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Common scam tactics.

Phishing: Scammers send fraudulent emails or messages, pretending to be real organisations. Their goal? Tricking you into revealing sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers. Keep an eye out for spelling mistakes or strange email addresses—these are often indicators of a scam.

Impersonation: Scammers will pose as government officials, bank representatives, or tech support agents. Their aim? Manipulating victims into sharing confidential details or making payments.

Urgent or threatening language: Be cautious of messages pressuring you to act immediately. Whether it’s the threat of a fine or an unbeatable offer, take a moment to verify before responding.

Current events: Scammers adapt their tactics to the times—like an unexpected refund during tax season or parcel deliveries in December—just because it seems likely doesn’t mean it’s genuine.

Pay in an unusual or specific way: Asking you to pay with pre-loaded gift cards. Once the money is spent you can’t get it back.

Staying informed means staying empowered. Learn more about the tactics scammers use on the cyber.gov website.

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Common types of scams.

• Fake charities: Scammers create false charities or relief funds to exploit people’s generosity during natural disasters or crises. They divert these funds for personal gain rather than for legitimate charitable purposes.
• Investment fraud: Stay alert for fake investment opportunities promising low-risk high-return. Scammers will use aggressive sales tactics or false claims to lure victims into investing money.
• Tech support scams: When an unexpected caller claims to be from a tech support team (such as Microsoft) and warns of computer issues, be suspicious. They offer to fix the problem for a fee, or ask you to download a program. Instead, it could allow them access to your device.
• Invoice fraud: Criminals impersonate or compromise a merchant’s email account, changing payment account details on legitimate invoices. If you are unsure, verify with the merchant before making your payment. More details here.
• Romance scams: Who doesn’t want to be loved? Scammers establish a fake romantic relationship online, gaining someone’s trust before requesting money for various, urgent reasons.
• Lottery or prize scams: You’re a winner, baby! But are you really? Question any notification of a prize that requires you to pay a fee or provide personal information to claim it—it’s likely a scam.
• Overpayment scams: Scammers send counterfeit checks or money orders for more than the agreed-upon amount. They request a refund of the excess funds before the fraud is discovered.
• Job scams: Fake job opportunities may require upfront payments or personal information. Stay alert, and remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Ransomware attacks: Scammers infect computers or networks with malicious software, demanding payment to restore access. Regular backups, keeping system software up-to-date and using anti-virus software measures act as a shield to help keep you safe online.
• PayID scams: A PayID scam involves scammers posing as buyers in online transactions. They contact sellers quickly, avoid asking questions, and insist on using PayID for payment. They may claim there’s a PayID issue and they’ve had to pay a fake fee, which they ask you to reimburse. More details here.

When you learn to recognise these tactics, you are much better equipped to protect yourself and your assets from potential scams.

Want to learn more? Head to the Australian Cyber Security Centre website here, or the Services Australia website here, for information on active scams in Australia.

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