This year, the National Anti-Scam Centre are focusing on raising awareness about scams and educating the Australian public on how to protect themselves. The theme for this year’s Scam Awareness Week is Stop. Check. Protect, encouraging individuals to be vigilant and cautious.
The National Anti-Scam Centre works with the Australian Government, and industry leaders to find new ways to stop scammers from stealing money and personal information from Australians. Through sites such as ScamWatch, the National Anti-Scam Centre can share up-to date information on scams and ways people can protect themselves from scams.
Scams are getting harder to spot, with scammers relying on their targets to not spot the warning signs.
Scamwatch have curated a list of common signs of a scam, sometimes they will use a combination of the below tactics;
- Opportunities to make or save money
- Sad stories and cries for help
- Links and attachments
- Pressure to act quickly
- Requests that you pay in unusual or specific ways
- Request to set up new accounts or PayIDs
View Scamwatch for more details on this list.
Types of Scams
Scammers are continuing to take advantage of new technologies, products, services, and major events to further their scams. With the ongoing reporting scams, a thorough list of the most common types of scams include;
| Text or SMS | Website |
| Phone Calls | In-Person |
| Emails | Online Dating & Romance |
| Social Media | Investment |
| Product & Services | Threats & Extortion |
| Jobs & Employment | Unexpected Money |
| Impersonation |
A further explanation of these scams and what to look out for can be found on Scamwatch’s website – here.
Reporting a Scam
When you report a scam, it helps to warn the community of new or emerging scams and provides more people with the tools and information to protect themselves by knowing what to look out for.
To report a scam, use the report form on Scamwatch’s website. Reports can be made anonymously or on behalf of another person.
It’s important to remember that if a scammer has stolen your money, to contact your bank or card provider immediately.
