Scams

You should be suspicious of unexpected calls or text messages and hang up or text STOP to unwanted messages.

Be careful who you give your phone number to.

Protect your money

A bank will never ask for your details in an email.

You should never click on a link or open an attachment that looks like it comes from your bank or any other company.

Always get independent financial advice if you are being pressured into making a decision about money or investments.

Be wary of investments promising a high return with little or no risk.

You should never have to pay money to claim a lottery prize. You can't win a lottery you didn’t enter.

You should do all of the following:

• never respond to an email asking for your personal identification number (PIN), passwords or credit card or account numbers
• never send money to someone you don’t know or trust
• only invest with licensed financial service providers
• never keep a copy of your PIN with your card.

Protect your identity

Treat your personal details like you would treat money. Don’t leave them lying around for others to take.

You should do all of the following:

• never give out your personal information to someone you don’t know or trust
• don’t just throw old bills, records or expired cards in the bin - make sure you destroy them
• check your credit report at least once a year to make sure no-one is using your name to borrow money or run up debts.

Protect your computer

Install security software that protects your computer from viruses and other malicious programs.

You should avoid using public computers to do your internet banking.

Do not click on any links in a spam email or open files attached to them as this may install harmful programs.

Keep your software up-to-date, including web browsers. Enable the ‘auto update’ function in e-security and other software.

You should do all of the following:

• keep your protection software up-to-date
• be aware of unexpected pop-up boxes
• don’t respond in any way to unsolicited emails
• if in doubt, delete.

For more information you can read The Little Black Book of Scams on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission website.