Scammers in Australia are always on the lookout to trick people with phone calls, texts, and emails. They aim to get your personal and financial info. These scams, known as "phone scams" and "phishing," can lead to serious issues like identity theft and financial loss.
This article will cover how scammers operate and give you tips to stay safe. We'll also tell you what to do if you think you're being targeted.
Key Takeaways
- Phone scams and phishing attacks are on the rise, with scammers exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to target Australians.
- Scammers use a variety of methods, including email, text messages, and phone calls, to trick people into sharing sensitive information.
- Cybercriminals often pretend to be from trusted groups and government agencies to make their scams seem real.
- To stay safe, be wary of messages you didn't ask for, check who's on the other end, and never give out personal or financial info online or over the phone.
- If you think you've been targeted, act fast to report it and protect your info and devices.
Recognising Phishing Attacks
Scammers are always coming up with new ways to steal your personal and financial info. It's important for Australians to know how to spot phishing attacks. These scams often use emotional stories or fake warnings to get you to click on bad links or share your details.
Common Tactics Used in Phishing Emails and Text Messages
Scammers send emails or texts saying there's a problem with your account or you're due for a refund. They might ask you to confirm your personal info. These messages often have links or attachments that can harm your devices and steal your info.
Real-World Example of a Phishing Email
Picture getting an email that looks like it's from a trusted company, like a bank or a utility provider. It might say there's an issue with your account or payment. But, look closer and you might see signs it's a scam, like a generic greeting or a request to click a link to update your info.
By staying alert and knowing the signs of phishing scams, you can protect yourself. This way, you keep your personal and financial info safe.
Protecting Yourself from Phishing Attacks
Phishing attacks are a common type of cybercrime. They come through emails, texts, social media, and even apps or games. These scams try to get your personal info. Australians can take steps to avoid these dangers.
Four Ways to Protect Yourself from Phishing
- Use security software and keep it updated. Anti-virus and anti-malware can protect your devices from phishing threats and spot suspicious activity.
- Secure your mobile devices by turning on biometric authentication, like fingerprint or facial recognition. Also, install mobile security apps to keep your info safe.
- Turn on multi-factor authentication for your online accounts. This extra security can stop others from getting in, even if they have your password.
- Back up your data regularly. If a phishing attack is successful, a secure backup can help you get back your important files and info.
By following these steps, Australians can lower their risk of getting caught by phishing scams. This helps keep their online safety, computer security, and mobile security strong.
What to Do If You Suspect a Phishing Attack
If you get a message that seems off, act fast. First, check if you know the company or the person who sent it. If not, it might be a phishing scam. Look for signs like a generic greeting or requests for personal info.
If you think it's a phishing attack, don't click links or give out info. Call the company on a trusted number or visit their official site instead. This confirms the message's truth and keeps you safe from scams.
Reporting the phishing attempt is also smart. In Australia, call the IDCARE hotline at 1800 595 160 for personal info leaks or the Australian Cyber Security Hotline at 1300 292 371 for cyber security tips.
Stay alert and take steps to verify messages and contact companies directly. This way, you can spot and stop scams and keep safe from phishing attacks.
Responding to a Phishing Email
Phishing attacks can lead to serious issues like stolen personal info, identity theft, and financial fraud. If you think you've fallen for a phishing email, act fast to limit the damage.
Steps to Take If You Provided Personal Information
- Quickly call your bank or financial institutions to report any strange transactions.
- Put a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit reports to stop thieves from opening new accounts in your name.
- Keep a close eye on your credit reports and bank statements for anything fishy and report it to the right people.
Steps to Take If Malware Was Installed
- Use trusted antivirus software to scan your device for malware or viruses.
- Change all your passwords, especially for financial and personal info accounts.
- Turn on two-factor authentication on your accounts for extra security.
- Report the incident to authorities like the Australian Cyber Security Centre or the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to help stop others from getting scammed.
Acting quickly can help reduce the effects of a phishing attack and protect you from more harm. Stay alert and learn about the latest phishing tricks to keep your info and money safe.
