Scams work by creating urgency and authority. A bank fraud team, a police officer, a government refund, a computer virus, a courier who needs a fee. The details vary. The feeling is always the same: act now, tell nobody.
Common scams
- Bank impersonation. "We have detected fraud. Read us the code we just sent you."
- Government or tax debt. "You owe money and will be arrested."
- Centrelink or My Aged Care refunds. "We need your bank details to release a payment."
- Remote access. "Your computer has a virus. Let us log in."
- Romance scams. A relationship that eventually needs money for an emergency.
- Investment scams. A guaranteed return, often through crypto or a fake platform.
- Courier and toll scams. A small fee for a parcel that is not real.
- Grandchild scams. "I am in trouble, please do not tell Mum."
The rules that stop most of them
- Never give a code. A legitimate organisation will not ask for the code sent to your phone.
- Hang up and call back on a number you find yourself. Not the number they gave you.
- Never let anyone remote into your computer.
- Never send money or gift cards to someone you have not met.
- Slow down. Urgency is the tool. Real organisations can wait.
- Tell someone. Isolation is the scammer's best friend.
If you are not sure
Hang up. Call a family member. Call the organisation on a number from their official website. Ask the bank to place a hold on the account if you are worried.
You are allowed to be rude to a caller. You are allowed to hang up. You are allowed to say "I do not do business on the phone."
If money has gone
Act quickly. Call your bank immediately. Report it to Scamwatch. Report it to the police. Change your passwords. Tell someone you trust.
Shame is the biggest barrier to reporting, and it helps the scammer. Being scammed is not a sign of stupidity. It is a sign that someone did their job well.
Set up the protections before you need them
Ask the bank about daily transfer limits, two-factor authentication and alerts for unusual transactions. Register for the Do Not Call Register. Use a password manager. Those steps do not stop every scam, but they reduce the damage.
For family members
Do not take over the person's money without a proper conversation. That damages trust and can be a form of abuse. Instead, offer to check things together, set up alerts, and agree that any request for money gets a second call.
Watch for sudden changes: a new "friend", unusual withdrawals, secrecy about the phone, or a lot of mail from charities and competitions.
Where to report
- Scamwatch for reports and alerts.
- Your bank for unauthorised transactions.
- ReportCyber for online crime.
- Police if someone is at the door or threatening.
- Seniors Rights Victoria if you are worried about financial abuse by someone known to you.
Common questions
Can I get my money back after a scam?
Sometimes, if you act quickly and the bank can stop the transfer. Report it immediately.
Is it rude to hang up?
No. It is the correct response to an unsolicited call asking for information or money.
How do I know if a call is from my bank?
Hang up and call the number on your card or the bank's official website. Never use the number they give you.
What is the Do Not Call Register?
A free register for Australian phone numbers. It reduces telemarketing calls, though not all scams.
What if a family member is taking advantage?
That is financial abuse. Seek advice from Seniors Rights Victoria or a lawyer. Do not confront alone if there is a risk.
Sources and further reading
This guide is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. If you are worried about your health, call your GP. In an emergency, call 000.