Outsmarting the Scammers: A Quick Guide to Staying Safe in 2025
Let’s talk about the 2.74-billion-dollar problem. Scams.
Here’s the thing about scammers - they’re relentless. Through the shift to the digital age, these digital thieves have stepped up their game with full-blown call centres, fake websites, and schemes so polished, they are tricking hundreds of thousands of hard-working Australians out of billions every year.
Let’s start 2025 off right by knowing exactly what to watch out for and how to stay one step ahead.
A Few Key Things About Scams.
Here’s a rundown of some of the biggest scams happening right now. They’re sneaky, but once you know their tricks, they’re much easier to spot:
-
Remote Access Scams
These scammers impersonate reputable organisations like Microsoft, the ATO, the AFP, or even a member of the scam team from a well-known bank. They might say something is wrong, and they need you to download software so they can "fix the problem" lest you fall prey to vicious online attacks (don’t you love the irony?). What they’re actually fixing is their access to your money.
Their Playbook: These scammers create a sense of urgency, requesting software downloads, one-time passwords, or other personal information.
How to Beat Them: If anyone asks to remotely access your device, hang up. MOVE Bank or any legitimate business will never make you do this. Ensure you never provide your one-time passwords over the phone.
-
Phishing Emails and Texts
Phishing is incredibly common, but thankfully a good spam filter can go a long way with these. Phishing scams run through messages or emails to you pretending to be your bank, a delivery service, toll companies, the list is endless. They’ll include links asking you to "confirm your details" or "fix a problem." Spoiler alert: it’s always fake.
Their Playbook: These scammers design emails and texts to look legit, often with logos and official-sounding language.
How to Beat Them: Don’t click links or open attachments you aren’t expecting or from anyone you don’t trust. Hover over links before clicking them to see the URL attached. Visit the official website or contact the company directly to verify.
-
Fake Websites
These are the digital equivalent of a knock-off designer bag - flashy, tempting, and completely fake. They mimic real retailers with unbelievable deals. You hand over your card details thinking you’ve scored a bargain, but the only thing you’re getting is scammed. These schemes are especially prolific during sales events like Black Friday and Boxing Day. The instant tell? It feels urgent and too good to be true.
Their Playbook: These scammers will throw in amazing discounts and countdown timers to pressure you into buying fast.
How to Beat Them: Check the web address for typos, look for "https" in the URL, and use trusted payment methods for extra protection.
-
Social Engineering Scams
Basically, emotional manipulation at its lowest. Scammers pretend to be someone you know (a friend, family member, or coworker) and use personal details to gain your trust.
Their Playbook: They might say they’re in trouble and need money urgently.
How to Beat Them: Verify by contacting the person through another method, like a phone call or text message. Never send money without checking first.
Stay Sharp and Always:
- Be Suspicious of Urgency: Scammers want you to act fast so you don’t have time to think. Pause and ask yourself: “Does this sound legit?”
- Hang Up and Call Back: If a representative from an organisation calls from an unknown number, hang up and call the company directly using their official number.
- Keep Your Devices Secure: Regularly update your phone, computer, and apps. Updates include security fixes that block hackers. Turn on your system update reminders to help with this.
- Use Strong Passwords: Avoid simple passwords like your name, your birthday or our personal favourite; ‘123456’. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. A password manager can help you create and store unique passwords for every account.
- Spread the Word: Talk to friends and family about common scams, especially if they’re less familiar with technology. A quick chat could save them a lot of trouble. If you’ve spotted a scam, report it to Scamwatch and your bank.
At MOVE Bank, we’re here to help you stay safe. If we ever spot suspicious activity on your account, you might hear from us or our partner fraud service Orion by phone or SMS - but remember, we’ll never ask you to provide or confirm your card details in full, one-time-passwords or Internet Banking passwords. If you ever feel unsure, trust your instincts and reach out to us directly.
Here’s to a scam-free 2025! Stay sharp, stay secure.
Source: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (2024) https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/scam-losses-decline-but-more-work-to-do-as-australians-lose-27-billion
