A summer holiday campaign to help people thwart online and mobile scamming is being run by the Department of Human Services and the ACCC.
The campaign focuses on providing 12 handy insights into common scams performed on Australian citizens and residents.
12 tips to stay scam-safe
Scammers are more likely to catch you off guard during the summer holiday period, here are some points on how to stay scam-safe this extended holiday period.
| 1. Number spoofing | 5. Free gift cards or prizes | 9.Public Wi-Fi |
| 2. Tech support scams | 6. Downloading apps | 10. Socialising online |
| 3. Fake bank emails | 7. Fake shipping notes | 11. Two-Factor authentication |
| 4. Unusual forms of payment | 8. Online shopping apps | 12. Scammers don’t take holidays |
Full details of the 12 tips can be found at the department’s webpage here.
Scamwatch
In November alone, Australians made over 24,000 reports to Scamwatch, a Commonwealth government service created to help prevent online scams and crime.
Though as we buy presents for our loved ones, clever criminals are looking for their own gift – your money and identity.
Scamwatch is run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). It provides information to consumers and small businesses about how to recognise, avoid and report scams.
If you think you have been scammed, find out where and how to get help at the ACCC’s website or report a scam here.
Scams & Identity theft hotline
Though more help is at hand, much can be done to prevent being scammed and should you become suspicious or fall victim in relation to government services there is a hotline to assist you.
One of the best ways do gain assistance is through the Department of Human Services Dapto-based Scams and Identity Theft Helpdesk.
Helpdesk Assistant Director Mark Cosgrove said his staff can offer customers advice on how to protect their personal information. They can also check if unauthorised activity has occurred or been attempted.
The Department of Human Services Scam and Identity Theft hotline can be contacted on: 1800 941 126.
“If you’ve received a suspicious email, text message or telephone call from someone claiming to be from Centrelink, Medicare or myGov this Christmas, don’t provide any personal information, and report this to scamwatch.gov.au and/or call our helpline.
The ACCC’s Scamwatch can be contacted at https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/
Source: Depart of Human Services Media Hub, ACCC news, Scamwatch website. Accessed January 2020. David Abrahams digital reporter.