Scam Guide
There are many different types of scams. Here you can learn about how some commons scams work, what to look out for, as well as our tips on how you can stay safe.
Safe Account Scams
Someone calls saying they’re from a trusted organisation, like a bank, building society, or the police.
They explain your money is at risk – that a security breach has affected your account.
They reassure you that your money will be protected if you move it now to a ‘safe account’ they’ve set up for you.
It’s you who moves that money, not them. And it’s money you’ve lost for good.
Protect yourself: Never act on a call out of the blue and transfer money at the request of a caller. A genuine organisation would never ask you to do this.
Refund Scams
Someone calls saying they’re from a broadband, telecoms or other technology provider. You may even hold an account with them. They say there’s an issue with your computer and can fix it if you give them remote access (access your computer from their location). They’ll tell you there’s compensation for the inconvenience, and will ask you to log in to your internet bank.
At this point, they claim to have made a mistake and paid you too much. What they actually do is transfer money from your savings account to your current account. It looks like a refund has credited your current account. You won’t know this, though, and they’ll ask you to transfer the over payment of the ‘refund’ back to them.
Next thing you know, you’re using your security details to send your money to them. And just like that, a large sum of your money is gone.
Protect yourself: Don’t get rushed into allowing remote access. Be sure who you are dealing with. Never log in to your internet bank account while someone has remote access to your device.
Investment Scams
You find a real bargain online, like a car, mobile, or concert tickets. The seller wants you to use a different, less secure payment method, than the one the website advises. It’s a method that won’t protect you if things go wrong.
You’ve been emailing the seller all along, so you believe everything should be fine. But as soon as you’ve moved the money from your account, the emails from the seller stop. And that bargain you set your heart on never turns up.
Protect yourself: Always use a reputable website or app to buy goods. For more expensive purchases, make sure you see what you’re buying before parting with any money.
Email Hack Scams
You have a genuine relationship with a person or company like a builder or a solicitor.
You get an email from them saying that you need to make a payment. It may tell you that their bank details have changed. You’re expecting to pay them, so you think nothing of it and make the payment.
You later discover that the request was fraudulent. Often, this is because someone has hacked the person’s or company’s email address or database.
Protect yourself: Fake invoices sent over email can be very convincing. If you receive a request for payment, always get in touch using the original contact details you have. Make sure it’s a genuine request before transferring any money.
Rogue Trader Scams
Someone who looks like a tradesperson comes to your home and tells you urgent work needs to be done (like to your roof or driveway). This work may not even be necessary.
Typical scam outcomes are they:
- Overcharge you for their work.
- Convince you to make full payment for partially completed work or materials.
You pay them and never see them, or your money, again.
Protect yourself: Don’t feel rushed to get work done by someone knocking on your door. Take your time, do your research, and get several quotes before making any decision.
Advance Fee Scams
Someone will contact you about a loan you’ve been interested in, goods, or a lottery win. They’ll ask you to pay an upfront fee before releasing the item to you.
You make the payment but never get what they promised.
Protect yourself: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always do some research into whether any offer you’ve got is genuine.
Romance Scams
You meet someone new online. But can you be sure they are genuine? Scammers posing as love interests may spend time gaining your trust before asking for a loan.
Maybe they’re in another country and say they need financial help to care for someone close to them, cover medical expenses, or travel to visit you. The scammer will then take your money and you may never hear from them again - or they could even continue asking for money.
Protect yourself: Never send money to or receive money from someone you’ve only ever met online. Don't share your personal information with them.
Medicare Scams
Falling for one of these scams may mean paying for services you do not receive, missing the Medicare enrollment period because you enrolled in a fake plan, or giving away information that enables a criminal to steal your identity.
Some Medicare scam warning signs include unsolicited phone calls/emails/mail, aggressive or threatening tactics and identity verification.
Protect yourself: Enrol directly with Medicare by researching plans on the Medicare website or preferred insurer's website.
Learn More
Use the following resources for more information on scams, how to avoid scams, what to do if you are scammed, and reporting scams.