Common scam indicators
Scams are extremely varied and always evolving. We’ve attempted to summarise the key scam indicators across the most common payment reasons.
STOP.
If you feel rushed, pressured, compelled or unsure in any way – STOP! It’s probably a scam! Don't make the payment if:
- You’ve been offered a quick and easy job through unsolicited contact or a job site, promising high income for little effort. You may be asked to transfer money, make purchases, leave reviews or receive packages.
- You’ve been asked to receive and send money on behalf of another person – this could be money laundering!
- You’re making payments to online casinos or ‘pokies’. The services are unlicensed and operating illegally.
- You’ve been asked to pay money to release a refund, grant, winnings, inheritance or other source of monetary gain.
- You’re asked to pay money or deposit for a rental property you’re not able to inspect.
- You’re being blackmailed over nudes. This is called ‘sextortion’ – do not pay the blackmailer. You can report them and get help.
CHECK.
Before making the payment:
- Understand that if you’ve been given a sense of fear and urgency, it’s probably a scam! However, if you believe you’re dealing with a genuine service provider who you have an existing relationship with, contact them by phone using a number you have independently sourced and verified.
- Call or contact your relative on the number already stored in your phone to confirm whether the request is real. If messaging, ask them a question only they would know the answer to.
Check with Credit Union SA by calling 13 8777 if you’re still unsure. We’re here to help and may be able to spot something you’ve missed.
If you are concerned for your safety or the safety of others, contact the police.
PROTECT.
If you think you have been the victim of a scam, you should:
- Contact Credit Union SA immediately on 13 8777.
- Report it to ASIC and the police via cyber.gov.au.
- Stop sending money! Be wary of secondary scams or offers to recover your money.
- Change your passwords and PINs straight away if you suspect your security has been compromised.
- Contact IDCARE on 1800 595 160 or via idcare.org. IDCARE is a free, Government-funded service that provides support to victims of identity crime.
- Visit the Scamwatch or MoneySmart websites for more information on scams.
STOP. CHECK. PROTECT.
Protect yourself from scams.
If you feel unsure, rushed or pressured into making a payment – it’s probably a scam!
Types of scams
You may be offered a quick and easy job through unsolicited contact or a job site, promising high income for little effort.
You may be asked to pay upfront to secure the job or pay for resources. The "job" may require you to make purchases, leave reviews, receive packages or transfer money through accounts in your name, to earn commission. Besides losing your own money, you risk being used as a 'money mule' - handling illegal or stolen funds, which can have serious consequences.
To avoid this scam:
- Never trust anything that sounds too good to be true.
- Never pay upfront for promises of future income.
- Never move money on behalf of anyone.
Besides tricking people into giving them personal information and money, scammers lure victims into becoming their 'money mules' - handling illegal or stolen funds, which can have serious consequences. Victims of Romance, Overpayment, Unexpected Money, or Job Scams are often used as money mules.
You may also see posts on platforms such as Reddit asking to sell your ID or bank account credentials. Besides legal consequences, banks may close your accounts, deny applications or severely limit your banking access - to manage the risk of your accounts being used to handle stolen funds.
To avoid this scam:
- Never move money on behalf of anyone or accept opportunities for easy money involving payments.
Scammers try to convince you that you are owed or entitled to a grant, refund, winnings, inheritance, a prize or other money you did not expect to receive. But there's a catch - you have to pay something up front.
To avoid this scam:
- Never pay money to release money - even if the person is known to you. It will always be a scam.
Some online gambling services are illegal in Australia, including online pokies and casino-style games. You may see social media promotions or be invited to apply by friends or family - the illegal sites pay commission for recruiting others.
The sites are often operated by overseas crime syndicates tied to crimes such as human trafficking, financial scams and money laundering. Payments are often to fake companies or individuals recruited as 'money mules' - handling illegal or stolen funds, which can have serious consequences.
You may be refused access to winnings, unable to access the sites when they are blocked and risk your ID being used fraudulently. If you gamble online using a company that operates illegally, you risk losing your money and your bank account! Credit Union SA will close accounts used for illegal gambling services.
If you or someone you know is affected by gambling, free, 24/7 support is available.
Rental scams often involve fake listings, requests for deposits before inspection, and pressure tactics to act quickly. Be cautious about unusually low prices, unconventional payment methods, and inconsistencies in listing details.
To avoid this scam:
- Don't pay any money until you've inspected the property, met the landlord or agent and are satisfied that the offer is genuine. If paying in cash, insist on a receipt at the time of payment
Sexual extortion or ‘sextortion’ is a form of blackmail where someone you've been communicating with threatens to share a nude or sexual image or video of you unless you give in to their demands.
According to the eSafety Commissioner, these are the best steps to take:
- Stop all contact and do not pay the blackmailer or give them more money or intimate content.
- Tell someone you trust, such as a friend or family member – they can usually help you think clearly and fix things if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
- You can also contact a 24/7 helpline, where there are people ready to listen and help.
If this happens to you, you’re not alone – you can report them and get help.
Security
Learn moreAt Credit Union SA, we use the latest technology to keep your identity, your information and your money safe, however you choose to bank with us.
Call us
13 8777We're here to answer any questions you might have - make sure you have your Access Code ready!