December 08, 2023

What online scammers don’t want you to know

36 minutes

Guest: Delia Rickard

Online scammers steal billions of dollars from Australians every year. And even as we become wise to their tricks, cyber criminals are stepping it up with ever more sophisticated schemes that are getting harder to spot. Host Val Quinn talks to Delia Rickard, the Deputy Chair of the ACCC, about the types of scams targeting your money and personal information, ways to avoid them, and what to do if you’ve been scammed.

IMPORTANT!

If you suspect you’ve been caught up in a scam, you can report it to ScamWatch: https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/

Be Connected provides a comprehensive course to help you find help and support if you’ve been scammed: https://beconnected.esafety.gov.au/topic-library/safety-first/help-and-support

If you’re concerned that your identity might have been stolen, contact ID Care: https://www.idcare.org/

Delia reminds us that it’s a good idea to use your free credit reference check to see if criminals might have used your identity: https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/credit-reporting/access-your-credit-report

If you feel you need additional support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24/7) or visit https://www.lifeline.org.au or https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

Definitions from this episode:

The ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) is helping the telcos disrupt text messages and scam callers: https://www.acma.gov.au/

Malware scams work by installing software on your computer that allows scammers to access your files or watch what you are doing on your computer. Scammers use this information to steal your personal details and commit fraudulent activities.

Scamwatch publish a free PDF to help individuals and businesses learn about scams: https://www.accc.gov.au/publications/the-little-black-book-of-scams

Cryptocurrency (Crypto) is any form of currency that exists digitally or virtually and uses cryptography to secure transactions. Delia warns about online crypto scams and about the risks of paying online using cryptocurrency.

DISCOVER MORE:

Sign-up and build your digital skills for free at BeConnected: https://beconnected.esafety.gov.au

Learn how to avoid scams and tricks: https://beconnected.esafety.gov.au/topic-library/safety-first/avoiding-scams-and-trick

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By eSafety Commissioner