News and alerts

…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…

…Don’t let weight loss scams ruin your resolve this New Year … News SCAMwatch is warning consumers to beware of weight loss scams when looking to fulfil a new year’s resolution. SCAMwatch is warning consumers to beware of weight loss scams when looking to fulfil … pills, patches or creams. Weight loss scams often involve people signing up to a free trial of a weight…

…Computer virus scams now targeting smartphone and tablet users … You can report scams to the ACCC via the report a scam page on SCAMwatch. … Check out previous radars issued on the computer virus scam: October 2012: Computer cold call virus scam – scammers outsmarted! August 2011: Computer remote access scammers now masquerading as Telstra - new twist March 2011: New twist on computer error message/virus scams: joint warning July 2010…

…Scams Awareness Week 2021 … News Scams Awareness Week 2021 takes place 8-12 November. This Scams Awareness Week we’re encouraging everyone to start a conversation about scams. Stop scams. Speak up. Banner saying "The more we talk about scams, the less power they have." Stop scams. Speak up. Scams Awareness Week 2021 takes … Staying silent gives scammers more power. Let’s speak up and stop scams!…

…Missed delivery, call or voicemail (Flubot) scams … News Since August 2021, many Australians have been getting scam text messages about tracking … of these messages, do not click or tap on the link. Since August 2021, many Australians have been getting scam text messages about missed calls, voicemails or deliveries. We’ve received over 16,000 reports of these scams…

…Patrick Swayze and other celebrity scams—be on guard online … . SCAMwatch recently warned about internet scams that lure consumers in by attaching themselves to public figures such as Pink, Jennifer Hawkins and Michael Jackson . These scams show that scammers are ruthless … purchasing products such as tickets online, you need to be on the lookout for potential scams. Err on the…

…Scams target you! Protect your computer... … News Scams target you - Protect your computer is the latest message from the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce. Your computer can be attacked by phishing scams, spam, dodgy 'pop-ups' or malware – and you may not even realise it! Scams target you - Protect your computer is the latest message from the … Use computer protection software, including anti-virus software, to prevent viruses and other malware (malicious software) from exposing you to scams that may result in personal and sensitive information being sent from your computer without your knowledge. Make sure you regularly download and install…

…Payment redirection scams cost Australian businesses $128 million in 2020 … News Payment redirection scams were the most financially damaging scams for Australian businesses in 2020 according to the ACCC’s latest Targeting Scams report. Payment redirection scams were the most financially damaging scams for Australian businesses in 2020 according to the ACCC’s latest Targeting Scams … The ACCC’s annual Targeting Scams Report includes data from Scamwatch, Report Cyber, other government agencies, banks and payment providers.…

…Scammers capitalise on pandemic as Australians lose record $851 million to scams … News Australians lost over $851 million to scams in 2020, a record amount, as scammers took advantage of the pandemic to con unsuspecting people, according to the ACCC’s latest Targeting Scams report released today. Australians lost over $851 million to scams in 2020, a record amount, as scammers took … The 2020 Targeting Scams report includes data from Scamwatch, ReportCyber, other government agencies, and 10 banks and financial intermediaries.  Highest scam losses reported to banks and government…

…Warning on COVID-19 scams … reports of scams about coronavirus, but warns figures are starting to climb. Scamwatch has received multiple reports of phishing scams sent via email or text message that claim to be providing official … Delia Rickard said. Other scams include people receiving misinformation about cures for coronavirus…