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Warning: We've had reports of scammers using ACCC phone numbers to contact members of the public. They do this to steal personal information. The ACCC does not make calls from our reception numbers. If you receive a call claiming to be from the ACCC asking for personal information, do not provide this information and hang up. This issue is being investigated.

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Scams awareness week. Stop scams. Speak up.

Scams Awareness Week 2021

…Laura received a text message about having a missed call and clicked through a series of links to try and access the message. Nothing immediately apparent occurred but she later began receiving replies from unknown numbers via her 101 Telstra message service. Some of the voice messages said … checked her Telstra account and saw that there were over 5000 text messages from her number at one specific time. Laura immediately called Telstra technical staff and they advised her that she’d downloaded the flubot malware from clicking the links in the original message. They helped Laura reset her phone which … Joanna received a call from a scammer claiming to be police who told her she had sent a parcel to China that had been intercepted and illegal bank cards had been found in the parcel. The scammer told Joanna she had committed financial fraud and needed to send personal information, including…
8 Nov 2021
Scamwatch COVID-19 thumbnail

COVID-19 (coronavirus) scams

… such as falsely selling coronavirus-related products online, and using fake emails or text messages to try … about the coronavirus, being sent by text, social media and email products claiming to be a vaccine or cure for the coronavirus investment scams claiming coronavirus has created opportunities. … or click on links in emails, text messages or social media messages you’ve received from strangers — just press delete. Never respond to unsolicited messages and calls that ask for personal or financial details…
18 Mar 2020
A man on a phone call is looking worried with his hand on his forehead

Losses reported to Scamwatch exceed $211 million, phone scams exploding

… or a benefit, or claim that you are in trouble.” “Do not click on any links in messages that come to you out … reports that Scamwatch received so far this year, 113,000 were about phone scams. Scammers call or text people and claim to be from well-known businesses or government to steal people’s personal information…
27 Sep 2021
Text or SMS scams

Scam alert: Social media scams

…Text or SMS scams You are contacted on social media or messaged by someone you don’t already know. The scammer pretends to be a friend or romantic interest, a financial advisor, or a business offering an employment opportunity. They learn a lot about you from what you share on social media and deceive you … News 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. … Australians have lost more money to social media scams than any other contact method so far in 2024, according to Scamwatch reports. Over 6,000 people reported losing $58.3 million to social media scams in the first 10 months of 2024. Scammers use fake or hijacked profiles on social media, messaging platforms…
9 Dec 2024
Woman's hands texting

ACCC warning of suspicious messages as “Hi Mum” scams spike

… is urging the public to be wary of phone messages from a family member or friend claiming they need help … of messages from unknown numbers claiming to be from their children, parents, relatives or friends,” ACCC … ACCC warning of suspicious messages as “Hi Mum” scams spike…
23 Aug 2022
Image of hand holding phone amidst cyber graphical treatment

National Anti-Scam Centre warns of spike in scams threatening Chinese students

…You receive a call, message, or email out of the blue from someone claiming to be from a phone company, bank, government department, or trusted company. The caller claims that someone is using your identity or alleges you have carried out or are involved in a serious criminal matter. You are told you … documentation. Many of the victims were monitored 24 hours a day using messaging platforms and device video…
21 Sep 2023

Beware of fake vouchers that end up costing you more

… reports from consumers about receiving emails, text messages and coming across social media posts possibly … You receive an email or text message out of the blue, or come across a social media post, claiming that you will receive, or have the chance to win, a voucher from a well-known retailer. The email, text message or social media post appears legitimate and may use official logos and trademarks (or their look … – If you receive an email or text message out of the blue, or come across a social media post, claiming that you can receive a free or heavily discounted voucher, contact the retailer directly to verify the legitimacy of the offer. Don’t rely on numbers, email addresses or websites provided – find them…
16 Jan 2015

'Hitman' scam resurfaces

…The scammers will typically request a sum of money and may also ask you for your personal details. If you receive this scam SMS, do not respond – these text messages are often sent at random, so scammers won’t know if they have reached a live mobile number until the recipient responds. Ignore any … News SCAMwatch is warning Australians to beware of SMS death threats from scammers claiming to be … of SMS death threats from scammers claiming to be 'hitmen' hired to kill the SMS recipient unless…
24 Jul 2012
Image showing two phones and a loveheart, with the text 'You meet a scammer on a dating app'.

Scam alert: Online dating and investment scams

…The scammer contacts you through a dating app, website or social media. After a few messages, the scammer asks you to start messaging on Google Hangouts, WeChat, Line or WhatsApp. They call or text you a lot, saying they love you or feel very close to you. This is sometimes called ‘love bombing … about online dating and investment scams. Text includes description of how the scam works, copied under … Someone you don't know contacts you through a dating app, website or social media. They show interest in developing a relationship with you, and follow this up with frequent messages expressing strong feelings for you. When you've built trust with them, they tell you about an investment scheme or platform…
12 Feb 2024

How criminals steal your identity information to steal your money

… personal or banking information are: phishing emails and text messages which impersonate banks or utility…
23 Jul 2019

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