Scams awareness and advice

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Scam awareness

Scams are devastating, sometimes life-destroying, financial crimes. With cybercrime on the rise in Australia and scams becoming harder to spot, learn more about how to stay safe and take action by for stronger scam protections.

Latest news

AI-driven romance scams likely leading to higher losses

Australians lost $23 million to romance scams in 2024, and new technologies are making it even harder to spot a scammer.
The new PayPal scam to watch out for

Scam messages are appearing on the popular platform. Here's how to stay safe.
Government's Scams Prevention Framework calls for fines of up to $50 million

Proposed anti-scam laws to hold banks, tech platforms and telcos accountable.
Older Aussies losing more than ever to scammers

Total scam losses are down, but we still lost $2.74 billion last year and some groups are being disproportionately impacted.
How impersonation scammers are using QR codes to steal your information

Scan or scam? Criminals are hijacking QR technology to mount phishing attacks known as 'quishing'.
Social media scam losses go from bad to worse

Criminals lurking on popular platforms took $95 million last year, up 249% since 2020.
Heartless romance scammers exploiting people with disability

Those looking for love and living with disability are being hit hard by scams. �Ӱ��̳investigates, with tips for staying safe.
Shonky business practices on the rise

A new government survey shows a significant drop in businesses' knowledge of consumer law obligations.
Consumer groups issue blueprint to force Meta and Google to do more on scams

�Ӱ��̳joins global statement, as own data shows 9 out of 10 Australians think tech giants must do more to protect consumers.
New anti-scams code targets banks, telcos and digital platforms

The government has begun consulting on an industry-wide approach to stopping the onslaught of scams.
Banks announce new anti-scam initiatives

The long overdue measures are a good first step, but there’s more to do to protect Australians from scams.
You're more likely to be scammed when you're stressed

Research shows that staying calm, cool and collected may be your best defense.
Your bank helped pay the scammers. Should it be held liable?

A couple in their 80s lost their savings in a known investment scam, yet the bank facilitated the transaction without checking.
Loyalty program customers warned over latest impersonation scam

How to avoid the new scam targeting people holding loyalty points with major companies including Qantas, Coles and Telstra.

Take action

Scams are becoming more sophisticated and harder to spot. Right now, consumers are overwhelmingly bearing the costs of this organised financial crime, while businesses like banks, digital platforms and telcos, who have resources to protect people from scams, simply aren’t doing enough.

Will you sign the petition to show the government you support strong anti-scam protections?

How to spot and avoid scams

Booker beware: Travel scams to avoid

Planning a holiday? Watch out for these scams on Booking.com, Airbnb and social media.
Complaining on social media? Watch out for these scam accounts

Aggrieved travellers are a major target in a scam that's got social media platforms worried.
6 ways to spot a scam shopping site

Think an online store might be fake? Here's how to identify and report a scam website.
PayID scams: How criminals are exploiting this 'safe' payment system

PayID is meant to protect you from scammers. Here’s how they’re using it to make money.
How to check if a text or email is a scam

Received a message that looks a bit suspicious? Here's how to verify if it's authentic or the work of a scammer.
How to avoid and report impersonation scams

Scams Awareness Week is here and this year we're giving you advice on how to spot and report impersonation scams.
5 tax scams to watch out for this year

The most common scams targeting you at tax time and how to avoid them.
Bank impersonation fraud: What you need to know to avoid being scammed

How this new form of phishing works, and what to look out for to keep your savings safe.
How to keep your super safe from scammers

Super scams are on the rise. Here's what you need to know.
How to avoid getting caught up in the pet scam boom

Pet scams have exploded in the wake of COVID-19. Here's what to look out for and what to do if you've been ripped off.
10 online scams you need to know about

And the tips and tricks to help you avoid them.
Avoid online scams: phishing

What is phishing, how can you spot it and what can you do?

Don't get ripped off. Our expert tips can help you spot and avoid the latest scams.

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Helpful contacts and tools

Five steps to take if you've been scammed

Think you might've fallen foul of a scam? Find out how to report and limit your losses.
How to make a consumer complaint

Follow our checklist for the best chance to be heard.
Ombudsman services

How ombudsman services operate and how the complaint process works.
Consumer help phone directory

Need to escalate your issue? Here are the regulators and ombudsmen to contact.

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Scam awareness

Latest news

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How to spot and avoid scams

Helpful contacts and tools

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