Beware of scams

Scams, spam, and malware continue to pose significant threats to Australians in 2024. Cybercriminals are increasingly sophisticated, making it essential to stay informed and vigilant. This guide outlines key ways to protect yourself and your family.

Recognise Common Scams

SMS Impersonation Scams: Australians reported over 109,000 SMS-based scams in 2024, marking a 37% increase from the previous year (ACMA, 2024).
Investment Scams: These remain the most financially damaging, with Australians losing over $1.3 billion in 2023 (news.com.au, 2024).
Romance and Dating Scams: Fraudsters increasingly use dating apps to build trust before convincing victims to invest in fake cryptocurrency platforms (The Guardian, 2024).

Protect Yourself from Phishing and Malware

Beware of Deepfake Technology: AI-driven deepfakes are making phishing attacks more convincing, contributing to a 60% increase in phishing attempts in 2024 (Harvard Business Review, 2024).
Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Consider a password manager to generate and store complex passwords for each account.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Require two forms of identification before granting access for an extra layer of security.
Keep Software Updated: Regularly update operating systems and applications to patch vulnerabilities.

Report and Respond to Scams

Report to Scamwatch: Scamwatch received over 143,000 scam reports in the first half of 2024, with 92.9% of individuals reporting no financial loss (Scamwatch, 2024).
Contact Your Bank Immediately: If you suspect you’ve been targeted, contact your bank to halt unauthorized transactions.
Alert the Authorities: Report incidents to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) and local law enforcement.

Stay Informed

Scamwatch: Access the latest scam alerts and advice at Scamwatch.
Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC): Find cybersecurity alerts, guidance, and resources at cyber.gov.au.
Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA): Monitor telecommunications regulations and scam prevention initiatives at acma.gov.au.

In Conclusion

By staying informed and adopting proactive security measures, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to scams, spam, and malware. Vigilance, strong habits, and timely reporting are your best defenses.