How to talk to loved ones about scams and frauds

Scams and fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect, which means more South Australians are at risk everyday.

In 2024, Australians lost over $2.03 billion to scams, with many cases going unreported due to shame or fear (NASC Scams Report).

Scams work because they play on our emotions and create a heightened sense of urgency, leading us to lower our defences. Everyone is at risk so it’s important to know the signs for you and the people you care about.

Scam Awareness Week 2025, led by the National Anti-Scam Centre, encourages all Australians to 'Stop. Check. Protect.' - a simple framework to help prevent scams and support those affected.

This guide is designed to help South Australians talk to their loved ones about scams with empathy and understanding. Whether you're concerned about a parent, partner, friend, or colleague, these steps can help you identify red flags, start a supportive conversation, and help them take action if needed.

1. Understand why scams are hard to talk about

Scams often prey on trust, urgency, and emotion and can mean that victims feel embarrassed or fear being judged. That’s why it's so important to remember and to communicate that being impacted by a scam doesn't mean someone is foolish – scams are designed to be hard to detect and scammers use psychological tactics and technology to deceive even the most cautious individuals.

When discussing scams with people, lead with empathy:

• "These scams are incredibly convincing."
• "Even tech-savvy people have been tricked."
• "You're not alone - many Australians have been impacted."

2. Spotting red flags

Recognising the signs that a loved one might have been impacted or at risk of being impacted can help keep them secure. 

Common red flags to look for in a loved one include:

• Sudden secrecy around finances or online activity
• Unexplained withdrawals or purchases
• Mentioning new “friends” met online
• Receiving frequent calls or messages from unknown numbers
• Reluctance to update antivirus software or phone settings

Common scam types that may be involved include:

• Phishing and smishing: Fake emails or texts from banks, telcos or government agencies
• Romance scams: Emotional manipulation through online relationships
• Investment scams: Promises of high returns with fake credentials
• Tech support scams: Calls claiming to fix non-existent computer issues
• Impersonation scams: Scammers pretending to be loved ones in trouble

3. Starting the conversation with empathy

So you’ve identified a loved one might need some support, but how do you bring it up without causing defensiveness or tension?

Choose a quiet moment and speak with care. Avoid confrontation or judgment. Lead with empathy and curiosity.

You might say:

• "I read about a new scam going around - have you seen anything like that?"
• "I've been getting strange texts lately. Have you?"
• "There's a campaign encouraging people to talk about scams. I thought it might be good for us to chat."
• “You mentioned a new friend, how did you meet?”
• "There are so many scams going around these days. I’ve nearly fallen for a few myself."
• "I thought we could go through some of the warning signs together."

Share the 'Stop. Check. Protect.' framework:

• Stop: Pause before acting on a message or request
• Check: Verify the source—call the organisation directly or ask someone you trust
• Protect: Don’t share personal information or click on suspicious links

4. What to do If someone has been scammed

If your loved one has been affected by a scam, it’s important to act quickly to help reduce the impact.

• Contact their bank immediately
• Block the scammer and consider if personal or account details have been impacted
• Find help or support from places like IDCARE or Scamwatch
• Reduce the stigma, let your loved one know they are not alone

5. Resources for South Australians

Scamwatch: www.scamwatch.gov.au – Scam alerts and reporting tools

IDCARE: www.idcare.org – Support for identity theft and scam recovery

National Seniors Australia: www.nationalseniors.com.au – Advocacy and education

Australian Cyber Security Centre: www.cyber.gov.au – 24/7 support and reporting

6. Get involved in Scam Awareness Week 2025

Running from 25–29 August, Scam Awareness Week 2025 encourages Australians to 'Stop. Check. Protect.' You can participate by:

• Sharing scam stories anonymously or publicly
• Hosting a family discussion or community event
• Displaying campaign materials at work or online
• Encouraging others to report scams and seek help

Talking about scams helps stop them. By approaching the topic with empathy and practical support, you can protect the people you care about and help build a safer South Australia.

This article is intended as general information only and has been prepared without taking into account the personal financial situation, objectives or needs of the reader. Before acting on this information, you should consider its appropriateness, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. You should always seek professional advice or assistance before making any financial decisions.