How To Protect Yourself From Scams

If you’re reading this, chances are you, or someone you know has been the target of a scammer. Unfortunately, you’re not alone. Scams are getting more and more sophisticated which means anyone can be a victim.

If you have been scammed, it’s important you act quickly.

If you’ve given banking information or had money stolen by a scammer, contact your bank or card provider first. Contact IDCARE, 1800 595 160, www.idcare.org. Scams succeed because they look like the real thing. Scammers rely on you not spotting warning signs because you’re in a hurry, something looks like a great deal you don’t want to miss, or because it seems like it’s from someone you trust.

Defend against scams by following these 3 steps:

Stop - Don’t give money or personal information to anyone if unsure.

Check  - Ask yourself could the message  or call be fake?

Report - Act quickly if something feels wrong.

Simple steps to spot and avoid scams:

1. Opportunities to make or save money: Scammers will deceive you into believing you’re getting an incredible deal or offer. They will put pressure on you to act quickly so you don’t miss out. Remember, deals that seem too good to be true, usually are.

2. Sad stories and cries for help: Scammers will try and use your good nature against you. They will share stories of heartbreak and tragedy with you and explain why they need your help and your money.

3. Links and attachments: Scammers use links to send you to scam websites designed to steal your information and money. Scammers may also ask you to open attachments. These can install viruses that steal your information. 

4. Pressure to act quickly: Scammers don’t want you to take your time and think things through. They want to pressure you into acting quickly. This can include making threats that something bad will happen if you don’t act fast.

5. Requests that you pay in unusual or specific ways: Scammers often ask you to pay using uncommon methods like preloaded debit cards, iTunes cards, or virtual currency like Bitcoin. Once this money is spent, you can’t get it back.

6. Request to set up new accounts or PayIDs: Scammers may ask you to set up a new bank account or PayID in order to pay them (or be paid by them). They may pretend to be your bank and tell you to transfer your money into new accounts to keep it safe.

Help others by reporting scams to Scamwatch. Report your scam experience to Scamwatch via the report form on the Scamwatch website www.scamwatch.gov.au