Protecting Yourself From Scammers: What You Need to Know

Scams are on the rise, and phone scammers are becoming more convincing by the day. Whether they pretend to be from your bank, the ATO, or a service provider, their goal is the same; to trick you into handing over your personal or financial information.

A recent story on SBS highlighted how banks in Australia are taking new steps to protect customers, including launching national anti-scam initiatives to detect and prevent fraud. But while these industry efforts are important, your best defence is awareness.

6 tips to protect yourself from phone scams

1. Hang up on suspicious calls
If something doesn’t feel right, hang up. Call the organisation using their official number from a trusted source, not the number that just called you.

2. Never share personal information
Banks and government agencies will never ask for your password, PIN, or one-time codes over the phone. If they do, it’s a scam.

3. Don’t trust caller ID
Scammers can fake phone numbers to make it look like they are calling from a legitimate business. Don’t rely on the number alone, rely on your instincts.

4. Watch out for urgency tactics
Scammers often try to pressure you into acting quickly. Take your time, stop, and think before giving away any information.

5. Avoid clicking suspicious links
If you receive an unexpected text or email with a link, don’t click it, especially if it is asking for personal or banking details.

6. Talk to someone you trust
If you are unsure, speak to a family member, friend, or your bank before taking any action.

Stay informed, stay safe

Scams can happen to anyone. But by staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself and those you care about. Remember, if something feels off, it probably is. Trust your gut, take your time, and don’t be afraid to hang up.

For more tips or to report a scam, visit Scamwatch.gov.au or contact your bank directly.