Australians are being urged to take a stand against scammers with a new awareness campaign launched by the National Anti-Scam Centre. The initiative, titled ‘Stop. Check. Protect.’, is designed to empower the public with practical tools to fend off fraudulent schemes, emphasising that anyone can be a victim but everyone has the power to fight back.
The campaign comes as scams continue to drain billions of dollars from Australian consumers and businesses annually. From fake emails and text messages to deceptive social media tactics, scammers have become increasingly sophisticated, exploiting new technologies and posing as trusted organisations to deceive unsuspecting individuals.
ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe highlighted the urgency of behavioural change to counter these threats. “We want every Australian to stop and check before they act on suspicious messages or calls. That moment of pause could make all the difference,” she said. Ms Lowe underscored the growing challenge posed by criminals who leverage artificial intelligence and impersonation techniques to steal money and personal information.
For the millions who feel overwhelmed by the ubiquity of scams, Ms Lowe had a reassuring message: “We are not powerless. By staying alert, pausing to verify, and reporting scams, we can shield ourselves and others from financial harm.”
The National Anti-Scam Centre and @ASICMedia co-led a fusion cell targeting investment scams. Watch Catriona Lowe – Deputy Chair of the ACCC, explain how fusion cells work and the positive outcomes from the Investment Scam Fusion Cell. pic.twitter.com/uX8x1xm9ld
— National Anti-Scam Centre (@nascgovau) May 22, 2024
The three core steps of the campaign are simple but effective:
- Stop: Never rush to share money or personal details.
- Check: Question the legitimacy of the message or call—could it be fake?
- Protect: Act immediately if something feels off. Report scams to Scamwatch to aid in protecting others.
The campaign will reach Australians through television, online video, and social media platforms. Efforts are also being made to engage vulnerable groups, including older Australians, First Nations peoples, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Resources are available in 22 languages to ensure the message resonates with all communities.
Ms Lowe reminded Australians that scams are criminal acts, and falling victim to one is not a reflection of naivety or poor judgement. “It’s a crime, and victims should feel no shame. Reporting scams is a critical step towards dismantling these operations and safeguarding others.”
To identify and avoid scams, Australians are encouraged to look out for warning signs. Offers that seem too good to be true, urgent requests for action, and unusual payment methods like cryptocurrency or gift cards are all red flags. Scammers often create a sense of urgency or play on emotions to pressure their targets. Verifying suspicious requests independently—by contacting organisations directly through official channels—can be a lifesaver.
The campaign complements broader efforts by the National Anti-Scam Centre, which is working with government bodies, law enforcement, and industry leaders to disrupt scams at their source. This collective approach aims to not only reduce the prevalence of scams but also undermine the networks that perpetuate them.
The battle against scams may feel daunting, but with initiatives like ‘Stop. Check. Protect.’, Australians are better equipped than ever to turn the tide. By staying vigilant and taking action, individuals can help build a more resilient community where scams no longer thrive unchecked.
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🚨 Australians are urged to join the Stop. Check. Protect. campaign to fight #scams. 💡 Stay alert, pause, verify, & report! 🚫 How do you protect yourself? 🔍 #TheIndianSun @nascgovau @asicmedia #StopCheckProtecthttps://t.co/xQwXEVbqLO
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