Scams and cybercrimes

In this guide, we explain scams. 

A scam is when someone tries to: 

• trick you 
• take your money.

In this guide, we also explain cybercrimes. 

A cybercrime is when someone uses computers or the internet to break the law. 

For example, they steal information or damage computers with a virus.

If you think you have been scammed, it’s important you know what to do.

For example, you should stop contacting the scammer. 

A scammer is a person who does a scam.

You can find out more on our What you should do if you have been scammed page.

You should not reply to people or organisations you don’t know. 

This includes:

• emails or messages 
• letters 
• phones calls 
• if they visit you in person.

You should:

• delete their messages 
• hang up on them 
• shut your door if they visit you.

You should not let scammers upset you. 

They will try to use your emotions to get what they want.

You should look out for tricks scammers might use. 

For example: 

• fake websites 
• acting like someone you know or trust.

You should not use the same password for all of your online accounts.

You should protect your personal information. 

This includes your personal information that shows who you are.

For example, you should try not to fill out forms online where they ask for your bank details.

You should only use websites or phones that are secure. 

For example, you should make sure: 

• the website says ‘https’ 
• the address for the website is spelt right.

Scammers might ask you to:

• send them money 
• send them your personal information 
• pay them in different ways, like a gift card.

Scammers might try and steal your personal information by hacking your computer.

Scammers might sell you something but won’t send you the item.

Scammers might try to buy something from you. 

But they will say they sent you too much money and will ask you to send some back.

Scammers might act like they:

• have feelings for you 
• are in a romantic relationship with you.

Scammers might act like they are from a charity and ask you for money.

Scammers might lie about ways you can make money.

Scammers might offer you: 

• a job 
• a way to earn a lot of money quickly.

But they will say you need to pay them money before they do this.

Scammers might threaten you. 

When someone threatens you, they say they will do something bad to you if you don’t give them what they want.

Scammers might lie and say you have won money, like a prize giveaway.

You can find out more about these types of scams on the Scamwatch website.

Cybercrime can often be part of online scams. 

But not all cybercrimes include scams.

Cybercrimes can also be: 
 

• email spam

• attacks on computer systems

• stealing someone’s identity. 

Your identity is what makes you who you are. For example, your name and age.

Cybercrimes also include: 
 

• sharing content that is against the law

• fake websites to buy or sell items that might be worth a lot, like online money

• cyberbullying. 

Cyberbullying is when a person uses technology to say or do something to make you feel bad over and over again.

You can find out more about cybercrimes on the Australian Cyber Security Centre website.

You can find advice about scams on the Scamwatch website.

You can find out more about scams on the Little Book of Scams page on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission website.

You can find out more about how to stay safe online on the Australian Signals Directorate website.

If you can’t find the information you need, you can contact us on the Complaints and enquiries page on our website.

There are services you can contact if you are upset or need support.

You can contact Lifeline. 

Lifeline is a service for people at risk of suicide. 

This is when someone ends their own life.

You can find out how to contact them on the Lifeline website.

You can contact Beyond Blue. 

Beyond Blue is a service that connects people with care they might need for how they: 

• think and feel about themself 
• deal with things in their life 
• manage their feelings.

You can find out how to contact them on the Beyond Blue website.

You can also contact Suicide Call Back Service. 

Suicide Call Back Service is a free 24/7 call service for people at risk of suicide.

You can find out how to contact them on the Suicide Call Back Service website.