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…

…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…

…Betting software scams: don’t be taken for a ride … News SCAMwatch is warning punters to be on the lookout for betting software scams during the Spring … race that stops the nation. While placing a bet can be fun, be very careful of scams involving computerised gambling systems, also known as betting scams. These software systems promise to accurately…

…Scams cost Australians over $630 million … News Australians lost over $634 million to scams in 2019, according to the latest figures in the ACCC’s Targeting Scams report released today. Australians lost over $634 million to scams in 2019, according to the latest figures in the ACCC’s Targeting Scams report released today. There were more than … The 2019 Targeting Scams report includes data from Scamwatch, ACORN (ceased operating 30 Jun 2019), ReportCyber (commenced 1 Jul 2019), ACMA, ATO, Services Australia, WA Scamnet, Commonwealth Bank, NAB, Westpac and ANZ.…

…"Your computer is infected" fake anti-virus pop-up alert scams … Explore SCAMwatch to find out more about scams that commonly target Australians.…

…News Punters are being warned to watch out for betting and sports investment scams which falsely … investment scams which falsely promise high odds and big returns on Cup Day. Already this year Scamwatch has received 184 reports of betting and sports investment scams, with nearly $1.6 million lost and men…