Stay Alert, Stay Protected
Every year, thousands of Australians are targeted by scammers using increasingly sophisticated tactics designed to steal money, personal information and identities. While scams often make headlines because of the financial losses involved, the impact goes far beyond dollars. Behind every scam is a real person whose trust, confidence and sense of security may have been affected. This year’s ScamWatch theme, No One’s Just a Number, reminds us of the human cost of scams and the importance of looking out for one another.
Scams can happen to anyone
Scammers target people of all ages and backgrounds, using tactics like fake bank messages, phishing emails and fraudulent investment offers to appear legitimate.
Being targeted by a scam isn’t a reflection of someone’s intelligence. Scammers are skilled at building trust and creating urgency, which is why taking a moment to stop and think before acting is one of the best ways to stay protected.
3 simple steps to stay safe
Scamwatch encourages Australians to remember three simple steps to help reduce the risk of falling victim to a scam.
- Stop. Take a moment before responding to unexpected requests for money, personal information or account details. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure people into acting quickly.
- Check. Verify who you’re dealing with. If someone claims to be from your bank, a government agency or another trusted organisation, contact them directly using details you source yourself, rather than those provided in the message.
- Protect. If you suspect a scam, take action. Report it to your bank if financial information has been compromised and notify the appropriate authorities. Reporting helps protect both you and others.
Common scam tactics and warning signs
- Impersonation scams: Unexpected contact from someone claiming to represent a trusted organisation.
- Information harvesting: Requests for personal, banking or login details.
- Pressure tactics: Messages that create urgency or pressure you to act immediately.
- Suspicious links and attachments: Links or attachments in unsolicited emails or text messages.
- Too-good-to-be-true offers: Offers, prizes or investment opportunities that seem too good to be true.
- Unusual payment requests: Requests for payment through methods such as gift cards or cryptocurrency.
How to protect your personal and financial information
- Never share passwords, PINs or verification codes.
- Use strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication.
- Keep your devices and software up to date.
- Regularly check your accounts for unusual activity.
- Be cautious when clicking links or opening attachments.
Why reporting scams helps protect others
Many scams go unreported because people feel embarrassed or think nothing can be done. But reporting scams helps authorities track emerging threats and warn others.
Sharing your experience can also help friends and family stay protected. If you’ve shared personal or banking information, contact us immediately for support.
Need help?
Contact us on 1300 728 728 during business hours or 0467 953 309 (8am – 6pm weekends & public holidays) and report your situation.
Stay scam aware
This Scams Awareness Week, take the opportunity to talk about scams with family, friends and colleagues. By remembering to Stop, Check, Protect, and by sharing what you know, you can help make Australia a harder target for scammers.
Because when it comes to scams, no one’s just a number.
This content is informed by resources from the Australian Government’s Scamwatch website. For more information and resources on protecting yourself from scams, visit www.scamwatch.gov.au. Information is general in the nature and does not take your personal circumstances into account. Summerland Bank is a trading name of Regional Australia Bank Ltd ABN 21 087 650 360 ACL & AFSL 241167.
