Little Black Book of Scams
By Chris Bowen, Assistant Treasurer; Minister for Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs
Date: 04 March 2008
Consumer watchdog, the ACCC, has released its little black book of scams.
Scams do not discriminate; they target people of all backgrounds, ages
and income levels. The cost of
scams and fraud to families and the economy is significant. It is estimated that the cost of advance fee fraud is up to $680
million per year.
The ACCC has indicated that the lottery or sweepstake frauds and money transfer requests are particularly common scams that consumers should be wary of. This current 'Fraud Fortnight’ campaign is also a good opportunity for parents to remind their children of new scams that target mobile phones and emails.
The little black book of scams highlights the latest scams and offers consumers tips on how to protect themselves from scams, what they can do to minimise damage if they do get scammed and how they can report a scam.
All families are encouraged to get a copy of the ACCC’s little black book of scams and follow the 10 Steps to Protect Yourself!, so they can be on top of the latest scams and how best to handle them.
For copies of the little black book of scams consumers, go to SCAMwatch www.scamwatch.gov.au, or contact the ACCC Infocentre on 1300 302 502 for a free copy of the book.
10 Steps to Protect Yourself!
Don't let scammers steal your money and personal details – protect yourself.
1. AVOID rip offs. Treat all unsolicited promises and requests for your details carefully. Don’t respond to offers, deals or requests for your details. Stop. Take time to independently check the offer.
2. NEVER send money or give credit card, account or other personal details to anyone who makes unsolicited offers or requests for information.
3. DON’T rely on glowing testimonials: find solid evidence from independent sources (not those provided with the offer).
4. NEVER respond to out of the blue requests for your personal details.
5. ALWAYS type in the address of a website of a bank, business or authority - it’s safer.
6. NEVER click on a link provided in an unsolicited email as it will probably lead to a fake website designed to trap you.
7. NEVER use phone numbers provided with unsolicited requests or offers as it probably connects you to fakes who will try to trap you with lies.
8. ALWAYS look up phone numbers in an independent directory when you wish to check if a request or offer is genuine.
9. DESTROY old bills, records and expired cards – don’t just bin them.
10. CHECK your credit report at least once a year.
