Protection from scams

Definition of scams

A scam is a type of fraud when a person tries to deceive you to steal your money or personal details.

Scammers can reach you by phone, email, online or in-person.  

Protect yourself against scams  

There are things you can do to protect yourself against scams.

Stop and check

Stop and check if the person or organisation is genuine before clicking on a link.

Don’t give details or money

Don’t give your personal details or send money if you are not sure if it’s official.

Look for ‘red flags’

There are some things to look out for that may help you identify a scam:

• social media accounts with very few posts or followers
• unusual web addresses or links
• images and graphic design that doesn’t look right
• informal contact through messaging sites including Messenger, WhatsApp, Telegram or WeChat.

Reporting a scam

If you think you’ve been scammed, take immediate steps:  

• contact the police assistance line on 131 444
• contact your bank to immediately stop the transaction, if money is involved.  

If the scam relates to our department or our programs, we want to know about it. You can email us at fraud@dss.gov.au.

You can also report scams on the ScamWatch website.

Report a cybercrime, incident or vulnerability on the Australian Signals Directorate's Australian Cyber Security Centre website.

More information

Visit the ScamWatch website for information on:

• recognising scams
• what to do if you think you’ve been scammed
• recent scam alerts.

Services Australia also offers support about scams and identity theft relating to myGov, Centrelink or Medicare.

Visit the Australian Taxation Office website page for more on scams, cyber safety and identity protection.

Support

Contact Lifeline for 24 hours 7 days a week crisis and emotional support on 13 11 14 or online chat.