Scam calls have become a significant nuisance in Australia, with scammers becoming more creative and harder to detect.
But there are ways to protect yourself from these malicious attempts to steal your money or personal information.
This guide will help you better understand scam calls and give you practical advice on how to avoid falling victim.
Table of Contents
What Are Scam Calls?
Scam calls are fraudulent phone calls designed to deceive you into providing personal information, such as your bank details or passwords, or paying money to the scammer.
These calls can range from pretending to be a government agency to offering fake services or investments. The goal? To trick you into giving up something of value.
Types of Scam Calls
Scam calls come in various forms, with each one using a different method to manipulate you:
- Investment Scams – High-return investment offers designed to entice you into handing over money for non-existent opportunities.
- Phishing Calls – The scammer impersonates a legitimate company, like a bank or utility provider, to get you to disclose personal information.
- Tech Support Scams – You receive a call claiming your computer has a virus, and the scammer offers to “fix” it in exchange for remote access and payment.
- Government Agency Scams – Fraudsters pretend to be from government bodies like the Australian Tax Office (ATO) or Centrelink, threatening legal action if you don’t pay a bogus debt.
- Prize and Lottery Scams – You’re told you’ve won a prize or lottery, but to claim it, you need to pay a processing fee.
How To Recognize Scam Calls
Recognizing a scam call can be challenging, but there are key red flags to watch for:
- Unsolicited contact – You receive a call out of the blue, especially about a prize or an issue you weren’t expecting.
- Urgency – The caller pressures you to take immediate action, often using threats or a limited-time offer.
- Requests for sensitive information – Legitimate companies won’t ask for personal details like your passwords or banking information over the phone.
- Suspicious caller ID – Scammers may spoof numbers to make it look like they’re calling from a trusted source.
If something feels off, trust your instincts—hang up and verify the information through official channels.
A History Of Scam Calls In Australia
Phone Scam
Timeline
The Rise of AI Scam Calls
In recent years, scammers have started using artificial intelligence to enhance their tactics. With AI, they can generate realistic voice recordings of family members or officials to sound more convincing.
These AI-driven scam calls can mimic your loved ones’ voices, adding a layer of emotional manipulation.
This evolution in scam technology makes it even more critical to stay vigilant and skeptical of unusual requests over the phone.
How Much Money Australians Lose to Scam Calls
Australians lose a staggering amount of money to scam calls each year. In 2023, Australians reported losing $2.7 billion to various scams, according to the ACCC.
Scamwatch data also indicates that phone scams remain one of the most common and costly forms of fraud.
The ATO has also reported an increase in phone scams, particularly those impersonating tax officials.
While losses have slightly declined, the numbers remain concerning, and the need for awareness has never been higher.
What Companies Are Doing To Stop Scam Calls
Fortunately, many companies are stepping up their efforts to curb scam calls. Telstra has been at the forefront, releasing safety tips and highlighting common scam tactics to keep their customers informed.
In partnership with Westpac, Optus also introduced the SafeCall technology, designed to detect and block scam calls before they reach you.
These initiatives show the telecom industry’s commitment to tackling this issue, but it’s important for you to also take steps to protect yourself.
How To Safeguard Yourself From Scam Calls
Protecting yourself from scam calls requires a proactive approach:
- Don’t answer unknown numbers – Let the call go to voicemail if you don’t recognize the number.
- Block and report – Use your phone’s built-in features to block suspicious numbers.
- Never share personal information over the phone – Legitimate companies won’t ask for sensitive information like bank details or passwords.
- Install call-blocking apps – There are many apps available that can detect and block known scam numbers.
- Verify before acting – If you receive a call claiming to be from a company or government agency, hang up and contact them directly using official contact details.
How To Report Scam Calls
If you believe you’ve received a scam call, report it to the appropriate authorities. The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has a straightforward process for recognizing and reporting scams.
You can also report scams to Scamwatch or the ATO, Reporting helps authorities track and take action against scammers.
Conclusion
Scam calls continue to be a persistent issue, but by staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself from falling victim.
Stay vigilant, recognize the signs of scam calls, and don’t hesitate to report them. Your awareness is your best defence against these fraudsters.
