- Digital Security
- Phone Scams
- Phishing Awareness
Phishing, spoofing, and impersonation scams are evolving. Learn how to protect your personal and banking information from today's digital scams.
Digital Scams Are Closer Than You Think
In today’s hyper-connected world, scammers are only one message away from accessing your bank details, identity documents, or one-time security codes. What once felt like rare threats are now common occurrences — 860 million phishing emails are sent globally every day.
Whether it’s a phone call, text message, email, or instant message via social media, scammers are using every digital channel to reach potential victims.
Why You Should Be Concerned
Scams aren't just a minor nuisance — they cost Australians millions of dollars every year. Phone-based scams alone accounted for more than $63.6 million in reported losses between January and September 2021, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
Despite growing awareness, scammers are adapting, using techniques like spoofing — where a call or text displays a known Australian number to appear legitimate — and impersonating trusted brands, government agencies, and even police authorities.
Common Tactics to Watch Out For
- Unsolicited messages: Any unexpected email, text or phone call with a link, offer, or threat should be treated with suspicion.
- Urgency and pressure: Scammers will urge you to act fast — either to claim a refund, verify a transaction, or avoid penalties.
- Seasonal scams: Examples include fake parcel tracking messages during Christmas or phishing messages around tax season.
- Impersonation scams: Fake messages or calls from the Australian Federal Police (AFP), banks, or Medicare requesting personal information.
Case Study: AFP Impersonation
In one disturbing 2021 scam, criminals impersonated AFP agents and contacted victims by phone and email. They claimed suspicious activity had been linked to the victim’s bank accounts, then requested Medicare, address, and bank details. The scammers even spoofed official AFP contact numbers. One person lost $16,000.
How Scammers Use Your Information
- Accessing bank accounts to steal funds
- Creating fake accounts in your name
- Using your one-time code to bypass two-factor security
- Stealing your identity for long-term fraud
How to Protect Yourself
- Stop: Don’t click, reply, or act without verifying the source.
- Think: Would you give your bank details to a stranger on the street? Apply the same logic to digital interactions.
- Act: If scammed, contact your bank immediately to freeze cards and secure your accounts.
If you use digital banking apps, check whether they offer extra security tools. For instance, Macquarie's Authenticator app lets you deny suspicious transactions in real time.
Key Takeaways
- Scammers are increasingly sophisticated and may impersonate trusted brands or agencies using spoofed numbers or emails.
- Verify all unsolicited communication independently before responding.
- Don’t provide personal or banking details unless you’re 100% sure who you’re dealing with.
- Stay alert to seasonal scam patterns and never rush into action.
Scams thrive on pressure and confusion — slow down, question everything, and trust your instincts. Your best defence is to stay informed and sceptical.