Fake emails
Emails pretending to be from legitimate sources, however that are asking you to give away personal or private information.
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Spotting scams
Impersonation fraud
What is an impersonation scam?
These type of scams involve criminals pretending to be a trusted organisation such as a bank, the police or a government department. You'll get a phone call, text message or email that appears to be from a trusted organisation or person. A criminal might say your bank account is at risk and ask you to move your money to a ‘safe account’.
Tips on how to spot an impersonation scam
- You receive a call, text, email or DM with an urgent request for your personal or financial information, to make a payment or move money.
- You receive a message from a friend or family member requesting financial assistance often with an urgent reason such as them being stranded overseas or requiring medical help.
- You’re pressured to act immediately. The caller pressures you to rush causing a level of panic.
- You’re asked to transfer money to another account for ‘safe-keeping’.
- You’re asked for cash or a payment as part of a police investigation or told money in your account needs to be analysed as part of an ongoing investigation.
Steps to protect yourself
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We will never ask you to transfer money to a safe account or ask for your full PIN, password or passcode.
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Contact us or the organisation directly using a known email or phone number.
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Don’t give anyone remote access to your computer or install any applications or software to your computer or devices following a cold call or unsolicited message or text.
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Download and register free for Malwarebytes premium to keep your devices secure against things like viruses, ransomware and phishing scams.
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Register for biometrics within the app as an extra level of security which helps to protect you against fraud.
How to report fraud
If you think you may have been victim of an impersonation scam then we're here to help.
Fake telephone calls
Phone calls from fraudsters that encourage you to give out personal details, such as your debit card number or card reader codes.
Identity theft
Identity theft is when a fraudster steals your personal information to impersonate you, open accounts, obtain credit or set up businesses.