Ways scammers reach you
Scam messages look like they are from the government, businesses you deal with or even your own family or friends to try to catch you out.
Scam calls are more than annoying – they cost Australians $141 million in losses last year.
Scam emails look like the real thing, but watch out for links and attachments designed to steal your money or information.
Be suspicious of anyone who unexpectedly contacts you on social media. Scammers use these platforms to gain your trust and steal your money.
Scammers can pretend to be anyone online to deceive you into trusting them.
Some scams take place in person.
Types of scams
Phishing scams are attempts by scammers to deceive you into giving out your personal information such as your bank account numbers, passwords and credit card numbers.
Scammers use dating or friendship to earn your trust and steal your money. Never trust that someone you know online is who they say the are.
If you're looking to make money through investing, watch out – scammers have created all sorts of fake opportunities to get you excited and take away your cash.
Once scammers have hacked your computer or mobile device they can access your personal information, change your passwords, and restrict access to your system. They can use this information to commit fraudulent activities, such as identity theft.
Scammers steal from consumers and businesses when buying or selling products and services. Not every transaction is legitimate.
Scammers will use any means possible to steal your identity or your money – including threatening your life or 'hijacking' your computer.
Jobs and employment scams deceive you into handing over your money by offering you a ‘guaranteed’ way to make fast money or a high-paying job for little effort.
Scammers try to convince you that you are owed or entitled to, money, rebates or winnings that you did not expect to receive.
Scammers pretend to be from a business you’ve used and send you an invoice with new payee information so you pay them instead.
Scammers contact victims of previous scams, and pretend they can help recover stolen money.
Scammers impersonate genuine charities and ask for donations or contact you claiming to collect money after natural disasters or major events.