Scam Awareness Week at CSC

Why would I be targeted by a scammer?

If you encounter a scammer, it’s most likely that they will be looking to steal your identity, and/or your money—this can include your superannuation. Identity theft, or identity fraud, is when someone gets access to your personal information—such as your name, date of birth, and contact details—and pretends to be you. Scammers may use this information for things like opening bank accounts, selling your house, applying for a passport, or engaging in illegal business under your name. Scammers may also gain access to your money by hacking your accounts, setting up payment redirections or by convincing you to willingly pay them.

How can I spot a scam?

Some common tactics that scammers may use include:

• Pretend to be a trusted person or organisation.
• Pressure you to act immediately, sometimes with threats.
• Use technology to disguise their details in an attempt to appear they are contacting you from another number.
• Create similar email addresses to legitimate individuals or businesses that are hard to distinguish as being fake.
• Call you multiple times, making it difficult to ignore.
• Use recorded messages.
• Use real logos or messaging to appear legitimate.
• Create fake stories, such as telling you that you have broken the law or have won a prize.

How can I avoid being scammed?

Don't

• Answer texts or calls from unknown numbers; instead let it go to voicemail.
• Give out personal or financial information to unverified individuals or organisations.
• Give anyone your passwords or credit card details. While it is fine to use your credit card when online shopping, remember to always verify the legitimacy of the site you are using and do not give out this information to individuals you do not know!
• Open an attachment or click on a link you were not expecting in an email or text message. Scammers can create URLs to look similar to legitimate addresses.
• Pay someone who is insisting payment via unusual means, such as cryptocurrency or gift cards.

Do

• Check emails and text messages carefully. Be on the lookout for anything that does not look right, such as spelling mistakes, incorrect grammar or strange requests.
• Verify communication or requests with organisation directly via contact details on their website. 
• Protect your accounts by using strong and unique passwords.

Be cautious of oversharing on social media and review your privacy settings. 

Where can I find additional help and resources?

I think I’ve been scammed – what do I do?

Visit Scamwatch to report a scam and find out where to get help

If you are concerned about your superannuation account or suspect unauthorised activity, please contact us via CSC’s Fraud Reporting at fraudreport@csc.gov.au.

Where can I go for more information?

Visit Scamwatch for a complied list for further information on scams.

Source : Scam statistics | Scamwatch