains a virus.
More than $300,000 will be returned to consumers who were victims of North American-based scams after Australian Competition and Consumer Commission court intervention.
Australians who use the internet to buy goods from overseas should be wary of fake emails asking them to pay 'Customs' a range of fees, duty or taxes, before their goods are released to them.
More information and tips on how to recognise and avoid scams: