Be careful of links and attachments
Never click on hyperlinks or open attachments in suspicious messages. First check that you can trust the sender.
Avoiding online scams
Key takeaways
- A scam is a lie to trick you into sending money or personal information.
- Common scams include unexpected messages asking for or offering money and prizes.
- If you think you see a scam, ignore the message and report it. Never share your details with people you don’t know or can’t check.
A scam is when someone lies to trick you into sharing money or personal information. Scammers use this to steal from you.
Scammers may contact you through:
- phone calls
- emails
- text messages
- social media messages
Scams may look like:
- an unexpected message from someone you haven’t met
- an unexpected message offering or asking for money or personal information
- a request to pay in an unusual way, such as pre-loaded debit or gift cards, up-front wire transfers or virtual currency like Bitcoin
Scammers can be very convincing. Sometimes they:
- say they’re from legitimate organisations such as the government, banks, or energy or telecommunications companies
- offer prizes, gifts or money plans that sound good
- say they’re struggling and need help
- message you a few times before asking for money or information
How to avoid scams
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Ignore unexpected tech support phone calls
If you have not asked for tech help and someone calls and asks for remote access to your computer, phone or internet – hang up.
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Call the organisation directly
If someone says they are from a real organisation and asks for personal or financial information, check by calling the organisation directly using trusted contact details. -
Think twice before sharing your information
Never send money or personal or financial information with anyone you don’t know or trust.
If you’ve been scammed
- If you’ve sent money or banking information to a scammer, contact your bank straight away.
- If you’ve given your Tax File Number or superannuation information to a scammer, contact the ATO and your superannuation fund immediately.
- If you think you're being scammed, stop sending money. Scammers will keep asking for more money until you stop.
- You can also report scams and get help on the Scam Watch website.
Learn more about scams
The more you know about scams, the easier it is to protect yourself.
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eSafety
Learn about online scams, how to spot a scam and what to do if you have been scammed. -
Be Connected
Complete an online course about how to recognise scams (takes less than 20 minutes). -
Scam Watch
Learn about how to spot and avoid scams.
Learn about scams in your language
Services Australia has translated information on scams and how to protect yourself.
To read about this in your language, please visit: Services Australia - Beware of scams.
To read about this in your language, please visit: Services Australia - Beware of scams.
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