BE AWARE OF SCAMS, ever increasing in this day and age, with developing technologies. You may get a phone call requesting money, a text message from a ‘loved one’ asking for money, an email requesting the purchase of gift cards for later reimbursment, these are all ‘Red Flags’.
Things you can do to avoid getting caught in a scam:
1. Never give out your sensitive information over the phone. This may include maiden name, card details and passwords.
2. Check the legitimacy of phone calls, emails and messages by verifying numbers and addresses from official websites and other sources. A secure website will have the padlock symbol or https: in the URL (website address)
3. Regularly change passwords and keep antivirus software up to date.
4. Never click on any links or download apps until you have verified the source and legitimacy.
5. Trust your gut. If it doesn’t sound right or is a ‘Red Flag’ ask someone to help look into it. Notify friends or family and share around the community.
There’s no harm in asking to call a business back and taking your time to verify the information.
You can report scams to the Australian Government’s National Anti Scam Centre (NASC) at:
https://www.nasc.gov.au/
November 2024