Staying Safe Online - Scam Prevention

Scammers are becoming increasingly clever and sophisticated. It's important for all of us to learn how to identify and avoid different kinds of scams, so that we can protect ourselves and the people we care about. That's why we've partnered with Australia's national identity and cyber support service, IDCARE, and pet scam prevention organisation, Puppy Scam Awareness, to develop the tips and advice below.

If you think you've identified a scam on Facebook or Instagram, you can report it by clicking the 'Report post' or 'Report photo' button. You can find more information on how to report a scam to Facebook here. If you have lost personal information to a scammer and are concerned, you can contact IDCARE. If you have fallen victim to a puppy scam, you can contact Puppy Scam Awareness Australia.

For more information on to how keep your Facebook account safe secure, you can access our online resources. If you think your Facebook account may have been hacked, please also visit our Hacked Wizard page.

The Investment Scammer

The investment scammer promises a great investment opportunity such as cheap loans, cryptocurrency schemes or share promotions. They offer quick money, low risks and high returns, but then take your money and run.

For more information, see IDCARE’s fact sheet on Investment Scams.

The Phishing Scammer

The Phishing Scammer contacts you pretending to be a legitimate business such as a bank, telephone or internet provider. The scammer then tricks you into providing identity details such as drivers licence, passport or bank account details, which are used to carry out fraudulent activities.

For more information, see IDCARE’s ‘What is Phishing’ video and fact sheet on the issue of broader identity theft.

The Romance Scammer

The Romance Scammer may claim to be looking for love or friendship, but is actually motivated to steal your money or acquire your identity details such as drivers licence, passport or bank account details, which are used to commit other crimes.

For more information, see IDCARE’s video and fact sheet on romance scams.

The e-Commerce Scammer

The e-Commerce Scammer may charge you for products that you never receive, or ask you for identity details such as drivers licence, passport or bank account details, in exchange for your purchase. They then use your details to commit fraudulent activities.

For more information, see IDCARE’s fact sheet on e-Commerce scams.

The Job Scammer

The Job Scammer creates fake jobs and tricks you into providing your identity details such as drivers licence, passport or bank account details when you apply. They then use your details to commit fraudulent activities.

For more information, see IDCARE’s fact sheet on Job Scams.

The Lottery Scammer

The Lottery Scammer asks you to pay a fee in order to claim your prize or winnings from a competition or lottery you’ve never entered.

For more information, see Scam Watch’s fact sheet on Lottery Scams and Unexpected Winnings.

The Pet Scammer

The Pet Scammer tricks you into buying a puppy, kitten or bird that doesn’t exist. Criminals pose as breeders, then take the money and run.

For more information, see Puppy Scam Awareness’s information resource on how to identify a fake pet seller website.

In partnership with:

IDCARE provides a community support service when responding to scams, identity theft and cybercrimes. IDCARE specialist services address device and personal information risks to build and promote confidence and resilience online. For more information, visit their website: https://www.idcare.org/

In partnership with:

Puppy Scams Awareness Australia (PSAA) is a dedicated organisation that brings awareness to the thousands of pet scamming syndicates who prey on pet shoppers. PSAA aims to help puppy shoppers spot a scammer and we help scammed victims through community support. For more information, visit their website: https://www.puppyscamawarenessaustralia.com.au/