Three small steps to help you detect and avoid scams.
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Scams take many forms and are becoming increasingly complex and hard to spot.
However, 3 small steps can keep us all safe from scammers.
Koen: Such a nice couch. $50 deposit. Fair enough.
Mini-Koen: Woah! Stop, Koen. Don’t send money if we’re not sure.
Phone VO: We’ve had some suspicious activity; can I check your bank details.
Mei: OK
Mini-Mei: Mei Chen! Let’s check this... Let’s call the bank’s official number.
Steve: ‘Dear Mr Jacobs, your account is now overdue…’
Mini-Steve: Steve! Steve! Steve! Let’s protect ourselves.
Steve: Ohh.
Mini-Steve: That email address does not look right. Nah.
STOP. CHECK. PROTECT.
Keep us all safe from scammers.
Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.
[End of transcript.]
Information and resources to help us protect our mob from scams.
Translated information and resources to help everyone spot and avoid scams.
Information and resources you can use to learn and share about scams.
News and alerts
Scammers routinely take over or set up fake profiles on social media, messaging platforms and apps. Be aware of scammers using social media to contact you to steal personal and financial details.
Scammers are targeting online shoppers during the festive season, especially with Christmas shopping and Boxing Day sales. Criminals create fake websites to look like well-known brands. They pretend to sell products at unusually low prices and may write fake reviews to make the website look legitimate.
Criminals are calling people and pretending to be from a trusted organisation like a bank, IT company or phone company. They will say your bank accounts or computers aren’t secure and your money isn’t safe. They will ask for your PIN and tell you to leave your bank card in your letterbox so it can be cancelled and replaced.
Find out more about how to stay safe online
The OAIC investigates privacy breaches and handles data breach reports. They provide guidance and advice for consumers and business on how to protect personal information.
Subscribe to Scamwatch scam alert emails
Stay up-to-date with current scams by subscribing to our Scamwatch scam alert newsletter.
Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra