28/08/2025
Time to read
[1 Min]

In 2024, Australians lost听$2.03 billion听to scams.

Scams target people from all walks of life and come in many forms 鈥 like fake emails, unexpected phone calls or online schemes.听

Scammers are always听finding new ways听to gain your trust and steal your money or personal information.

罢丑别蝉别听3 simple steps听can help keep you safe from scammers:

  1. stop听鈥 don't give your money or information to anyone if unsure
  2. check听鈥 make sure the person or organisation you are dealing with is real
  3. protect听鈥 act quickly if something feels wrong.

If you do spot a scam,听.
听


Scams are everywhere, criminals use any opening to trick you into handing over cash or personal info. Best approach: stay alert, say "no" when something feels off, and talk openly with your team about what to watch for. .

Key points
  • Definition: Scams are not hacks, they rely on convincing you to share money or details, often under pressure or distraction.
  • Common scam types:
    • Unexpected money offers (inheritance, rebates)
    • Extortion or fake fines
    • Investment or job scams
    • Product/service scams
    • Romance scams
    • Impersonation (e.g., email/text looking like from a trusted brand)
    • End-of-financial-year and 鈥減rayer/blessing鈥 schemes
  • How scammers reach you:
    • Email (phishing)
    • SMS (smishing)
    • Calls (vishing)
    • QR codes (quishing)
    • Fake help via remote device access
    • Scam apps with excessive permissions
    • Social media impersonation
    • Bogus websites with fake reviews
    • In-person cons using trust or urgency
  • Support channels: If you suspect identity misuse, contact (1800 001 040) for free help within one business day.
Key takeaways听
  • Don鈥檛 let tight timelines or stress cloud your judgement - scammers rely on urgency.
  • Always verify requests - even if they appear to come from authorities or trusted suppliers.
  • Keep your team informed - regularly discuss what scams look like and report suspicious contact immediately.
  • Use official channels to confirm; never click links or call numbers in unsolicited messages.
  • Contact ID Support NSW straight away if you suspect a scam or identity misuse.