ACCC Issues Alert on Caller ID Spoofing and Rising Email Scams

• Cybersecurity
• Email Scams
• Caller ID Spoofing

The ACCC warns Australians of sophisticated scams using caller ID spoofing and email phishing. Learn how to identify these threats and protect yourself.

New ACCC Scam Warning: Caller ID Spoofing on the Rise

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), alongside the National Anti-Scam Centre, is urgently alerting Australians about scammers using caller ID spoofing to impersonate government agencies, including the ACCC itself. Fraudsters manipulate caller IDs to appear genuine, aiming to trick victims into revealing sensitive personal and financial details.

How the Scam Operates

Scammers employ phone spoofing techniques, making it appear as if calls originate from official ACCC numbers or other trusted institutions. This deception increases the chance victims will answer and provide personal information, such as passwords or bank details.

These scammers have also targeted multilingual households by conducting calls in languages other than English, complicating detection and prevention.

Email Scams: A Growing Threat

Email scams have surged, becoming the leading source of scam reports in Australia. According to Scamwatch, over 91,000 email scams were reported in 2024 alone, with thousands more already documented in 2025.

• Investment scams: Fraudsters pose as legitimate investment or financial service providers, causing significant financial losses.
• False billing scams: Scammers send fake invoices demanding immediate payments, accounting for significant financial losses.
• Marketplace fraud: Fake products or online retail scams designed to deceive buyers.
• Romance scams: Scammers create fake relationships online to exploit victims financially.

Who is Most at Risk?

Older adults, especially those aged 65 and above, reported the highest number of scam incidents, losing over $63 million. Women aged 45-54 experienced fewer scams overall but lost higher average amounts, reaching $29 million collectively.

How to Protect Yourself from Spoofing and Email Scams

Follow these steps to safeguard your personal and financial information:

• Never Share Sensitive Information: The ACCC never asks for passwords, banking details, or other sensitive data through unsolicited calls or emails.
• Hang Up and Verify: If a call or message feels suspicious, end it immediately and directly verify its authenticity with the supposed institution using independently sourced contact information.
• Be Cautious with Emails: Avoid clicking links or downloading attachments from unexpected emails. Verify requests directly with the organisation.
• Enhance Email Security: Regularly update passwords and use two-factor authentication (2FA) on important accounts.
• Report Suspicious Activity: Notify Scamwatch and your bank promptly if targeted by scammers.

Stay Informed, Stay Safe

Awareness remains your best defence against these increasingly sophisticated scams. Always verify suspicious communications and remain vigilant to protect your assets and personal data.