Phone Scams and Phishing
Phone scams and phishing are common ways cybercriminals steal personal and financial info from Australians. These scams can lead to identity theft, financial losses, and fraud. It's vital to know how scammers work and protect yourself to stay safe online.
Scammers often use cold-calls, pop-up windows, or fake search results to trick people. Phishing scams pretend to be from trusted sources through emails, texts, or social media to get personal info. Missed call scams make you call back, leading to high phone bills, as scammers try to earn more.
- Fake online shopping scams set up fake websites that look real to trick people into paying for nothing.
- Vishing, or voice phishing, is when scammers call you to steal money or info, pretending to be from trusted places.
- Scammers might offer fake prizes or services to get your credit card details or personal info.
To avoid scams, don't let strangers access your computer, even if they seem legit. Don't click on links or open attachments from unknown sources.
Reporting Phishing Attempts
If you get a suspicious email, text, or find a phishing scam, report it right away. This helps fight cybercrime and fraud in Australia. By reporting, you help protect yourself and others from scams.
Where to Report Phishing Emails and Text Messages
Here are ways to report phishing in Australia:
- Send phishing emails to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org. They track and stop phishing scams.
- Forward phishing texts to 7726 (SPAM). Your phone company can investigate and act against scammers.
- Report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC gathers scam info to fight cybercrime.
Reporting phishing is key to keeping yourself and others safe from scammers. By acting, you help authorities know about new phishing emails, phishing texts, and scams in Australia.
Staying Secure from Scams During COVID-19
Since COVID-19 started, the Australian Cyber Security Centre has seen a big increase in scams and phishing. Cybercriminals pretend to be trusted groups like government agencies or health bodies to steal our personal and financial info. They use fake emails, texts, or online offers that seem related to the virus, safety tips, or government help.
Common COVID-19 Themed Scams and Phishing Campaigns
Scamwatch has had over 6,415 scam reports linked to the coronavirus, with losses over $9.8 million. Scammers are targeting people with various COVID-19 scams, including:
- Phishing emails and texts pretending to be from government agencies or businesses to get personal and financial details
- Fake online shops selling non-existent COVID-19 treatments, vaccines, or essential items like face masks
- Scams about getting early access to superannuation during the pandemic
- Business email scams that try to redirect real payments to fake bank accounts
Australians need to stay alert and protect themselves from these scams. By knowing how scammers work, we can take steps to keep our money and info safe.
Conclusion
Phone scams and phishing attacks are big threats for Australians. Learning how scammers work and protecting your devices can lower your risk. It's important to stay alert and act early to keep your info safe online.
Scammers are getting smarter, so it's key for Australians to stay up to date. Knowing the signs of scams and using strong cybersecurity can help protect you and your family. Being proactive is crucial in fighting cybercrime in Australia.
There's no way to be completely safe, but knowing scam tactics and securing your devices helps a lot. Always stay informed, be careful, and report any odd activities. We can work together and stop scammers from targeting you.
FAQ
What are common tactics used by scammers in phishing emails and text messages?
Scammers use emotional stories or fake warnings to trick people. They might say there's a problem with your account or you're due for a refund. These messages often have links or attachments that can harm your devices.
How can I recognise a phishing email or text message?
Be wary of messages that seem off. Ask if you know the company or person contacting you. Look for generic greetings or requests for personal info. If it looks fishy, don't click links or share details. Contact the company directly instead.
What can I do to protect myself from phishing attacks?
To stay safe, use strong security software and keep it updated. Protect your mobile devices and use multi-factor authentication. Back up your data regularly. These steps can lower your risk of phishing scams.
What should I do if I suspect I've been targeted by a phishing scam?
If a message seems suspicious, don't click links or share info. Contact the company directly. If you've given away personal info, report it to the authorities and your bank. Watch your accounts for any odd activity.
How can I report a phishing email or text message?
To report phishing, send emails to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org. Forward text messages to SPAM (7726). Also, report to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. This helps fight cybercrime.
What are some common COVID-19 themed scams and phishing campaigns?
Since COVID-19 started, there's been a rise in scams. Criminals pretend to be from trusted groups like government agencies. They send fake emails, texts, or online offers. These scams aim to steal your info, claiming to offer virus updates or government help.
