‘Share a story, stop a scam’ is the theme of the National Anti-Scam Centre’s 2024 Scams Awareness Week. All Australians are encouraged to speak up, share their experiences, and report scams to Scamwatch.

Scams Awareness Week 2024 is running from Monday 26 August to Friday 30 August. Hundreds of government organisations, companies, and consumer groups across the country are supporting this campaign. Media organisations can find campaign material including people sharing their scam stories here.

“We all have a part to play in shutting down criminal scammers. By talking to each other, we can make sure no one is alone in the fight against scams. People who’ve had money stolen should not feel shame when they’ve been targeted by sophisticated criminals,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

The National Anti-Scam Centre wants consumers to share their scam stories with friends, colleagues and loved ones to demonstrate that, given the right circumstances, anyone can become a victim of a scam. Scammers create and take advantage of different situations, including when their targets are distracted, busy, fearful, anxious, or stressed.

Being scammed can cause significant emotional distress, strain on relationships and financial hardship. A recent CHOICE survey of 280 scam victims, revealed 30 per cent of respondents who did not contact their bank made that decision because they felt like it was their own fault.

Reporting a scam and talking to support services not only helps victims to understand what happened but also informs authorities about scammer activities so they can prevent future scams and warn and educate the public.

By sharing intelligence with other government agencies, law enforcement, and private organisations to help disrupt scams, the National Anti-Scam Centre is making Australia a harder target for scammers.

“Being scammed is a horrible experience, and it can happen to anyone. This Scams Awareness Week campaign is a chance for Australians to come together and recognise the power we have to help protect one another from scammers,” Ms Lowe said.

Australians are urged to talk about their experiences this week using the hashtag #ShareAScamStory.

Support for people impacted by scams

  • If a scammer has stolen your money or personal details, contact your bank or card provider immediately to report the scam. Ask them to stop any transactions.
  • IDCARE is Australia and New Zealand’s national identity and cyber support service. They can help make a plan (for free) to limit the damage caused by identify theft. Call them on 1800 595 160 or visit idcare.org to find out more.
  • If a scam is causing problems with debt, talk to a financial counsellor. Moneysmart provides a list of free and confidential services to help you get your finances back on track.
  • If you need someone to talk to, reach out to family and friends or you can contact Lifeline (13 11 14) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636).

How to spot and avoid scams

STOP – Don’t give money or personal information to anyone if you’re unsure. Scammers will create a sense of urgency. Don’t rush to act. Say no, hang up, delete.

CHECK– Ask yourself could the call or text be fake? Scammers pretend to be from organisations you know and trust. Contact the organisation using information you source independently, so that you can verify if the call is real or not.

REPORT– Act quickly if something feels wrong. Contact your bank immediately if you lose money. If you have provided personal information call IDCARE on 1800 595 160. The more we talk, the less power they have. Report scams to the National Anti-Scam Centre’s Scamwatch service at scamwatch.gov.au when you see them.

Reference: NASC2/24

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Email: media@accc.gov.au
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