Be aware of scams

24 Sep 2025

Stop. Check. Protect. has been developed so that every Australian can recall this behavioural process when they face a scam.

Consumers receive many different educational messages about scams which adds to their sense of overwhelm. If we all adopt the same messaging framework, we can build consistency and cut through the confusion.

Here are some examples of common scams and how to use 3 simple steps to stay safe.

Police – overseas authority scam

Stop: If you’ve been called by someone claiming to be from the police or government in another country and you’re unsure or are being threatened by a caller, hang up the phone.

Check: If you think the call could be real, call the organisation they are claiming to be from to check. Use contact details you have found yourself. Do not use contact details provided to you by the caller.

Protect: Report this type of behaviour to the police to cyber.gov.au. If you need someone to talk to, reach out to family and friends or contact Lifeline or Beyond Blue to speak to someone online or over the phone.

Retailer – online shopping scam

Stop: Remember, scammers can pay for ads too – even sponsored ads can be scams.

Check: Don’t assume that the first search result that comes up on an internet search is the real website. Look for extra letters, symbols or numbers in the web address for signs of a scam.

Protect: Only use a secure payment service like PayPal or credit card when online shopping. If you’ve given a scammer your banking or personal information, contact your bank immediately.

Services Australia – myGov scams

Stop: If you get a text message, email or automated phone call from myGov – Stop and make sure it’s not a scam!

Check: If the message or email contains a link. If it does – It’s a scam! If it’s an automated phone call – It’s a scam!

Protect: If you clicked on a link or gave personal information to a scammer, call our Scams and Identity Theft Helpdesk. Or to report a scam related to myGov or Services Australia, including Centrelink, Medicare, or Child Support, you can email [email protected].

Payment redirection scams

Stop: Are you expecting to receive payment details in an email? You should know scammers use sophisticated methods to intercept business emails and update payment details to an account in their control.

Check: Always call the person you’d normally deal with back, to verify the payment and account details. Use a phone number you already have on file or find yourself on the official website never the one included in the payment email.

Protect: Call your bank immediately if you think you’ve transferred money to a scammer! Report the scam to Scamwatch.gov.au.

This information is used with permission from Scamwatch.