Build scam busting habits
Are you tired of living in constant fear of scammers? Do you want to reclaim your peace of mind without needing a degree in cybersecurity? Then read on, because this article on how to prevent scammers is for you!
Every day, Australians fall victim to scams, losing hard-earned money and precious peace of mind. But it doesn’t have to be this way. By adopting a few simple habits, you can outmanoeuvre these crafty criminals. Let’s dive into five everyday habits that can shield you from the clutches of scammers.
Five Scam Busting Tips
1. Treat Every Unsolicited Contact with Caution
Think about this: when was the last time you won a lottery you never entered? Exactly. If you receive an unsolicited call, email, or text message from someone claiming you’ve won a prize, owe a debt, or need to verify personal information, be sceptical. This is a common scammer tactic. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) calls this “remote access scams”.
In 2022 alone, Aussies lost over $48 million to these scams. So, make a habit of verifying before trusting.
2. Keep Your Personal Information Personal
Would you hand over the keys to your house to a stranger? Of course not! Then why give away your personal information so readily? Scammers can do a lot of damage with your name, date of birth, address, and bank details. Make it a daily habit to safeguard your personal information just as you would your physical possessions.
3. Regularly Update and Secure Your Devices
Your phone and computer are gateways to your personal life. Scammers know this and exploit any weaknesses they find. Make it a habit to keep your devices updated with the latest security patches. Install reliable antivirus software and use strong, unique passwords. Remember, a secure device is a scammer’s nightmare.
4. Be Wary of ‘Too Good to Be True’ Deals
Who wouldn’t love a high return investment with no risk? But let’s face it, in the real world, high returns come with high risks. Scammers often lure victims with irresistible offers. In fact, Australians lost over $328 million to investment scams in 2022. So, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always do your research before parting with your money and prevent scammers getting your cash.
5. Educate Yourself and Stay Informed
Knowledge is power to prevent scammers, especially when it comes to scam prevention. Make it a habit to stay informed about the latest scams and how to prevent them. Websites like OzScamwatchers and the ACCC provide a wealth of information.
Educate yourself
Let’s take a moment to remember Joan, an 80-year-old grandmother from Perth. She received a call from a scammer posing as her grandson, asking for urgent financial help. But Joan had recently read about this type of scam on Oz Scamwatchers.com. She asked the caller questions only her grandson would know. When he couldn’t answer, she hung up and reported the call.
By adopting these five simple habits, you’re not just protecting yourself—you’re fighting back against the scammers. You’re saying, loudly and clearly, that you won’t be their next victim. So, are you ready to turn the tables on these fraudsters? Read more news here.
Start today, and share this knowledge with your loved ones. Together, we can make a difference.
