Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)

Scammers often impersonate known organisations to deceive you. If you’re unsure, hang up or let the call go to voicemail. To check whether the call is genuine, contact the organisation using details you confirm yourself – for example, via an official website, bill or app. Remember: Stop, check and report. Find out more tips on how to protect yourself from phone scams at https://lnkd.in/g79z3QeD #ScamsWeek24

More than 28,000 Australians have made the decision to self-exclude from all licensed online and phone wagering services since the ACMA launched BetStop – The National Self-Exclusion Register in August 2023. The register allows people to self-exclude for a minimum of 3 months up to a lifetime. Of the more than 28,000 registrants choosing to self-exclude: • Almost half were aged 30 and under, and 80 per cent were aged 40 and under. • Around 40 per cent have decided to self-exclude for life. • Fewer than 20 per cent of registrants chose the minimum period of 3 months. • Over 14 per cent have already extended or reactivated their self-exclusion period. ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin said that the register’s first year of operation has shown that Australians want help in managing their gambling behaviour. “Online gambling can cause a great deal of harm to individuals, their families and friends, so it’s encouraging that so many people have decided to take the step and register to self-exclude. More information: https://lnkd.in/ggzPeN5V

This year so far, there have been over 140,000 reported scams. If you, or someone you know, has been scammed, don’t be embarrassed – get help immediately. What to do: • Tell your bank and telco. • Report the scam to Scamwatch at www.scamwatch.gov.au. • Contact IDCARE (a free service for people who have had their identity stolen). • Tell people you know so they can give you support. More tips on how to protect yourself from phone scams available on our website: https://lnkd.in/g79z3QeD

Scammers use sophisticated tactics to coerce money or information from people. Sadly, Australians in vulnerable circumstances are often a target. We have free resources to help people recognise and avoid phone scams. Your organisation can help by: • displaying posters in community spaces for people who may not use the internet • including an infographic in your newsletters • posting information on social media using our phone scam graphics and animations. Our ‘Scams target everyone’ package includes posters in English, Arabic, Chinese (simplified and traditional), Vietnamese, and Italian, as well as social media graphics and animations to build community awareness. Downloadable files are available on our website: https://lnkd.in/gwKnKGh

Stay up to date on the latest ACMA research news, consumer trends and market developments by subscribing to our research newsletter: https://lnkd.in/g-ng754

Stop and check. If a call or text asks you to take immediate or urgent action, make a payment or click on a link, it could be a scam. Protect yourself from phone or SMS scams: https://lnkd.in/g79z3QeD #ScamsWeek24

Scammers are devious. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often use the offer of cheap products or services to get you to hand over your personal information or money. They use phone calls or texts and pretend to be from a well know business or brand offering you a great deal. If you think it’s a scam: • don’t answer phone calls if you don’t know who it is – let the call go to voicemail • don’t click on links • don’t send money. Find out how to protect yourself from phone scams at https://lnkd.in/g79z3QeD #ScamsWeek24

Beware of messages from strangers trying to start a conversation or entice you into a relationship – it may be a scam. As part of Scams Awareness Week, the ACMA is warning people to be on the lookout for romance and relationship scam messages. Scammers will contact people via different channels, including Instant Message on social media, WhatsApp, email and SMS. They will then try and develop a relationship with you over time, pretending to be romantically or otherwise interested in you to gain your trust. These scams are designed to get you to provide money or personal information. More information about what to look out for, and how to protect yourself, in our scam alert: https://lnkd.in/gsg5z3Xr

Over $130 million in losses to scams have been reported in Australia so far this year. This Scams Awareness Week, along with the National Anti-Scam Centre, we’re reminding you to be wary of who might be emailing, calling or texting. Take a moment to stop and check if you receive a text message that: • looks like it’s from a known organisation • tells you to click a link or call a phone number to check your details • asks for your personal information • has bad spelling, or strange links and names. Don’t reply or click on any links. Delete the message. Find out more information on how to protect yourself from phone scams at https://lnkd.in/g79z3QeD #ScamsWeek24

Scams Awareness Week kicks off today! This #ScamsWeek24 we’re encouraging you to speak up, share and report scams. Keep an eye on our social channels as we share tips on how to protect yourself from phone scams. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g79z3QeD