Every day hundreds — maybe thousands — of Australians get messages, calls or emails that promise something too good to be true: a “limited time offer,” a “delivery issue,” a “refund due,” or a “government grant.” If it feels suspicious… it probably is. In a world of slick phishing, fake online stores and deepfakes, knowing your rights and the red flags is more important than ever.
This post will help you understand how to spot scams in Australia, how to avoid them, and what to do if you become a target or victim. Whether it’s a dodgy SMS, a suspicious email, or a shady online store — you’ll be equipped to stay safe.
Let’s get started.
Quick Overview (Snapshot Summary)
- Common scam tactics targeting Australians (fake retailers, phishing, social-media promos).
- Red flags to watch out for every time you get a message or see a deal online.
- Practical prevention habits to reduce your risk.
- How and where to report scams — quick checklist.
- A short quiz to test your scam radar.
Want to dive deeper? Keep reading!
1. What Are the Most Common Scams Hitting Australians
According to Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) and its scam-watch arm Scamwatch, some of the most frequent scam types in Australia are: (ACCC)
Types of Common Scams
- Fake online stores (“ghost stores”) that take your money or card info and never deliver. (Scamwatch)
- Phishing emails or SMS pretending to be banks, government agencies, delivery services or retailers — often asking to “confirm account details” or “verify identity.” (ACMA)
- Social-media scams & bogus ads offering discounted products, mystery deals, or “too-good-to-be-true” offers. (ACCC)
- Investment or grant scams / “get rich quick” pitches — especially common during economic uncertainty. (National Anti-Scam Centre)
- Identity theft & account-takeover scams — where scammers get access to your email or bank and try to impersonate you. (ACCC)
2. How to Spot a Scam (Red Flags to Watch Out For)
Red Flag Checklist
- Promises that sound too good to be true — huge discounts, big returns, or “limited-time only” pressure.
- Urgency or pressure — “Act now or you miss out,” “Limited stock,” “Offer ends soon.” Scammers use urgency to stop you thinking.
- Requests for personal info or payment up front — especially via direct bank transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
- Poor spelling, grammatical errors or odd email domains — legitimate retailers/organisations usually don’t send messages from weird-looking addresses.
- Unexpected contact — if you didn’t initiate anything, be suspicious (especially with “You won!” or “Your delivery is on hold”).
- No verifiable contact details or ABN/registration — especially for online retailers; check business legitimacy first. (ACCC)
- Requests to keep it secret or handle off-platform — “Only contact me,” “Don’t tell anyone,” “Pay outside the app.”
Bold statement: If you feel a ping of doubt — stop. Pause. Investigate.
3. Practical Habits to Avoid Being Scammed
Here are everyday behaviours that dramatically reduce your risk.
- Always verify the website or business before buying — check ABN, reviews, address, and search for feedback online. (ACCC)
- Never click suspicious links in SMS or emails. Instead, go directly to the official site or app.
- Use secure payment methods — card, PayPal, or payment processors rather than direct bank transfer when possible.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on emails, banking, social media — extra security helps if accounts are compromised.
- Keep software, devices and antivirus up to date — many scams exploit outdated software or vulnerabilities.
- Be especially alert during sales seasons, Black Friday or holiday deals — scam activity tends to spike.
- Educate family and friends (especially older or less tech-savvy members) — scammers often target those who trust messages more readily.
4. What to Do If You Suspect a Scam or Have Been Scammed
Immediate Steps
- Stop all contact and do not send more money or info.
- Contact your bank or card provider — they may be able to freeze or reverse transactions. (Scamwatch)
- Change passwords & enable 2FA once you suspect data might be exposed.
Report It
- Report to Scamwatch / National Anti‑Scam Centre (NASC) via their website. (Scamwatch)
- If it’s a cybercrime (hacking, identity theft), you can report to Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) using their online tool, ReportCyber. (Victoria Government)
- Report to your local police if you lost money or your identity was compromised. (counterfraud.gov.au)
Support & Recovery
If you believe your identity has been compromised, contact support services such as IDCARE (free support for identity theft victims). (ACCC)
Pro Tip Box
Pro Tip: Take screenshots (or photos) of every suspicious message — date, time, sender info — this helps with reporting and catching recurring scams.
