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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 $3.1 billion1

Impersonation scams are on the rise, with almost 80%2 of reported scams having some component of impersonation involved.

How it works

Scams are constantly evolving and the more we know about them, the warning signs and scammers' tactics, the better we'll be able to help protect each other.

Their tricks

Scammers are using more sophisticated techniques impersonating your loved ones or organisations that you trust. With our busy lives and the constant emails or messaging do you know who’s really there?

Can you detect which of these are genuine?

Is this the genuine Westpac sign in page?

Screenshot of Westpac Online Banking sign in page with "auspost" in the URL

Scammers create fake websites that are designed to make you feel like you are on a genuine website.

In this example, the only difference is the URL (link) of the page. Everything else is designed to look and feel the same. If you enter your credentials to this site, they will be captured by a scammer, who may sell or share your details or attempt to commit fraud in your name.

It’s important to always sign in securely to your account by typing westpac.com.au to your browser or using the App.

Nice spotting! The only tell tale sign here is the URL, otherwise, everything else looks just like our regular sign in page!

How to protect yourself

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

Keep Security software up to date on all devices. Don’t open suspicious texts, pop-up windows or emails – it's best to delete or exit out of these.
 

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

Never give anyone remote access to your computer or device.

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

 

Always verbally validate the payment requests received via email. Use an independently sourced phone number you trust to check the account details. Don’t use the phone numbers in the email or invoice.

 

Warning signs of an impersonator

1. Passwords and security codes

You’re asked to share your passwords, security code with anyone, this includes your family and friends.

2. Offers that are too good to be true

When an offer claims that you can't lose, has very little risk, or simply seems too good to be true.

3. Unsolicited communication

You receive unsolicited contact via phone, email, SMS or a popup message, with pressure or intimidation to complete an action on the spot.

4. Keeping it a secret

You’re told not to tell anyone or are coached on what to say if asked.

5. Change in payment details

You receive payment instructions from a trusted supplier or conveyancer with different payment details.

6. Unusual payment forms

Unusual payment methods such as giftcards, crypto currency, using a transfer agent or cash withdrawals.
 

If you’ve experienced any of the above, please get in contact with us immediately.

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 prevent 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.
Things you should know

1. As reported in the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Targeting Scams: report of the ACCC on scam activity 2022.

2. As reported in the Scam Awareness Week 2023 website.