SayNoToScams Practise these

Scam types in Australia

Scam phone calls

A voice is more persuasive than a text, which is why the calls go after bigger amounts. Two moves appear again and again: getting you to install something so they can see your screen, and keeping you on the line so nobody can interrupt.

Anyone asking to connect to your computer to fix or refund something is taking control, not giving help. And no real agency threatens arrest by phone. Hang up. It is never rude to hang up — you can always ring back on a number you looked up yourself.

Also called tech support scam call, remote access scam, fake ATO call, arrest warrant scam, someone wants to access my computer

Practise these 3 messages I have already paid or replied

3 example messages, all scams. Every one is invented for practice, and each links to a page explaining exactly what gives it away.

Phone call Remote access / tech support

A scam. There is no Windows technical department that rings people.

Caller
Unknown caller
Number
+61 2 8015 4471
Screen
Incoming call · no caller ID1

CallerGood morning, I’m calling from the Windows technical department. We’ve had alerts that your computer is sending out infected files2 — are you at your computer now?

Sorry, who is this?

CallerTechnical support. This is quite serious — your IP address has been compromised. I’ll need you to open your browser and go to a support site so I can connect and clear it3.

CallerDon’t hang up5 — if you disconnect now the infection will reach your online banking. There’s an $89 service fee, we can take a card over the phone4.

The 5 signs

  1. Nobody knows your computer is sick
  2. A problem you can’t check
  3. Remote access is the entire call
  4. Card details on an incoming call
  5. Pressure not to hang up
Is the “we’ve detected a problem with your computer” call a scam?

Phone call Emotional urgency (grandparent scam)

A scam — and the cruellest one in the drill.

Caller
Private number
Number
Number withheld
Screen
Incoming call · no caller ID1

CallerGrandma? It’s me. I’m in a bit of trouble and I didn’t know who else to ring2.

Sweetheart? You sound different.

CallerI’ve got a broken nose, that’s why3. There was an accident and I’ve been charged. I need $4,000 for the bail bond this morning, or I’m stuck in here over the weekend4.

CallerPlease don’t tell Mum and Dad, they’ll kill me5. My lawyer will ring you in a minute and tell you where to send it.

The 5 signs

  1. You can’t see who is calling
  2. “It’s me” — never a name
  3. A reason the voice sounds wrong
  4. A deadline with a cruelty attached
  5. “Don’t tell Mum and Dad”
Is the “Grandma, I’m in trouble” call a scam?

Phone call Government impersonation

A scam. The ATO does not work like this, and neither do the police.

Caller
“ATO investigations”
Number
+61 2 9018 4406
Screen
Incoming call · Government services1

CallerThis is the investigations unit at the Australian Taxation Office. There is a fraud case open in your name2.

A case? I haven’t had any letters.

CallerIt has gone past the letter stage. You need to pay a $600 security bond today3 or police will attend your home this afternoon4. Stay on the line while I take the payment5.

The 5 signs

  1. Caller ID means nothing
  2. A case you have never heard of
  3. An invented fee
  4. Police, this afternoon
  5. “Stay on the line”
Is the “ATO investigations unit” call a scam?

Practise

Reading about it is not the same as catching it

The drill shows these messages without the answers, one at a time, and asks you to call it.

Start the scam phone calls set

The signs behind all of them

Eight signs, and what to say

Every message on this page relies on at least one of eight moves. One page, free to print.

Learn the eight signs