Watch out for scams - protect yourself

You can download this publication in Portable Document Format (PDF) - download Watch out for scams - protect yourself (NAT 73823, PDF, 324KB).

Scams cost you money

Scams are designed to trick you into providing either money or personal information.

To catch people off guard, scammers use:

• phone calls
• letters
• text messages
• emails
• bogus websites
• job advertisements.

Scammers can be very believable and sometimes quote your personal information such as your address, phone number and date of birth to sound authentic.

Once they have your information they can commit fraud or other illegal activities in your name. They can:

• access your bank accounts
• take out loans in your name
• lodge false tax returns
• claim Centrelink or other benefits.

These activities can have serious consequences for you, both financially and psychologically.