Scams and frauds use urgency, trust and convincing stories to obtain money or personal information. Slow down, verify the request independently and act quickly if something has already been shared or paid.
Pause before clicking a link, sharing information or sending money. Do not let urgency or pressure make the decision for you.
Verify the person, organisation and payment details using an official website or a trusted phone number—not the details in the message.
If you may have been targeted, preserve the messages and report it. If money was sent, contact your bank and the Police immediately.
Scammers may impersonate banks, government agencies, businesses, colleagues or people you know. A familiar name, logo or caller ID is not proof that a request is genuine.
Check the full email address, phone number and account name. Be cautious when contact is unexpected, even if the display name looks familiar.
Do not open a link or attachment you were not expecting. Hover over links to inspect them, but remember that convincing look-alike addresses can still be fraudulent.
Go directly to the organisation’s official website or call a publicly listed number. Do not use the contact details supplied in a suspicious message.
Never provide passwords, PINs, card security codes or one-time verification codes in response to an unexpected call, email, text or social-media message.
Verify new or changed bank-account details by speaking with the intended recipient on a trusted number, especially before unusual or high-value payments.
Never install software or give a caller control of your phone or computer unless you independently requested support from a trusted provider.
Scams take many forms, but the methods used to create pressure, obtain information and direct payments are often similar.
Someone contacts you first with an opportunity, problem or request for money or sensitive information.
You are told to act immediately, keep the arrangement secret or avoid checking with someone you trust.
Someone asks for passwords, PINs, card details, identification documents, login credentials or verification codes.
An investment, prize, loan or opportunity promises unusually high returns with little or no risk.
Fees or taxes must be paid before a reward is released, or payment is requested through cryptocurrency, gift cards, personal accounts or money-transfer services.
Look-alike websites, unexpected attachments, generic email addresses, unusual wording or spelling mistakes can indicate impersonation or phishing.
Use reputable local, regional and international sources for current advice about scam types, cyber safety and protecting your personal and financial information.
Local information and practical guidance on scams, cyber security, online safety and protecting yourself and your community.
Explore research, news and practical resources from the Global Anti-Scam Alliance on scam trends, prevention and global cooperation.
Read the latest NCSC alerts on scams, cyber threats and security vulnerabilities, including steps you can take to reduce the risk.
Browse the latest scam alerts, news and advice from Australia’s Scamwatch to help recognise emerging scams and stay informed.
Find New Zealand guidance on recognizing and avoiding scams, protecting your personal information, and what to do if you’ve been scammed.
Information about common fraud schemes, online crime and practical measures for protecting yourself.
