Avoiding scams
Scams take many forms. The people who carry out scams are heartless, self-serving and predatory. Their only goal is to take your money and give you little or nothing in return.
There are hundreds of ways NSW consumers can lose their money. They can get mixed up in pyramid schemes, fall for bogus business opportunities or fake overseas lottery prizes, sign up with unscrupulous introduction agencies or simply purchase goods and services without doing their homework.
Dangerous myths about scams
How to protect yourself from scams
View the Recent scams Fair Trading is aware of.
If the scam you are looking for is not listed, use our online Report a scam form.
Dangerous myths about scams!
Busting the following commons myths will help reduce your chances of being scammed.
| MYTH: | All Internet sites are real and legitimate |
| FACT: | Fake websites can easily be set up to look like the real thing |
| MYTH: | There are shortcuts to wealth that only a few people know |
| FACT: |
They wouldn't be telling their secrets to you |
| MYTH: | Scams only involve large amounts of money |
| FACT: |
Some scammers target large numbers of people for small amounts of money. It all adds up to a lot if they succeed |
| MYTH: | Scams are always about money |
| FACT: |
Some scams try to steal your personal information to sell or get more than just your money |
| MYTH: | Governments vet all companies and businesses, therefore any offers you receive are from legitimate organisations |
| FACT: | Scammers are criminals. They act illegally and can contact you from anywhere in the world. |
How to protect yourself from scams
There are no guaranteed get-rich-quick schemes – the only people who get rich are the scammers:
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Don’t respond to offers, deals or requests for your personal details. Stop. Take time to independently check the request or offer.
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Never send money or give credit card, account or other personal details to anyone who makes unsolicited offers or requests for your information.
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Don’t rely on glowing testimonials: find solid evidence from independent sources (not those provided with the offer).
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Never respond to out of the blue requests for your personal details.
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Always type in the address of the website of a bank, business or authority you are interested in to ensure you are logging into the genuine website.
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Don’t open unsolicited emails.
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Never click on a link provided in an unsolicited email as it will probably lead to a fake website designed to trick you into providing personal details.
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Never use phone numbers provided with unsolicited requests or offers as it probably connects you to fakes who will try to trap you with lies.
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Always look up phone numbers in an independent directory when you wish to check if a request or offer is genuine.
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Don’t dial a 0055 or 1900 number unless you are sure you know how much you will be charged.