BEWARE – Scam Emails & Texts

In recent months, there has been a noticeable increase in scam emails targeting individuals across Australia. These emails are becoming more sophisticated, often mimicking the look and feel of legitimate communications from trusted institutions like banks, financial services, and even the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). It is crucial to stay vigilant and protect yourself from falling victim to these scams.

Spotting the Red Flags
Scammers have become adept at creating emails that appear to be from legitimate sources. They often use official logos, familiar language, and even similar email addresses to trick recipients into believing the email is authentic. However, there are key signs you can look for to protect yourself:

1. Requests to Click on Links 
Remember, financial institutions and the ATO will NEVER ask you to click a link in an email to log in to your account or provide personal information. If you receive such an email, it’s a red flag. Instead of clicking on any links, go directly to the official website by typing the URL into your browser.

2. Suspicious Email Addresses
One effective way to spot a scam email is by checking the sender’s email address. Often, scammers will use email addresses that appear legitimate at first glance but may have slight misspellings or extra characters. By clicking on the sender’s name, you can view the full email address and determine if it’s truly from a trusted source. If the email address looks off or unfamiliar, it’s best to delete the email and report it.

3. Unsolicited Requests for Personal Information
Be wary of any unsolicited email asking for personal information, especially if it comes with a sense of urgency or a threat. Legitimate institutions will not ask for sensitive information like your bank details, passwords, or tax file number via email.

Stay Proactive and Informed
The best defense against these scams is awareness. Always take a moment to carefully review any email that asks you to take action, especially if it involves your finances or personal information. If you’re ever unsure about the legitimacy of an email, contact the institution directly using a phone number or email address you know is correct—not the one provided in the suspicious email.

By staying alert and informed, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated scams. Spread the word to friends, family, and colleagues to ensure everyone stays safe online.

Example of a scam email:

Stay Proactive and Informed
The best defense against these scams is awareness. Always take a moment to carefully review any email that asks you to take action, especially if it involves your finances or personal information. If you’re ever unsure about the legitimacy of an email, contact the institution directly using a phone number or email address you know is correct—not the one provided in the suspicious email.

By staying alert and informed, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated scams. Spread the word to friends, family, and colleagues to ensure everyone stays safe online.