Phishing Scams – What to Watch For

Phishing scams may be sent by email, text message, phone call, or social media, and often pretend to be from trusted organisations. eg: PayPal, AusPost, ATO, MyGOV.

What Scammers Want You to Do

If you click the link, they may ask for:

• Usernames and passwords

• Card or bank details

• Onetime passwords (OTPs)

If you call the number, they may:

• Pretend to fix an issue or dispute transactions for you

• Ask for security codes

• Try to access your device

• Guide you into making payments

See the examples below of common phishing scams:

• Fake invoice: A message claiming an invoice has been issued (often using names like Bitcoin) and asking you to click a link or call a number.

• Fake subscription renewal: A message saying a subscription has been renewed or will be charged, urging you to call to dispute it.

• Fake credit card letter: An email claiming to a letter for your credit card asking you to click a link to retrieve it.

How to Protect Yourself

• Avoid clicking links in unexpected messages

• Check and contact via phone numbers against the organisation’s official website

• Only enter personal details on official websites or apps

• Never share OTPs, passwords or security codes

Hey Mum / Hey Dad” Scam – What You Need to Know

Phishing scams can also involve scammers pretending to be your child or another close family member. They usually claim:

• They’ve lost their phone

• They’ve broken their phone

• They’re using a “temporary number”

• They need urgent help paying a bill, rent, or replacing the phone

• They cannot access their bank account

See two examples below of a ‘Hey Mum/Dad’ scam.

How to Protect Yourself

• Stop and check – contact your child/family member on their usual number

• Don’t transfer money to anyone claiming to be a family member without verifying their identity

• Never share OTPs, passwords or security codes

• Avoid clicking linksin unexpected emails or messages

• Only enter personal details through official websites or apps

If something feels urgent or unusual, that’s a red flag.