News and alerts

…Bushfires and scams … News Scamwatch is warning all Australians to be on the lookout for bushfire fundraising scams and … impacted by the bushfires. Scamwatch is warning all Australians to be on the lookout for fundraising scams…

…Bushfires and scams … the bushfires. Unfortunately, some of these are scams. There are currently a wide range of appeals raising funds for people and animals affected by the bushfires. Unfortunately, some of these are scams … ACCC has also set up a dedicated phone number for the public to report bushfire related scams. People…

…Australian businesses hit hard by email scams … News Australian businesses reported more than 5800 scams with losses exceeding $7.2 million in 2018, a 53 per cent increase compared to 2017, according to the ACCC’s Targeting scams report. Australian businesses reported more than 5800 scams with losses exceeding $7.2 million in 2018, a 53 per cent increase…

…Warning about fake charity scams … has received 689 reports of fake charities scams with more than $320,000 in reported losses. This … important people are aware of these scams and take precautions to ensure their money is going to a genuine…

…Scam alert: Scammers are targeting Australians in hardship … How to spot the scam … This scam can be hard to spot because criminals can set up fake social media accounts that look genuine. The scammers will ask for your identity information and myGov login details. Investment scam victim…

…Businesses lost an average of $10,000 to scams in 2016 … News Nearly 6000 businesses reported being targeted by scams in 2016 according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s Targeting Scams report, with losses totalling around $3.8 million, an increase of almost 31 per cent. Nearly 6000 businesses reported being targeted by scams in 2016 according … – these scams trick a victim into downloading a virus that infects computer systems and prevents user access until payment is made to unlock it. In 2016, reports indicate that there was an increase in ransomware emails to businesses, purportedly from legitimate companies such as Australia Post or a utility…

…National Anti-Scam Centre … News In May 2023, the government funded the ACCC to set up a new National Anti-Scam Centre. The centre will bring together experts from government and the private sector to tackle harmful scams. In May 2023, the government funded the ACCC to set up a new National Anti-Scam Centre over 3 years. Its…

…Scams Awareness Week 2022 … News Scams Awareness Week 2022 takes place 7-11 November. This Scams Awareness Week we’re encouraging you to learn ways to identify scams and take the time to check whether an offer or contact is genuine before you act on it. Scams awareness week 2022 banner Banner saying 'How to spot a scam. Scams … The Scamwatch and ACCC websites contain a range of tools and resources about scams. Scamwatch report form : If you’ve come across a scam you can report it here. Scamwatch reporting statistics : Provides up-to-date statistics on scams reported by Australians. Targeting Scams Reports : Our yearly…

…Optus data breach scams … News Scamwatch is urgently warning Australians to be on the lookout for increased scam activity following the recent Optus data breach and to take steps to protect themselves.…

…Don’t be fooled by scams this festive season … the festive season to slip under your radar. Some scams to watch out for include online shopping scams, fake delivery scams and charity scams. … How these scams work…