Hang up and don't reply, follow links or share security codes. Check the claim through the organisation's app or contact details you've found independently. If you've shared banking details or sent money, contact your bank immediately. Report suspicious contact to Scamwatch, then block unwanted calls and messages.
Why am I getting police, bank or payment messages?
Scammers impersonate banks, police and other trusted organisations to get your money, personal details or computer access. They make the request sound urgent so you'll act before checking who's contacting you.
The caller may already know your name or address, according to Scamwatch's phone scam advice. That knowledge doesn't establish that they're from your bank. Treat requests for banking details or computer access as warning signs, even if the caller knows something about you.
In its March 2023 warning, Scamwatch describes fake bank texts appearing beside genuine bank messages. Scammers can also copy a bank's caller ID, which is the number your phone displays. A familiar number or message thread isn't proof that you're speaking to the bank.
How can I check whether the contact is genuine?
End the conversation and check through the organisation's app or contact details you've found independently. Don't use the number or link supplied in the suspicious call or message.
Open your bank's app directly to check a payment alert, rather than opening it through the message. If you need to call, find the number on the bank's official website yourself. I'd choose that independent check over trying to judge how convincing the caller sounds.
Scamwatch's March 2023 warning identifies different wording within an existing bank message thread as a warning sign. It also flags messages containing a phone number you're told to call. Don't use the message's appearance as your only check, even when the wording looks familiar.
What if I've already shared details or paid?
Contact your bank or card provider immediately if you've sent money or shared banking details or security codes. Ask them to stop transactions, and don't delay that call to finish a scam report.
- End contact with the suspected scammer so you can speak directly to your bank.
- Call your bank using independently found contact details. Tell them exactly what you've paid or disclosed, including passwords, card details or security codes.
- Change passwords on your devices and online accounts, including banking and email, as Scamwatch advises after a scam.
- If your Apple Account may be compromised, change its password immediately and turn on two-factor authentication, as Apple recommends.
- Contact IDCARE if you've disclosed personal information. Once you've secured your details, report the scam to Scamwatch.
Which requests should I refuse?
Refuse requests to transfer money for safekeeping, disclose banking passwords or read out security codes. Don't give an unexpected caller remote access, which lets them control your computer.
Scamwatch's March 2023 bank warning says transferring money to another account for protection isn't standard bank procedure. A caller saying they're investigating fraud doesn't make that transfer safe. The rule is short: don't move money because an incoming caller tells you to.
Don't install software because a caller tells you to fix a supposed security problem. Apple also advises against opening or saving attachments in suspicious or unsolicited messages. If someone threatens immediate arrest unless you cooperate, hang up rather than negotiating with them.
Can I reduce the repeated calls and texts?
Screen unknown callers and block unwanted contact, but don't expect the Do Not Call register to stop scam calls. Scamwatch says scammers can still reach registered numbers and private numbers.
- Let calls from unknown numbers go to voicemail instead of answering under pressure.
- Use your phone's controls to block unwanted messages and calls.
- In Apple Messages, tap Report Junk under a suspicious message when that option appears.
- Don't reply to suspicious messages or follow their links to investigate them.
Where should I report it, and when do I need help?
Report suspicious contact to Scamwatch even if you haven't lost money. If someone has stolen your money or personal information, you can also make a police report.
IDCARE provides free identity and cyber support and can help you plan how to limit the damage. Scamwatch can help connect you with IDCARE if you're at risk of identity misuse or need recovery support.
If you installed software or allowed computer access, explain that when seeking device security help. For concerns about malicious software, read what to do if you think your computer has a virus. A computer check doesn't replace contacting your bank about exposed banking details or payments.
If you've allowed a caller into your computer and need help in Frankston, Peninsula IT Solutions can help with virus and malware removal.
For workplaces and small businesses, see our Cyber security and backups for a business.
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