Learn how to spot and avoid scams
News and alerts
This is the first annual report on scams activity released by the National Anti-Scam Centre since it was established on 1 July 2023.
Scamwatch is warning Australians to watch out for fake email invoices. Scammers pose as a real business you've recently dealt with.
They send fake invoices with changed payment details, so your money ends up with the scammer.
The end of 2023 marked 6 months since the National Anti-Scam Centre was established.
During the October to December 2023 quarter, we continued to see progress towards our vision of making Australia the world’s hardest target for scammers.
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STOP – Don’t give money or personal information to anyone if unsure
Scammers will offer to help you or ask you to verify who you are. They will pretend to be from organisations you know and trust like, Services Australia, police, a bank, government or a fraud service.
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THINK – Ask yourself could the message or call be fake?
Never click a link in a message. Only contact businesses or government using contact information from their official website or through their secure apps. If you’re not sure say no, hang up or delete.
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PROTECT – Act quickly if something feels wrong.
Contact your bank if you notice some unusual activity or if a scammer gets your money or information. Seek help from IDCARE and report to ReportCyber and Scamwatch.
National Anti-Scam Centre
The government has funded the ACCC to set up a new centre to build on the work of Scamwatch. The National Anti-Scam Centre:
- helps people spot and avoid scams
- makes it easier to report scams
- improves information sharing to disrupt scammers
- works across government and with industry
- supports law enforcement
Find out more about how to stay safe online
The OAIC investigates privacy breaches and handles data breach reports. They provide guidance and advice for consumers and business on how to protect personal information.