Online scams are more convincing than ever — and more common. Whether it is an email claiming your bank account has been locked, a text message saying you missed a parcel delivery, or a phone call from someone pretending to be from Microsoft, scammers have become very good at making their messages look and sound legitimate.
The good news is that once you know what to look for, most scams are not that hard to spot. This guide is written for everyday computer and phone users — no technical knowledge required.
The Most Common Scams to Know About
Phishing emails: These are emails designed to look like they come from a real organisation — your bank, Australia Post, the ATO, Netflix, or even Microsoft. They usually ask you to click a link and enter your personal details or password. The link takes you to a fake website that looks real but is not.
SMS scams (smishing): Similar to phishing emails but sent by text message. Common examples include fake parcel delivery notifications, toll road payment reminders, and messages claiming you are owed a tax refund.
Tech support scams: A phone call or pop-up message claims your computer has a virus and urges you to call a number or allow remote access. Legitimate companies like Microsoft, Apple, or Telstra will never contact you out of the blue to tell you your computer has a problem.
Too-good-to-be-true offers: Emails or social media posts offering prizes, cheap products, or investment opportunities that seem unusually attractive. If it sounds too good to be true, it almost always is.
Whenever you’re asked to enter credit card details, or any identifying information you should always exercise caution, even if you think you’re connected to a genuine organisation.
Five Signs Something Is a Scam
There is urgency or a threat: Scammers want you to act quickly before you have time to think. Phrases like ‘your account will be closed’, ‘act now’, or ‘you will be fined’ are red flags.
The sender’s address looks odd: Hover over the sender’s name in an email and check the actual address. A real email from your bank will come from the bank’s official domain — not something like nab-secure@gmail.com or anz-alerts@outlook.net.
There are spelling mistakes or strange wording: Many scam messages are written in slightly awkward English. Legitimate organisations proofread their communications carefully.
You are asked for personal or financial information: No legitimate organisation will ask for your password, PIN, or full credit card details via email or text.
You did not expect the message: If you receive a message about a delivery you were not expecting, an account you do not have, or a prize you never entered, that alone should raise suspicion.
Some scams involve a phone call or ask you to give external access to your device or ask you to enter personal details including your date of birth, maiden names or even your PIN or password.
What to Do If You Are Not Sure
If you receive a message and you are not certain whether it is genuine, do not click any links and do not call any numbers shown in the message. Instead, contact the organisation directly using a phone number or website you already know — look it up independently rather than using details provided in the suspicious message.
If you think you may have already clicked a link or shared personal information, contact your bank immediately and change your passwords. It is also worth letting someone you trust know what happened.
Good Security Software Helps Too
A good security program like ESET can provide an important extra layer of protection — blocking known malicious websites, alerting you to suspicious links, and catching threats before they cause harm. OJ Computers recommends and supplies ESET Security for home users across the Fleurieu Peninsula, with protection starting from $57.95 per year. We handle the setup and billing locally, so there is no need to navigate complicated websites.
If you live in Victor Harbor, Goolwa, Port Elliot, Middleton, Normanville, Strathalbyn, Yankalilla or anywhere across the region and you have questions about online safety or think you may have been targeted by a scam, please do not hesitate to give us a call. We are always happy to help — no question is too basic.
For more tips on staying safe online check out our blog – The Most Common Online Scams We’re Seeing (And How to Avoid Them)
You can also find up to date information at Scamwatch.