SayNoToScams Practise these

Scam types in Australia

Social media and DM scams

A social profile carries something a text cannot: the appearance of a relationship. A cloned account copies a real friend's photo and name, adds a few mutual friends, and starts a conversation you have every reason to trust.

Check the account, not the message. A second profile for someone you are already friends with is the tell. Ring the friend you actually know and ask — and never move a conversation about money to a platform the other person chooses.

Also called Facebook scam DM, cloned profile, Instagram investment scam, fake friend request, romance scam message

Practise these 4 messages I have already paid or replied

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

Social media message Investment scam

A scam. Nobody doubles money in a month.

Where
Instagram direct message
From
wealthwith_ryan
Profile
Not following you4

I’ve helped 40 Aussies double their money this month1. Send $500 in crypto tonight2 and I’ll add you to my private trading group3.

The 4 signs

  1. A return that cannot exist
  2. Crypto, and tonight
  3. A private group
  4. They approached you
Is the “double your money” Instagram DM a scam?

Social media message Romance scam

A scam — and the gift cards are the giveaway.

Where
Facebook Messenger
From
Daniel · Gold Coast
Profile
Friends since last month4

I trust you more than anyone1. My account is frozen while I’m overseas2 — could you send $1,200 in gift cards3 so I can get home?

The 4 signs

  1. Trust, declared very early
  2. A crisis you cannot verify
  3. Gift cards
  4. You have never met
Is the “my account is frozen, send gift cards” message a scam?

Social media post Investment hype

A scam. Real share offers do not run on a 20-minute clock.

Where
Facebook group post
From
Aussie Money Moves
Profile
Posted in Wealth Builders AU

Exclusive pre-launch shares are open for 20 minutes only1. Join 3,000 members4 already earning 35% every month2. DM “START” for the private link3.

The 4 signs

  1. A countdown
  2. A guaranteed monthly return
  3. Move to DMs for a private link
  4. Members earning is not evidence
Is the “exclusive pre-launch shares” Facebook post a scam?

Social media message Cloned profile

A scam. The photo is your aunt. The account is not.

Where
Facebook Messenger
From
Kath Wilson
Profile
New profile · 2 mutual friends

Hi love, my old account got hacked so this is my new profile1 — add me back? x

Are you free to help me with something quickly?2 Don’t say anything to your mum, she worries3.

The 3 signs

  1. A “new profile” you cannot verify
  2. A vague ask, first
  3. Keep it from the family
Is the “my old account got hacked” friend request 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 social media and dm scams 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