Scams succeed because they look like the real thing and catch you off guard when you’re not expecting it.

Scammers take advantage of new technology, new products or services and major events to create believable stories that convince you to give them your money or personal details. 

Always stop, think and check before you act. Scammers rely on you not spotting these warning signs because you're in a hurry, something looks like a great deal you don't want to miss, or because it seems like it's from someone you trust.

On this page

Is it a scam?

Scams are economic crimes run by criminals who are often very organised and sophisticated.

A scam is:

  • when someone deceives you into providing personal or financial information so they can steal from you

A scam is NOT:

  • someone hacking your computer, device or account to steal from you
  • buying something that turns out to be poor quality
  • paying more than something is worth

Not all negative experiences are scams. While it's disappointing if you buy something that's not as described, it doesn't make it a scam. You have rights under the Australian Consumer Law for these sorts of issues.

Common signs of a scam

It can be very hard to spot a scam but there are some red flags to watch out for:

Scammers trick you into believing you’re getting an incredible deal or offer. They pressure you to act quickly so you don’t miss out. Remember, deals that seem too good to be true, usually are.

Scammers try to use your good nature against you. They tell heartbreaking or tragic stories to convince you to help them and give them money. Always be wary of any appeal for money and never give more money than you are willing to lose if you can't independently confirm that the story is true.

Never automatically click a link or attachment you receive via email or text. Scammers try to catch you off guard and send you to scam websites designed to steal your information and money. Always make sure that the sender is who they say are and that you know what you are opening. It's safest to find the information yourself by browsing to the website or app rather than clicking on a link.

Scammers don’t want you to take your time to think things through. They use techniques designed to catch you off guard and rush you, either saying if you don’t you’ll miss out or threatening that something bad will happen.

If a person asks you to pay with preloaded debit cards, iTunes cards, or virtual currency like Bitcoin, chances are it's a scam. Once this money is spent, you can’t get it back.

If someone asks you to set up a new bank account or PayID in order to pay them (or be paid by them), this is a clear sign you should be suspicious. It could be a scam, or money laundering. Your bank will never ask you to open new accounts to keep your money safe. Stop and check who you are dealing with.

Watch out for follow-up scams

If scammers have been successful, they will try to get more money. Unfortunately, one in three victims of a scam have been scammed more than once. If you’ve lost money to a scam, be especially wary of new scams -  including if someone offers to help you get your money back

Steps you can take to protect yourself

  1. STOP – Don’t give money or personal information to anyone if unsure

    Scammers will offer to help you or ask you to verify who you are. They will pretend to be from organisations you know and trust like, Services Australia, police, a bank, government or a fraud service.

  2. THINK – Ask yourself could the message or call be fake?

    Never click a link in a message. Only contact businesses or government using contact information from their official website or through their secure apps. If you’re not sure say no, hang up or delete.

  3. PROTECT – Act quickly if something feels wrong.

    Contact your bank if you notice some unusual activity or if a scammer gets your money or information. Seek help from IDCARE and report to ReportCyber and Scamwatch.