Scams - safety and security

Hacker

Scams

“When it comes to scams and cybercrime, knowledge is power.” NSW Fair Trading

About 80% of scams reported to Scamwatch are scammers impersonating an legitimate entity. These can take the form of phone calls, emails, sms texts or from posts.

There are a few simple rules that can help prevent you from becoming scammed.

Official agencies will not request you give private information from a text or link. They will want you to log onto the official web site with your log on details. 

If you get directed to a website, first check the address to see if it is in keeping with the official website. For example mygov address is https://my.gov.au, Australian federal government websites have the last section of the address as  gov.au -  so the Federal Government page is https://www.australia.gov.au/. If in doubt close the browser down and locate the page independently yourself.

 

The best way is to keep an on one of the following websites. 

Scams Watch

https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/

Services Australia

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/active-scams?context=60271

NSW Fair Trading

Scams and Cybercrime 

NSW Government 

Lists some of the current scams and offers assistance in protecting your identity.

ID support 

ASD Australian Signal Directorate

 

If you do come across something you think is a scam be sure to share this too.

Australian Government Australian Signals Directorate / ACSC Australian Cyber Security Centre

Report non-life threating risks here.