At Summerland Bank, we believe that informed customers are empowered customers. That’s why we’re proud to support Scams Awareness Week 2025 (25–29 August), a nationwide initiative led by the National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC). This year’s theme: Stop. Check. Protect.  is a timely reminder of the importance of staying alert and taking simple steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from scams. We’re here to help you recognise the signs, take action, and stay in control.

The scams costing Australians the most

While phishing scams continue to top the list in terms of reports according to the NASC, investment scams are currently doing the most financial damage, costing Australians nearly $75 million this year.

Other common scam types to be aware of include:

• Phishing (fake emails or texts)
• Romance scams
• False billing
• Identity theft

These scams are becoming more sophisticated, and anyone can be a target, which is why staying informed is your best defence.

Simple steps to stay safe: Stop. Check. Protect.

When it comes to scam prevention, these three actions can make all the difference:

• Stop. Take a moment. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to trick you into acting quickly.
• Check. Always verify who you’re dealing with. Look up contact details independently and double-check unusual requests.
• Protect. If something feels off, trust your instincts. Report it, contact your bank, and take action to protect your personal and financial information.

Get educated

We regularly share scam updates and tips on our Security Hub and blog posts to help keep you informed. Take a moment to explore some of our recent educational pieces:

• Beware of investment scams: Learn how to spot fake offers, high‑pressure tactics, and the importance of verifying licensing before investing.

• How business email compromise scams can affect you: Read about invoice fraud, where scammers alter legitimate invoices to divert payments. 

• Remote access scams on the rise: Understand how fraudsters gain access to your device under false pretenses. 

 Why this matters for you.

Scammers are constantly finding new ways to deceive. The more we talk about it, the better we can protect ourselves and each other. By staying alert and sharing information, we strengthen our communities and reduce the impact of fraud.

Let’s make this Scams Awareness Week count.
Together, we can all take action to Stop. Check. Protect.