Unexpected Money Scams
Don’t lose your money trying to access entitlements, rebates or winnings. Offers of free money will cost you a lot. Scammers try to convince you that you are owed or entitled to, money or winnings that you did not expect to receive. The scammer asks you to pay a fee or to give your financial or identity details so you can get the money or winnings. There is no free money, and you will lose more money trying to get it.
Warning Signs It Might Be a Scam
- Unexpected emails, letters, texts, or any contact that say you are entitled to money, compensation, or an inheritance.
- You are asked to pay money up-front, like taxes or fees to get money or prizes; but you haven’t entered a competition.
- A letter or email looks official and asks you for an upfront ‘administration fee’ or tax to receive a refund or rebate.
- A court order says you are a beneficiary and asks for your identity information or money to make a claim.
Steps You Can Take to Protect Yourself
- Always stop, think, and check before you act. Offers of free money are too good to be true and are likely scams.
- Don’t pay a fee to collect winnings or a prize. Legitimate lotteries don’t ask you to do this.
- Never share your bank or credit card details or your identity documents to anyone you don’t know or trust. Government departments or trusted companies will never ask you to pay money upfront to claim a grant or rebate.
- Check with your bank, a legal service or a trusted friend or family member, to see if an offer is legitimate.
- Do an internet search using the names or contact details to check for any references to a scam.
- If a friend or family member sends you a message about a prize on social media, check with them outside of social media that they sent it.
Think You’ve Been Scammed?
Act Fast to Stop Any Further Losses
- Contact your bank or card provider immediately to report the scam. Ask them to stop any transactions.
- Change passwords on all your devices and online accounts like banking, email, government and shopping.
- IDCARE is Australia and New Zealand’s national identity and cyber support service. They can help you make a plan (for free) to limit the damage. Call them on 1800 595 160 or visit their website to find out more.
- Once you have secured your details, you can help us try to stop the scam or to warn others by reporting the scam to us.