Worried about scams? Discover how to report and protect yourself from them!
It's no secret that in our busy, tech-driven world, scammers are continuously on the lookout for ways to exploit and deceive people.
Scams are becoming more sophisticated, and they attempt to deceive Australians using emails, text messages, or even phone calls. And with a staggering $3.1 billion lost to scammers in 2022 (up 80% from the year before), we thought it was high time to provide you with essential information to protect yourself and your loved ones from these scammers.
Fear not, dear readers! We're here to help you figure out what to do if you ever find yourself face-to-face with a potential scam and to guide you through reporting a scam in Australia.
Additionally, if you're a Telstra customer, the company has launched a service that allows customers to report scam text messages they receive directly to them. Just forward the dodgy text to 7226 (SCAM), and while they won't reply, your report will aid Telstra in blocking future scam texts from reaching you and others.
Reporting the scam to the police is crucial, and you can do this through the Australian government's ReportCyber program. This joint initiative involves multiple state and federal bodies, including the AFP and state and territory police forces. Visit the ReportCyber website to file a scam report which takes about ten minutes.
For urgent assistance, the Australian Cyber Security Hotline can be reached at 1300 292 371. And do contact your bank or financial institution right away, as they might be able to block further losses.
Finally, stop communicating with the scammer and note down any scam-related details that could provide valuable information for the authorities.
Empower yourself with knowledge! In the digital age, staying informed about scams and understanding how to respond is crucial for your safety and that of your loved ones. By being aware of common scam tactics and knowing how to protect your personal information, you can confidently navigate the online world.
So, what steps have you taken to stay informed and safeguard against scams? Share your strategies with us, and let's ensure a secure digital experience for all!
Scams are becoming more sophisticated, and they attempt to deceive Australians using emails, text messages, or even phone calls. And with a staggering $3.1 billion lost to scammers in 2022 (up 80% from the year before), we thought it was high time to provide you with essential information to protect yourself and your loved ones from these scammers.
Fear not, dear readers! We're here to help you figure out what to do if you ever find yourself face-to-face with a potential scam and to guide you through reporting a scam in Australia.
How To Report Scams In Australia
If you spot a scam brewing online or in your inbox, you should make your way straight to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) Scamwatch website. The information provided to the ACCC helps them keep an eye on ongoing scam trends.Additionally, if you're a Telstra customer, the company has launched a service that allows customers to report scam text messages they receive directly to them. Just forward the dodgy text to 7226 (SCAM), and while they won't reply, your report will aid Telstra in blocking future scam texts from reaching you and others.
Help! I've Been Scammed – What Now?
Firstly, don't blame yourself. Remember that these scams can fool even the most eagle-eyed among us. Your first step should be to report the scam on Scamwatch. However, keep in mind that they can't help you to recover any lost money or nab the scammer.Reporting the scam to the police is crucial, and you can do this through the Australian government's ReportCyber program. This joint initiative involves multiple state and federal bodies, including the AFP and state and territory police forces. Visit the ReportCyber website to file a scam report which takes about ten minutes.
For urgent assistance, the Australian Cyber Security Hotline can be reached at 1300 292 371. And do contact your bank or financial institution right away, as they might be able to block further losses.
Finally, stop communicating with the scammer and note down any scam-related details that could provide valuable information for the authorities.
Spotting Scams Like A Pro
Scammers are continuously adopting new tactics to deceive unsuspecting Aussies, but fear not – we've compiled some general guidelines to build up your scam-spotting skills!- Never click on suspicious links, open strange attachments, or share personal information with strangers you may suspect to be scammers.
- Keep yourself updated on popular types of scam, such as phishing, dating, and investment frauds.
- Go directly to trusted individuals or institutions if you suspect someone might be impersonating them. Reach out to them via the phone numbers or email addresses you've used in the past.
- Learn what information official sources will request from you online or over the phone. Be cautious if they ask for details they've never asked for before.
Key Takeaways
- Australians lost $3.1 billion to scams in 2022, an increase of 80% from the year before.
- Scams can be reported to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's Scamwatch website, or for Telstra customers, by forwarding scam text messages to 7226 (SCAM).
- If you've fallen victim to a scam, report it to the police via the ReportCyber website and contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
- To spot a scam, never click on suspicious links, provide personal information to unknown sources, and always double-check with official sources if you are unsure.
Empower yourself with knowledge! In the digital age, staying informed about scams and understanding how to respond is crucial for your safety and that of your loved ones. By being aware of common scam tactics and knowing how to protect your personal information, you can confidently navigate the online world.
So, what steps have you taken to stay informed and safeguard against scams? Share your strategies with us, and let's ensure a secure digital experience for all!