Scams Awareness Week 2024

Share a story, stop a scam. #ShareAScamStory

What is Scams Awareness Week?

An annual education and awareness initiative delivered nationally led by the National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC), a part of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

Scams cost Australians over $2.7 billion*

For the first time in 4 years we have seen a decrease in money lost to scammers. Additionally, in 2023 Australians made over 601,000 scam reports, an increase of 18.5% compared to 2022.

While these changes are a positive sign, it is important to note that we need to remain vigilant and on the look out for potential scams everyday.

Share a story,
stop a scam

Scams are constantly evolving. The more we know about warning signs and scammers' tactics, the better equipped we'll be to help protect each other. Share your scam stories with your family, friends and community to help others stay on top of the latest scams and to stay safe from scammers.

How to get involved in Scams Awareness Week

  1. Woken up to a scam text? Share this with friends or family who you think might not recognise the warning signs of this scam.
  2. Speak up and talk about scams. What you share could help stop someone from being scammed.
  3. Share scam prevention messages from reputable sources, like the bank or government social media accounts with your network. #ShareAScamStory

How to protect yourself

Consider if the request is genuine. Always research who you’re dealing with and/or get a trusted second opinion. 

Never give anyone remote access to your computer or device.

Keep your personal/business details secure and don’t share passwords and secure codes with anyone.

 

Keep your security software updated. Ignore suspicious SMS, pop-ups, and emails. Delete suspicious messages after you've forwarded it to hoax@stgeorge.com.au.

Don’t send money or provide your personal details to anyone you have only interacted with online or via the phone.

Always double-check payment requests by calling the sender. Use a separate phone number to confirm account details. Don't call the number on the email or invoice.

Ask yourself, friends and family these questions:

1. Has someone told you not to tell anyone or coached you on what to say to the bank?

2. Have you met a new romantic partner or friend only online or over the phone?

3. Have you received an unusual SMS requesting you to click a link, update details or send money?

4. Have you been asked to accept money or move money on behalf of someone else?

5. Will your new investment be managed by someone else or does it look a little too good to be true?

6. Did you receive new or updated payee account details via email but didn't call the company to confirm the details?

7. Is the seller requesting you to make a deposit payment upfront before you've received the goods?

8. Have you shared access to your computer after a phone call or a pop-up on your screen?

If you answered yes to any of the above or have any concerns you could be engaging with a scammer, please get in contact with us immediately.
 

Report it now

Knowledge is power

By arming yourself with scam prevention knowledge, you can protect yourself and your account by identifying tricks that scammers use. 

Seeking help

If you've lost money or given your personal details to a scammer, there are steps you can take straight away to limit the damage and protect yourself from further loss.

  • Report it to us immediately
  • If you’ve shared your information to a scammer, visit IDCare
  • Register for the Australian Government's Scamwatch email alerts
  • Warn your family and friends about these scams
  • If the scam occurred on social media, report it to the social media platform.

Security Checklist

Here’s what to do if you have had a near miss.

Important information

* As reported in the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Targeting Scams: report of the ACCC on scam activity 2023.