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Help to spot and avoid scams | Scamwatch
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class="accc-readspeaker-title-wrapper"> <nav role="navigation" aria-labelledby="system-breadcrumb" class="rs_skip"> <h2 id="system-breadcrumb" class="visually-hidden">Breadcrumb</h2> <ol class="breadcrumb"> <li class="breadcrumb-item"><a href="/">Home</a></li> <li class="breadcrumb-item"><a href="/stop-check-protect">Stop. Check. Protect.</a></li> </ol> </nav> <div class="accc-readspeaker d-print-none"> <div id="readspeaker_button" class="rs_skip rsbtn rs_preserve"> <a rel="nofollow" class="rsbtn_play ext" accesskey="L" title="Listen to this page using ReadSpeaker" href="https://app.readspeaker.com/cgi-bin/rsent?customerid=6498&lang=en_au&readclass=content-wrapper&voice=Karen&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.scamwatch.gov.au%2Fstop-check-protect%2Fhelp-to-spot-and-avoid-scams" role="button"> <span class="rsbtn_left rsimg rspart"><span class="rsbtn_text"><span aria-hidden="true">Listen</span></span></span> <span class="rsbtn_right rsimg rsplay rspart"></span> </a> </div> </div></div> </div> </div> </section> <a id="main-content-skip" tabindex="-1"></a> <section class="row region-hero-landing-pages"> <div class="col-12"> <div class="region region-hero"> <div id="block-scamwatch-themepagetitle" class="block block-page-title-block block-core"> <h1 class="page-title"><span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Help to spot and avoid scams</span> </h1> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <main role="main"> <div class="container content-container"> <div class="content-callout row"> <div class="col-12"> <article lang="und" dir="ltr" class="accc-full-view node__content"> <div class="accc-field__section"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--accc-text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--8608"> <div class="field field--name-field-accc-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden clearfix text-formatted field__item"><p>Scams work because they look like the real thing and scammers contact you when you’re not expecting it, or busy trying to do many things at once.</p> <p>Criminals take advantage of new technology, new products or services and major events. They use them to create believable stories that convince you to give them your money, financial or personal details. </p> <p>Always stop and check before you act. Scammers rely on you not spotting these warning signs because you're in a hurry, you don't want to miss something that looks like a great deal, or because it seems like it's from someone you trust.</p> <p>Here are some common signs that something is a scam and how to stay protected.</p> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div> <div class="row"> <div class="col-12 col-md-9 col-lg-8 order-md-2 narrow-content-col"> <div class="region region-content"> <div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div> <div id="block-scamwatch-thememainpagecontent" class="block block-system-main-block block-system"> <article> <div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--accc-table-of-contents paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--7113"> <div id="sticky-anchor"></div> <div class="toc-js toc-tree" id="toc-js-node-7113" data-list-type="ul" data-container="article" data-prefix="toc" data-selectors="h2"> <h2 class="toc-title h3">On this page</h2> <nav role="navigation" aria-label="On this page"></nav> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--accc-next-steps-call-out paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--8583 warning caret"> <h2> <div class="field field--name-field-accc-card-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">What is a scam?</div> </h2> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--accc-text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--8582"> <div class="field field--name-field-accc-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden clearfix text-formatted field__item"><p>Scams are economic crimes run by criminals who are often very organised and sophisticated.</p> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--accc-role paragraph--type--accc-role-full paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--515709"> <div class="row align-items-stretch"> <div class="col-12"> <div class="accc-role-card accc-role-card--incl h-100"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-accc-role-incl field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <h3 class="field__label">A scam is:</h3> <div class="field__item"> <ul> <li>when someone deceives you into providing personal or financial information so they can steal from you</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="col-12"> <div class="accc-role-card accc-role-card--excl h-100"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-accc-role-excl field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <h3 class="field__label">A scam is NOT:</h3> <div class="field__item"> <ul> <li>someone hacking your computer, device or account to steal from you</li> <li>buying something that turns out to be poor quality</li> <li>paying more than something is worth</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>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<a href="http://accc.gov.au/consumers"> rights under the Australian Consumer Law </a>for these sorts of issues.</p> </div> </div> <span class="caret-element"></span> </div> <div class="paragraph--accc-accordion-container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--accc-accordion paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--8586 accc-accordion"> <div id="accordion-8586" aria-multiselectable="true"> <div class="paragraph--accc-accordion__header"> <div class="row"> <div class="col"> <h2> <div class="field field--name-field-accc-header field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Common signs of a scam</div> </h2> </div> </div> <div class="row"> <div class="col"> <div class="field field--name-field-accc-description field--type-text-long field--label-hidden clearfix text-formatted field__item"><p>It can be very hard to spot a scam, but there are some warning signs to watch for:</p> </div> </div> <div class="col"> <button type="button" class="btn btn-sm btn-secondary accc-accordion--button expand-all" aria-controls="collapse-accordion-8586-1 collapse-accordion-8586-2 collapse-accordion-8586-3 collapse-accordion-8586-4 collapse-accordion-8586-5 collapse-accordion-8586-6" title="Click to open all accordions in this section."> Open all </button> <button type="button" class="btn btn-sm btn-secondary accc-accordion--button collapse-all d-none" aria-controls="collapse-accordion-8586-1 collapse-accordion-8586-2 collapse-accordion-8586-3 collapse-accordion-8586-4 collapse-accordion-8586-5 collapse-accordion-8586-6" title="Click to close all accordions in this section."> Close all </button> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card panel panel-default"> <div class="card-header panel-heading" id="heading-accordion-8586-1"> <div class="panel-title"> <a class="no-description" role="button" data-toggle="collapse" data-parent="#accordion-8586" href="#collapse-accordion-8586-1" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse-accordion-8586-1"> <h3> It's an amazing opportunity to make or save money </h3> </a> </div> </div> <div id="collapse-accordion-8586-1" class="card-block panel-collapse collapse" role="region" aria-labelledby="heading-accordion-8586-1"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--accc-text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--8584"> <div class="field field--name-field-accc-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden clearfix text-formatted field__item"><p>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.