5. Quick Guide: What to Do When a “Ghost Store” Scam Shows Up (Fake Online Retailer)
Intro
It’s 2 AM, you see an ad on social media for a “limited-time 70% off” designer watch — cheap, shipping included. Tempting, right? But it could be a ghost store scam.
Common Pitfalls
- No ABN or business registration
- No verifiable address or reviews
- Pressure to pay immediately via bank transfer or less secure methods
How to Avoid It
- Search for the store name + “reviews” + “scam” in Google
- Check the ABN via Australian Business Register
- Use secure payment (credit card, PayPal)
- If shipping seems suspiciously fast or free worldwide — be cautious
Why It Works
Scammers exploit urgency and low prices. A little verification can save you big headaches and stolen money.
6. Interactive Quiz: Test Your Scam Awareness
1. You get a text message saying “Parcel delivery failed. Click here to pay $2 charge.” What do you do?
A. Click link and pay — easier than re-booking.
B. Delete the message. Log into the postal service directly to check.
C. Forward to a friend for advice.
2. A social media ad offers a “must-have fitness watch” for 80% off. The website has no reviews and only accepts bank transfer. What’s your move?
A. Buy — 80% off is huge!
B. Pass — doesn’t feel right.
C. Try to research the store for a day or two.
3. A stranger sending you a message claims they’re from your bank and asks for your username/password to “fix an issue.”
A. Provide info — maybe they’re trying to help.
B. Hang up / don’t reply — real banks don’t ask that.
C. Report the message to Scamwatch right away.
Answers: 1 → B, 2 → C (or B), 3 → C
If you mostly picked B or C — your scam radar is sharp. If you picked A — no judgment, just time to stay more alert 😉
7. Mistakes to Avoid (Common Behaviours That Help Scammers)
- Thinking “it won’t happen to me” — scams are indiscriminate.
- Clicking links instead of verifying sender legitimacy.
- Using the same password for multiple accounts.
- Ignoring fresh or suspicious emails/messages — even if they appear legitimate.
- Believing high reviews or slick websites always equal trust.
- Sharing personal info (DOB, TFN, bank details) without verifying identity.
8. FAQs
Q1: Can I get my money back if I fell for a scam?
Sometimes — contact your bank immediately to request a chargeback or freeze. Report the scam to Scamwatch and police. Recovery depends on payment method, bank terms and how fast you act.
Q2: I got a weird call from “myGov” — is that real?
Unlikely. Government agencies rarely call unsolicited. Always log in through official websites to check — never click links from messages.
Q3: I’m a student / new immigrant — am I more at risk?
Maybe. Scammers often target those new to Australia with fake job, visa- or package-related scams. Stay especially alert and verify everything.
Q4: What if I just clicked a suspicious link — what should I do?
Immediately change passwords for important accounts (email, bank, social media), enable 2FA, run antivirus scan, and consider reporting to the ACSC or Scamwatch.
Q5: Where can I learn about the latest scams in Australia?
Regularly visit Scamwatch’s news and alerts pages. The National Anti‑Scam Centre releases regular reports and trends. (National Anti-Scam Centre)
Conclusion
Scams in Australia are evolving — and so should your defences. By recognising red flags, applying simple prevention habits, and knowing what to do if something goes wrong, you can navigate digital life with confidence. Staying alert doesn’t mean living in fear — it means staying informed, cautious and ready. Keep this guide bookmarked, share it with family and friends, and take back control of your online safety. In a world full of noise, your scam radar is your superpower.
Disclaimer
This post offers general information and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always verify through official channels, and if you believe you are the victim of serious fraud or identity theft, contact relevant authorities or a licensed professional.
