Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones from Scams
This Scams Awareness Week (26 to 30 August) the National Anti-Scam Centre is encouraging Australians to speak up, share their experiences with others and to report scams to Scamwatch. It’s a great opportunity for everyone to learn how to protect themselves and their loved ones from scams. Many people believe they would never fall for a scam, but the reality is that anyone can be tricked, no matter how careful they are.
Knowing how to spot a scam is crucial to avoid becoming a victim. Here are some important statistics to keep in mind:
- Scamwatch data from 1 January to 30 June 2024 shows losses of over $134 million due to scams.
- People with disabilities reported 11,365 scam cases, resulting in over $8 million in losses.
- People aged 55 and over reported 52,797 scam cases, accounting for nearly $65 million in losses.
At the Public Trustee, we are committed to supporting our represented clients, especially those who may be at a higher risk of being scammed due to their vulnerabilities. We work closely to support them make safe and informed decisions about their finances.
Here are some key steps to help defend yourself against scams:
1. STOP: Don’t give money or personal details or click on any links if you’re unsure. Say no, hang up, delete.
2. CHECK: Scammers pretend to be from organisations you know and trust – like myGov, your bank, the police or government. If you’re not sure, call the official phone number of the organisation to check.
3. REPORT: The more we talk, the less power they have, report it to Scamwatch or call the Australian Cyber Security Hotline on 1300 292 371.
Scamwatch encourages everyone to have open conversations about scams, stay cautious, and share their experiences. The more we discuss and report scams, the less effective scammers will be. Help is available if you think you’ve been scammed or need advice on how to stay safe. Visit Scamwatch for more information, tips, and tools to help protect yourself and your loved ones from scams.