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card-header panel-heading" id="heading-accordion-8586-2"> <div class="panel-title"> <a class="no-description" role="button" data-toggle="collapse" data-parent="#accordion-8586" href="#collapse-accordion-8586-2" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse-accordion-8586-2"> <h3> Someone you haven't met needs your help – and money </h3> </a> </div> </div> <div id="collapse-accordion-8586-2" class="card-block panel-collapse collapse" role="region" aria-labelledby="heading-accordion-8586-2"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--accc-text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--8593"> <div class="field field--name-field-accc-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden clearfix text-formatted field__item"><p>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.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card-header panel-heading" id="heading-accordion-8586-3"> <div class="panel-title"> <a class="no-description" role="button" data-toggle="collapse" data-parent="#accordion-8586" href="#collapse-accordion-8586-3" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse-accordion-8586-3"> <h3> The message contains links or attachments </h3> </a> </div> </div> <div id="collapse-accordion-8586-3" class="card-block panel-collapse collapse" role="region" aria-labelledby="heading-accordion-8586-3"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--accc-text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--8595"> <div class="field field--name-field-accc-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden clearfix text-formatted field__item"><p>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.<br /> <br /> Always make sure that the sender is who they say they 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.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card-header panel-heading" id="heading-accordion-8586-4"> <div class="panel-title"> <a class="no-description" role="button" data-toggle="collapse" data-parent="#accordion-8586" href="#collapse-accordion-8586-4" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse-accordion-8586-4"> <h3> You feel pressured to act quickly </h3> </a> </div> </div> <div id="collapse-accordion-8586-4" class="card-block panel-collapse collapse" role="region" aria-labelledby="heading-accordion-8586-4"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--accc-text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--8597"> <div class="field field--name-field-accc-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden clearfix text-formatted field__item"><p>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.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card-header panel-heading" id="heading-accordion-8586-5"> <div class="panel-title"> <a class="no-description" role="button" data-toggle="collapse" data-parent="#accordion-8586" href="#collapse-accordion-8586-5" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse-accordion-8586-5"> <h3> They ask you to pay in an unusual or specific ways </h3> </a> </div> </div> <div id="collapse-accordion-8586-5" class="card-block panel-collapse collapse" role="region" aria-labelledby="heading-accordion-8586-5"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--accc-text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--8599"> <div class="field field--name-field-accc-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden clearfix text-formatted field__item"><p>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.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card-header panel-heading" id="heading-accordion-8586-6"> <div class="panel-title"> <a class="no-description" role="button" data-toggle="collapse" data-parent="#accordion-8586" href="#collapse-accordion-8586-6" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse-accordion-8586-6"> <h3> They ask you to set up new accounts or PayIDs </h3> </a> </div> </div> <div id="collapse-accordion-8586-6" class="card-block panel-collapse collapse" role="region" aria-labelledby="heading-accordion-8586-6"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--accc-text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--8601"> <div class="field field--name-field-accc-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden clearfix text-formatted field__item"><p>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.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--accc-text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--8590"> <div class="field field--name-field-accc-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden clearfix text-formatted field__item"><div class="accc-content-call-out primary"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-12 col-sm-2"> <div class="align-center media media--type-accc-image media--view-mode-accc-full-size"> <img src="/sites/www.scamwatch.gov.au/files/check.png" width="400" height="400" alt="alt=""" loading="lazy" class="img-fluid"> </div> </div> <div class="col"> <h3>Watch out for follow-up scams</h3> <p>If scammers have been successful, they will try to get more money. Unfortunately, 1 in 3 victims of a scam have been scammed more than once. If scammers have stolen your money, financial or personal information, watch out for new scams - especially if someone contacts you to 'help you get your money back'.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--accc-content-contrast-background paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--8592 paragraph--type--accc-content-contrast-background--default"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--accc-text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--8591"> <div class="field field--name-field-accc-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden clearfix text-formatted field__item"><ol class="accc-cards__list accc-cards__list--step_based accc-cards__list--numbered"> <li> <a class="accc-cards__list__content" href="/protect-yourself/ways-to-spot-and-avoid-scams"> <h3><strong>STOP</strong></h3> <p>Don’t give money or personal information to anyone if unsure.</p> </a> </li> <li> <a class="accc-cards__list__content" href="/types-of-scams"> <h3><strong>CHECK</strong></h3> <p>Ask yourself - could the message or call be fake?</p> </a> </li> <li> <a class="accc-cards__list__content" href="/protect-yourself/what-to-do-if-youve-been-scammed"> <h3><strong>PROTECT</strong></h3> <p>Act quickly - contact the bank if a scammer gets your money and report scams to Scamwatch.</p> </a> </li> </ol></div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </main> </div> <div class="region-bottom-wrapper d-print-none"> <div class="container"> <div class="region region-bottom"> <div id="block-scamwatch-page-feedback" class="block block-accc-page-feedback-form"> <h2>Is this page useful?</h2> <div class="accc-page-feedback js-accc-page-feedback" data-block-id="scamwatch_page_feedback"> <div class="btn-group btn-group-toggle d-flex form-radios accc-page-feedback__buttons" role="group" aria-label="feedback" data-toggle="buttons"> <label class="custom-control-label btn font-weight-bold" for="page-feedback-yes"> <input 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