Scammers Spoofing ACCC Numbers to Steal Your Data: Stay Alert

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• ACCC warning
• spoofed calls

The National Anti-Scam Centre warns Australians of scammers impersonating ACCC phone numbers. Learn how to protect your information.

Australians Warned of Scam Calls Spoofing ACCC Numbers

The National Anti-Scam Centre is urging Australians to remain vigilant after receiving reports that scammers are spoofing phone numbers belonging to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). These scammers are attempting to steal personal information by impersonating trusted government agencies.

What Is Phone Number Spoofing?

Spoofing is a deceptive tactic where scammers falsify the caller ID to make it appear they are calling from a legitimate source. In this case, scammers are using publicly listed ACCC numbers to pose as representatives of the agency. The ACCC confirms it does not make calls from these reception numbers and would never request sensitive information via unsolicited calls.

How the Scam Works

In reported cases, scammers impersonate ACCC staff and request details like passwords, banking information, or answers to security questions. In some cases, they even misrepresent themselves as unrelated organisations using the ACCC acronym and communicate in other languages to target different communities.

The scam relies on building trust by mimicking official numbers, pressuring victims with urgency, and creating fear or confusion. These are common red flags in scam communications.

Official ACCC and National Anti-Scam Centre Advice

• Hang up immediately if you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from the ACCC.
• Never share personal information over the phone unless you are 100% sure who you're speaking with.
• The ACCC will never ‘cold’ call you asking for sensitive information or demand payment.
• Scammers may pressure you to act quickly. Always stop and think before responding.

What to Do If You Suspect a Scam

• STOP: Don’t provide personal or financial details. Hang up or delete suspicious messages.
• CHECK: Verify the source by independently finding official contact details and reaching out.
• PROTECT: If you suspect your information is compromised, contact your bank immediately. For further help, contact IDCARE at 1800 595 160.

Reporting Scams Helps Everyone

Every scam report is valuable. It helps the National Anti-Scam Centre track trends, raise awareness, and protect others. You can report scams at scamwatch.gov.au. If you're targeted on messaging platforms like WhatsApp or iMessage, report the scam within the app as well.

Stay Informed and Stay Safe

Scams are evolving, and phone number spoofing is just one of many tactics used to deceive Australians. The key is awareness. If something feels off, trust your instincts—hang up and verify. Always use secure communication channels, and never rush to share sensitive data over the phone or online.