These days, scams can come in many forms, and they can be really difficult to spot. Especially in this digital age, we want to help you to stay safe and protected. Whether it’s online, through email, or a text message, being aware and cautious is key. Here are some tips to help you avoid falling victim to scams. 

1. Be Wary of Unsolicited Contact 

• Phone Calls: If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from a bank, government agency, or other organisation, and they ask for personal information, be cautious. Legitimate organisations rarely ask for sensitive details over the phone. 

• Emails and Texts: Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown senders, and be cautious even if the sender is a business you deal with. Scammers often use convincing language and logos to trick you. 

• Door-to-Door: Be cautious of salespeople who come to your door offering deals that seem too good to be true. Always ask for identification and do your research before making any decisions. 

2. Protect Your Personal Information 

• Never share your bank details, passwords, or Medicare number with anyone you don’t trust. 

• Be careful about what you share on social media. Scammers can use this information to target you. 

• Shred any documents containing personal information before throwing them away. 

3. Recognise Common Scam Tactics 

• Urgency: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, claiming you need to act immediately. Don’t be pressured. 

• Threats: Be wary of threats, such as claims that your account will be frozen or you’ll be arrested if you don’t pay. 

• “Too Good to Be True” Offers: If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be sceptical of promises of large sums of money or free prizes. 

• Romance Scams: Be careful of online relationships that develop quickly and involve requests for money. 

4. Verify Information 

• If you’re unsure about a phone call, email, or text, hang up and call the organisation directly using a known and trusted phone number. 

• Use a search engine to check the legitimacy of websites and organisations. 

• Talk to a trusted family member or friend about any suspicious contact. 

5. Stay Informed 

• Keep up-to-date with the latest scam warnings and alerts from organisations like the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) through their Scamwatch website. 

• Attend community workshops or seminars on scam prevention. 

• Discuss these tips with your family. 

If you think you’ve been scammed: 

• Report it to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au. 

• Contact your bank or financial institution immediately. 

• Report it to the police if necessary. 

Knowledge is power! By staying informed and vigilant, and checking in with someone you trust, you can protect yourself from scams.