Ways scammers reach you
Scam messages look like they are from the government, businesses you deal with or even your own family or friends to try to catch you out.
Scam calls are more than annoying – they cost Australians $141 million in losses last year.
Scam emails look like the real thing but watch out for links and attachments designed to steal your money or information.
Be suspicious of anyone who contacts you out of the blue on social media – scams losses are on the rise here.
Scammers can pretend to be anyone online to deceive you into trusting them.
Some scams take place in person.
Types of scams
Scammers use dating or friendship to get your money. They go to great lengths to convince you the relationship is real and manipulate you to give them money. Romance scammers will leave you broke and broken-hearted.
If you are looking for a fast way to make money, watch out – scammers have invented all sorts of fake money-making opportunities to prey on your enthusiasm and get hold of your cash.
Scammers prey on consumers and businesses that are buying or selling products and services. Not every transaction is legitimate.
Scammers will use any means possible to steal your identity or your money – including threatening your life or 'hijacking' your computer.
Jobs and employment scams trick you into handing over your money by offering you a ‘guaranteed’ way to make fast money or a high-paying job for little effort.
Don't be lured by a surprise win. These scams try to trick you into giving money upfront or your personal information in order to receive a prize from a lottery or competition that you never entered.
Identity theft is a type of fraud that involves using someone else's identity to steal money or gain other benefits.