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Phone scams
Scam calls are more than annoying - they cost Australians $141 million in losses last year.
1 in 3 reported scams happen by phone. Scammers call, claiming to be from well-known organisations. This includes government organisations, law enforcement, investment and law firms, banks, telecommunication providers.
They make it sound urgent to get to you act quickly. They may try to convince you to give them your personal or bank account details, or remote access to your computer. The caller may already have some details about you, such as your name or address.
1 in 3 reported scams happen by phone. Scammers call, claiming to be from well-known organisations. This includes government organisations, law enforcement, investment and law firms, banks, telecommunication providers.
They make it sound urgent to get to you act quickly. They may try to convince you to give them your personal or bank account details, or remote access to your computer. The caller may already have some details about you, such as your name or address.
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Steps you can take to avoid phone scams
These simple steps can help prevent loss of money or personal information to scams.
Screen unknown numbers
- Let calls from unknown phone numbers go to voicemail.
- If you are not sure if a caller is who they say they are, it’s ok to hang up.
You can still receive scam calls even if you have a private number or are on the Do Not Call register.
Check the call is real
- Never use contact details given by a caller or written in an email or SMS.
- Call the organisation or person back on a phone number you have found yourself (on their website).
- Use the organisation’s secure, authenticated portal or app (never through a link).
Be scam aware
- Immediately hang up on anyone who tries to threaten or intimidate you.
- Never give anyone remote access to your computer.
- If an offer appears too good to be true, it probably is. Research any investment
