Stop. Check. Protect - Stay Scam Safe

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. 

Criminals take advantage of recent 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. 

Always stop, think, 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. 

Ways scammers reach you:

  • Text or SMS 
  • Phone 
  • Email 
  • Social media 
  • Website 
  • In-person scams

STOP – Don’t give money or personal information to anyone if unsure. Scammer will offer to help you or ask you to verify who you are. They pretend to be from organisations you know and trust like, banks, Services Australia, government. 

CHECK – Ask yourself, could the message or call be fake? 

Never click a link in a message, only contact businesses or government using contact information from their official website or through their secure apps. 

PROTECT – Act quickly if something feels wrong. Contact your bank if you notice some unusual activity or if a scammer gets your money or information. 

Little Black Book of Scams

This guide is written by the National Anti-Scam Centre and will help you identify and protect yourself from scams.

Download: Little Black Book of Scams

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