Fraudsters pretending to be somebody you know

Look out for text messages from an unknown number starting "Hi Mum/Hi Dad", describing an urgent situation like a lost or damaged phone needing urgent financial help. It might be a scammer!

To avoid this scam:

• Call your relative on phone to confirm whether the request is real. Try the number already stored in your phone first. If messaging, ask them a question only they would know the answer to.

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.

Scammers build trusting relationships online, often using 'love bombing' tactics lots of contact and compliments, maybe even declaring love.

Once the scammer feels like they have your trust, they will either subtly or directly ask for money, gifts, electronics, vouchers, or even cryptocurrency. The reasons can vary but usually involve an urgent problem. Once they've taken all you have to give, they'll ask you to move money for them - from other victims!

To avoid this scam:

• Stop communicating with anyone you've met online if the talk turns to money, financial help or investments.

Scammers build trusting relationships online, often using 'love bombing' tactics lots of contact and compliments, maybe even declaring love.

Once the scammer feels like they have your trust, the talk turns to finances and investment opportunities. They may claim that they, or their friend or relative is an expert trader, offering 'proof' of their profits. In reality, the 'trading platforms' are being manipulated and your funds are redirected to the scammer from the start.

To avoid this scam:

• Stop communicating with anyone you've met online if the talk turns to money, financial help or investments.

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.

Ponzi schemes are investment scams that use money collected from new investors to pay old investors - which can make the investment seem legitimate. They rely on recruiting others, including friends, family and community and can also exploit people’s faith.

There may be promises of high, quick or guaranteed returns, and the promoter may have received dividends. You are encouraged to reinvest your dividends, or you have trouble withdrawing your funds.

To avoid this scam:

• Check the legitimacy of an investment. A company must have an AFS license to promote or deal in a financial product.

‘Family and friends’ impersonation scams involve a scammer pretending to be someone you know who needs your help urgently, usually in the form of payment. Sometimes scammers may even use a photo of a family member or friend, or deepfake technology to impersonate them in a voice note or video.

They may also invite you to apply for a grant, a job, an investment opportunity or some other way to make 'easy money'. In reality, the scammer has hacked their social media account or created a lookalike account by copying their profile and photos.

To avoid this scam:

• Contact them on phone to confirm whether the request is real. Try the number already stored in your phone first. If messaging, ask them a question only they would know the answer to. But remember - paying upfront and 'easy money' will always be a scam!