Scams are everywhere today, from fake prize messages to official-looking emails asking you to pay a fine with gift cards. In fact, Aussies reported over 600,000 scams last year alone, leaving thousands of people impacted by fraud. But the good news? With the right knowledge, you can spot a scam, avoid falling for it, and know exactly how to respond if you ever get caught in one.
Key Signs of a Scam
Learning to identify common scam tactics can keep you protected from cybercriminals and help you confidently recognize when you’re being targeted. Here are the top warning signs:
- Random Requests for Personal Information
Scammers often approach without warning, asking you to share sensitive data, like bank details or tax file numbers. Legitimate companies, especially financial institutions, won’t request these details via SMS or email.
- Suspicious Contact Details
Check the sender’s phone number or email address for slight modifications. A simple extra number or letter can be the difference between a scam and the real deal. Always double-check!
- Suspicious Links or Attachments
Scam messages often contain fake links or attachments. On desktop, hover over links to check their legitimacy before clicking. On mobile, avoid clicking links from unknown sources and visit the organisation’s official website directly if you’re unsure.
- High-Pressure Urgency
“Act now to prevent your bank account from being suspended!” Scammers use urgency to push you into quick action. Remember, legitimate companies rarely issue serious warnings with a “respond immediately” demand.
- Unrealistic Offers
Scammers might tempt you with prizes or offers that sound too good to be true. Often, these “wins” appear around major holidays or events to capitalise on high emotions.
- Grammar and Spelling Errors
While some scams are well-crafted, many contain obvious spelling or grammatical mistakes. Legitimate communications from organisations rarely have typos, so keep an eye out for any strange wording.
- Unusual Payment Requests
If a payment request asks for gift cards, cryptocurrency, or any non-traditional method, consider it a red flag. Scammers often ask for these forms of payment because they’re difficult to trace.
What to Do When You Spot a Scam
If you spot a suspicious message or email, here are the steps to protect yourself:
- Stay Calm and Don’t Engage
The key is to avoid responding. Simply delete the message, hang up, or ignore it. Scammers want an emotional reaction to lure you in, so staying calm is your first line of defence.
- Research and Verify
If a message or call has you second-guessing, take a few minutes to confirm if it’s legitimate. Look up the organisation’s official contact details and reach out directly. Compare these details with what the scammer provided, and if they don’t match, report it.
- Report the Scam
Reporting scams helps others stay safe. Visit Scamwatch to alert authorities to the scam and prevent others from falling victim. Reporting takes just a few minutes but can make a big difference.
What to Do if You’ve Been Scammed
If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a scam, here’s what you should do to regain control and minimise any further impact:
- Cease Communication Immediately
If you’ve been in contact with a scammer, stop all further communication to prevent giving away any more information. This is an essential first step to limit the scammer’s access to your data.
- Secure Your Accounts
Depending on what information was compromised, secure any affected accounts immediately. Contact your bank if you share financial details, and for any online accounts, update your password and enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for added security.
- Report to Authorities
File a report with ReportCyber if you’ve fallen victim to a cybercrime like phishing. Your report can help prevent further scams and may aid law enforcement in taking down scam networks.
- Seek Support
If you’ve been seriously impacted, remember that help is available. Organisations like IDCARE offer support and create free response plans tailored to reducing the effects of cybercrime.
