OCBA - Scam alert

Scam alert

Most South Australians have been contacted at some time by a scam operator even though they may not have realised someone was trying to con them. Consumer and Business Services keeps detailed records of scams. If you have any doubts about an offer contact us or report it to the national SCAMwatch service on 1300 795 995 before responding.

Scammers will use any means to trick you into parting with your money or personal details. They may use a personal touch such as contacting you at home of they may push your emotions to evoke a sense of guilt, fear or anxiety. They also use slick tricks such as professional looking websites or they may pose as someone from an organisation you may trust.

If a scam comes your way remember to:

PRESS DELETE, THROW IT OUT, SAY ‘NO THANKS', SHUT THE DOOR OR JUST HANG UP!

Phone call or SMS out of the blue? Phishy email or ‘lucky' letter? Unknown knock at the door?
Strange behaviour from an online friend or admirer?

Scammers target you anytime, anywhere, anyhow.

To protect yourself against scammers:

DON'T RESPOND
Ignore suspicious emails, letters, house visits, phone calls or SMS – press ‘delete', throw them out, shut the door or just hang up.

WATCH OUT FOR SLICK TRICKS
Scammers use sophisticated tricks to fool you such as fake websites, glossy brochures, technical jargon or posing as someone that you know and trust – don't fall for them!

DON'T LET SCAMMERS PUSH YOUR BUTTONS
Scammers will play on your emotions to get what they want.

PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY
Your personal details are private and invaluable – keep them that way and away from scammers.

Fighting fraud: we can all play a part.

Slam Scams!
National Consumer Fraud Week 2012
An initiative of the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce
For more information visit www.scamwatch.gov.au

[Consumer and Business Services is a member of the Taskforce and urges you to protect yourself against scams]

Topics in this section

Related information

Warnings

Copyright
Information on copyright for the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs website is provided on behalf of South Australia Central http://www.sacentral.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=60

Disclaimer
Information on the disclaimer for the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs website is provided on behalf of South Australia Central http://www.sacentral.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=61

Privacy
The South Australian Office of Consumer and Business Affairs (OCBA) is committed to protecting your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal information, consistent with the South Australian Government's Information Privacy Principles. If you would like to view the full privacy statement please visit: http://www.ocba.sa.gov.au/privacy.html

Webmaster
If you wish to provide feedback on the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs website please contact the Webmaster via email mailto:webmaster@agd.sa.gov.au

Accessibility
Information on accessibility for the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs website can be viewed at: http://www.ocba.sa.gov.au/accessibility.html