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Scams
Sadly scams are becoming more and more common in our everyday lives.
Criminals take advantage of new technology, new products or services and major events. They use them to create believable stories that convince you to give them your money, financial or personal details.
Always stop and check before you act. Scammers rely on you not spotting these warning signs because you're in a hurry, you don't want to miss something that looks like a great deal, or because it seems like it's from someone you trust.
How can scammers contact me?
There are many ways a scammer may make contact:
- Text or SMS
- Phone
- Social media
- In person
Types of scams
- Online dating and romance scams
- Investment scams
- Product and service scams
- Threats and extortions scams
- Employment scams
- Unexpected money scams
Warning signs
Although there are many different kinds of scams there are common warning signs to look out for:
- Someone you haven’t met need your help or money
- The offer sounds too good to be true
- The message contains links or attachments
- You are pressured to act quickly
- You are asked to pay in a specific or unusual way (such as via a gift card)
- They ask you to set up new accounts or PayIDs
Some scams involve scammers impersonating a police officer.
Remember that police will never ask you for payments over the phone or via email.
What to do if you think you have been scammed
If you think you have been scammed contact your bank or card provider immediately to report the scam. Ask them to stop any transactions.
If you have been scammed, report it using the ReportCyber portal or seek advice by visiting your local police station.
You can also report the scam to Scamwatch so they can make others aware.
More information
Educate yourself and know what the latest scams are by visiting Scamwatch.
Virtual Kidnapping scams
Virtual kidnapping is a new and emerging scam, often targeting international students.
Scammers will contact the victim and typically impersonate a person in authority from their home country such as a police officer or government agency representative.
Scammers will advise the victim they have been identified as being involved in a crime and the call will be transferred to ‘police’, who are also part of the scam.
Scammers will eventually demand money be paid via online banking transfer, with threats accompanying the demands.
Scammers will provide advice to the victim on how to obtain funds, which usually involves having the victim stage their own (fake) kidnapping.
For more information on how to spot this kind of scam read the Virtual Kidnapping Scams fact sheet.