Phone scams
Unexpected callers may claim to be from a bank, telco, government agency or technical support team.
Warning sign:They pressure you to act immediately or request remote access.
Tweed IT Cyber Safety Centre
Stay Safe Online
Learn how to recognise common scams, protect your personal information and take the right steps if something goes wrong.
Common scam types
Scams can arrive in many forms
Scammers often create urgency, fear or excitement so you act before checking. Pause, verify independently and never rely only on the contact details supplied in the message.
Email scams
Fake invoices, password alerts and account warnings may contain dangerous links or attachments.
Warning sign:The sender address is unusual or the message asks you to sign in urgently.
SMS scams
Messages may impersonate delivery companies, toll providers, banks, myGov or family members.
Warning sign:The message contains a shortened link or asks for a small payment.
Remote access scams
A caller asks you to install software so they can “fix” a problem or secure your account.
Warning sign:They want you to install AnyDesk, TeamViewer or similar software.
Romance scams
A person builds trust online before asking for money, travel costs or emergency assistance.
Warning sign:They avoid video calls or repeatedly make excuses not to meet.
Investment scams
Fake investment opportunities promise high returns, low risk or access to an exclusive platform.
Warning sign:You are pressured to transfer money quickly or use cryptocurrency.
Act quickly
What to do if you think you have been scammed
The correct response depends on what happened, but these steps will help reduce further damage.
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1
Stop contact
Do not send more money, reply to messages or follow further instructions.
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2
Contact your bank
Tell your bank immediately if money or card details may be involved.
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3
Secure your accounts
Change affected passwords from a trusted device and enable multi-factor authentication.
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4
Disconnect remote access
If someone controlled your computer, disconnect it from the internet and seek trusted support.
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5
Report the incident
Report the scam to the appropriate organisation so action can be taken.
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6
Monitor your accounts
Watch for unusual transactions, password resets, new devices or unfamiliar logins.
Before you click
Use the five-question scam check
- Was I expecting this message, call or payment request?
- Is the person creating urgency, fear or pressure?
- Are they asking for passwords, codes, money or remote access?
- Does the sender address, website address or phone number look unusual?
- Can I verify the request using a trusted phone number or official website?
Still unsure?
Do not click. Close the message and contact the organisation using details you find independently.
Protect yourself
Simple habits that reduce your risk
Use unique passphrases
Use a different long passphrase for every important account. A password manager can help.
Turn on MFA
Enable multi-factor authentication for email, banking, social media and other important services.
Keep devices updated
Install operating system, browser, app and security updates when they become available.
Back up important files
Keep a separate backup of photos and documents so they can be recovered after malware or device failure.
Review account activity
Check banking, email and social media accounts for unfamiliar logins, devices or transactions.
Slow down
Scammers want immediate action. Taking a few minutes to verify a request can prevent major loss.
Where to report
Australian reporting and support services
Your bank
Contact your bank or financial institution immediately for suspicious payments, transfers or card activity.
ReportCyber
Report cybercrime, hacked accounts, online fraud and related incidents.
Open ReportCyberScamwatch
Report scams and learn about scam warning signs.
Open ScamwatchServices Australia
For Centrelink, Medicare, Child Support and myGov related scams.
Get assistancePolice
Call 000 in an emergency or 131 444 for non-urgent police assistance.
eSafety Commissioner
For image-based abuse, cyberbullying and illegal or harmful online content.
Visit eSafetyASIC
For financial and investment scams involving businesses or financial services.
Visit ASICACMA
For spam, unwanted marketing messages and telecommunications complaints.
Visit ACMAShort video
Understanding cyber security
What is Cyber Security?
This introductory video explains why cyber security matters and how everyday online risks can affect individuals and businesses.
Test yourself
Think you can spot a scam?
Complete the Australian Cyber Security Centre's short scam awareness activity.
Try the Scam ActivityPassword safety
Improve your password security
Learn how passphrases, password managers and multi-factor authentication help protect your accounts.
View Password SecurityLocal support
Think your computer or account has been compromised?
Tweed IT can help check your device, remove unwanted software, secure your accounts and explain the next steps in plain English.
