Scam watch

Sign in free and Mav will check a message, email or link you're not sure about against the official scam warning signs.

Mav points out warning signs from Scamwatch and the banks. Mav can't promise something is safe: if in doubt, hang up, don't click, and contact the organisation on a number you find yourself.

Scamwatch (ACCC) isn't coming through right now. Go straight to Scamwatch (ACCC) →

NSW Fair Trading publishes every business that got 10 or more complaints in a month, for the past 2 years: the business, how many complaints, what about and where. Check it before you hand over money to a business you don't know.

Open the NSW Fair Trading Complaints Register →

Being on the register means complaints were lodged, not that the business did anything wrong. The register is updated monthly by NSW Fair Trading (13 32 20).

The ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) doesn't publish a complaints list, but it does publish public warnings about businesses.

• In danger? Call Triple Zero
  If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000. 000

  Source: Scamwatch

• Contact your bank straight away
  Call your bank or card provider immediately to report the scam and ask them to stop any transactions. Use the number on your card or the bank's official app/website. CommBank 13 2221 | Westpac 1300 364 294 | NAB 13 22 65 | ANZ cards 13 22 73, internet banking 13 33 50

  Source: Scamwatch; bank pages: commbank.com.au/support/security.html, westpac.com.au/security/how-to-report/, nab.com.au/about-us/security/report-fraud-scams, anz.com.au/security/report-scams-fraud/

• Get free recovery help from IDCARE
  IDCARE is the national identity and cyber support service. It helps you make a free plan to limit the damage (Mon-Fri 7am-7pm AEST). NSW/ACT direct line 02 8999 3356. 1800 595 160

  Source: IDCARE

• Report cybercrime or money lost to police (ReportCyber)
  Make an official online report to police through ReportCyber, run by the Australian Cyber Security Centre. Advice line: Australian Cyber Security Hotline. 1300 CYBER1 (1300 292 371)

  Source: Australian Cyber Security Centre (cyber.gov.au)

• Tell NSW Police
  NSW Police directs fraud and cybercrime reports to ReportCyber. For non-urgent police help call the Police Assistance Line; you can also attend a police station with a completed Fraud Report Form. Share information anonymously with Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 131 444

  Source: NSW Police Force

• Report it to Scamwatch
  Report the scam to Scamwatch (National Anti-Scam Centre) to help warn others and disrupt scammers. Scam websites have their own form: https://forms.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scamwebsite/

  Source: Scamwatch

• Not happy with your bank's response?
  Complain to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), a free, independent service.

  Source: Scamwatch (links AFCA)

• Watch for follow-up scams
  Scammers often come back to past victims, especially offering to 'help you get your money back'. Change passwords on your devices and accounts.

  Source: Scamwatch

• Look after yourself
  Scams are stressful. Free, confidential support is available 24/7 from Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), and free financial counselling via Moneysmart. 13 11 14

  Source: Scamwatch

• Complaint about a NSW business (not a scam)
  For a dispute with a legitimate business, contact NSW Fair Trading. 13 32 20

  Source: NSW Fair Trading

• Stop. Check. Protect.
  Stop: take a moment before giving money or personal info to anyone. Check: make sure the person or organisation is real. Protect: act quickly if something feels wrong.

  Source: Scamwatch

• Never share one-time codes, PINs or passwords
  No real bank or agency will ask for your passwords, PINs, NetCode/security codes or one-time passcodes. Anyone who does is a scammer.

  Source: Scamwatch, ANZ

• There is no such thing as a 'safe account'
  Your bank will never ask you to move money to another account to keep it safe. That account belongs to the scammer.

  Source: CommBank, Westpac

• Hang up and call back on a number you find yourself
  If a call feels off, hang up. Call the organisation back using the number on your card or its official website or app, never the number the caller gives you.

  Source: Scamwatch, ANZ

• Caller ID and SMS names can be faked
  Scammers can make a call or text look like it is from your bank's real number, even in the same message thread. A familiar number proves nothing.

  Source: Scamwatch, ANZ

• Don't tap links in unexpected texts or emails
  Log in by typing the bank's address yourself or using its official app. Banks won't ask you to log on via a link in an SMS or email.

  Source: Scamwatch, NAB

• Never let a caller onto your device
  Don't download software, share your screen or give remote access to someone who contacts you. Banks and government agencies won't ask.

  Source: CommBank, Scamwatch

• Pressure is a red flag
  Scammers rush you so you don't spot the warning signs. Don't let anyone hurry you into paying or sharing details - a genuine organisation will wait.

  Source: Scamwatch, Westpac

• Be wary of odd ways to pay
  Requests to pay by gift cards, cash withdrawals, crypto or crypto ATMs are classic scam signs. CommBank will never ask you to withdraw cash or buy gift cards.

  Source: CommBank, Scamwatch

• Big returns, no risk? It's a scam
  Check any adviser holds an Australian financial services (AFS) licence with ASIC and isn't on the Moneysmart investor alert list before investing.

  Source: Scamwatch

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