Background
The National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC) is warning Australians that scammers have been impersonating phone numbers belonging to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) in an attempt to steal personal information.
The ACCC and the NASC (which operates under the ACCC) are aware of scammers using publicly available ACCC phone numbers, which are listed on the agency’s official website.
Here are 2 reported cases:
- Scammers claimed to be representatives of the ACCC and requested sensitive information over the phone.
- Scammers misused the ACCC acronym to impersonate an unrelated organisation. They spoke in a language other than English.
The ACCC phone numbers have been spoofed, which means that the scammers have disguised their phone number to make it look like they are calling from a trusted organisation, in this case, the ACCC. They then ask for personal information.
How to spot the scam
The scammers call you claiming to be from the ACCC and ask you for personal information like passwords or bank details.
They will make it sound urgent and ask you act immediately.
What you should know
The ACCC and NASC will never:
- make calls from its reception numbers
- charge money for its services
- cold call or email to ask for your personal information like passwords, bank details or answers to security questions
- threaten or pressure you to stay on the line.
Stay protected
- Stop - Don’t give money or personal information to anyone if you’re unsure. Scammers will create a sense of urgency. Don’t rush to act. Say ‘no’, hang up, delete. Do not click on any links or download attachments from messages unless you are sure it is from someone you can trust.
- Check - Ask yourself could the call or text be fake? Scammers pretend to be from organisations you know and trust. Contact the organisation using information you source independently, so that you can verify if the call is real or not.
- Protect - Act quickly if something feels wrong. If you have had money or personal information stolen contact your bank immediately. Help others by reporting scams to Scamwatch.
If you’ve been affected
Don't be embarrassed about being scammed.
If you’ve had money or personal information stolen contact your bank or card provider immediately.
If you’ve been scammed or have provided personal information call IDCARE on 1800 595 160.
Help others by reporting scams to Scamwatch.
