Protect yourself from scams

Arm yourself with the best protection against scams: awareness. Learn how to spot the warning signs.

How scams work

Scams can look and feel like the real thing – especially if you’re not paying attention. Scammers create believable stories that convince you to give them your money or personal details. 

Learn from real-life scams and spot the warning signs

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Example #1: Scammers impersonating banks and super funds

What could happen:

Criminals contact you by phone, email or text. It might look like the call or text is from your bank or super fund.
They ask you for personal or financial information, to transfer funds, or to give them a one-time security code. They often claim to be from the fraud team.

Warning signs:

A real bank or super fund will never ask for your password or security code.
We’d also never call and ask you to transfer your money.

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Example #2: Scammers target people in financial hardship

What could happen:

Criminals contact people in hardship and pretend to offer services such as no-interest loans, fake emergency relief services and rent assistance.
They ask for your identity information and myGov login details.
Once they have your information, they can log into your account, lock you out, and steal money that’s meant to support you.

Warning signs:

A real organisation will never ask for your login details.
They’d also never pressure you to send identity information. Or pressure you to make an urgent decision about anything.

What to do

Don’t use phone numbers in text messages and don’t click on unfamiliar links
If you’re unexpectedly contacted by someone you don’t know, call them back using a phone number that you find and confirm yourself. Hang up if someone asks you to transfer money
Never give away your security code or password.