Cyber awareness in everyday life: Five ways to avoid being scammed

16 Jul Cyber awareness in everyday life: Five ways to avoid being scammed

Our everyday lives are increasingly managed online. We receive bills by email, banking alerts by text, delivery updates and payment requests through apps and websites. These services are convenient, but they also give scammers more opportunities to imitate trusted organisations and steal money or personal information.

Cyber awareness is not only for businesses or technology experts. It matters to students, families, retirees and everyone in between. A few careful habits can reduce your risk.

Unexpected Urgency or Pressure

Be cautious when an email, text or phone call demands immediate action. A scammer may claim that your account will be suspended, a parcel cannot be delivered, a bill is overdue or your bank account has been compromised. The message may threaten penalties or encourage you to act before you think.

Stop and check independently. Do not use the link, phone number or contact details in the message. Open the organisation’s official app, type its website address into your browser or call a number from a trusted statement or card. Scamwatch lists urgency, payment requests and instructions to click links as common warning signs.

Changes to Payment Details

Treat any unexpected change to bank account details as suspicious, particularly when paying a large invoice. Fake invoices can contain genuine-looking logos, business names and Australian Business Numbers while directing your payment to a scammer.

Before transferring money, call the business or person using contact details you already know and confirm the account information verbally. This is particularly important when paying for building work, travel, vehicles or professional services. Never rely only on an email advising that banking details have changed.

Links, Attachments and Login Requests

A message can appear to come from your bank, telecommunications provider, government agency, friend or family member. Sender names and phone numbers can be disguised, so familiarity is not proof that a message is genuine.

Avoid opening unexpected attachments or signing in through links sent by email or text. Go directly to the official website or app. Check the full email address, spelling and web address carefully, but remember that sophisticated scams may contain no obvious errors.

Requests for Personal Information or Security Codes

A legitimate organisation should not unexpectedly ask you to reveal passwords, PINs or one-time security codes. Never give remote access to your computer or phone to an unsolicited caller.

Activate multi-factor authentication wherever possible. It requires more than one form of identification and is one of the most effective ways to protect important accounts. Use strong, unique passwords, consider a password manager, keep devices updated and protect your email account carefully because it may reset access to other services.

Offers That Seem Unusually Good

Scams often appeal to hope as well as fear. Unexpected prizes, unusually cheap products, guaranteed investments, romance requests, refunds and job offers can lower your guard. Pause before sending money, sharing identification or downloading software. Research the organisation independently and discuss the offer with someone you trust.

Where Does Insurance Fit?

Insurance may play a role in your overall cyber protection. Review your home and contents policy and ask your insurer or insurance broker or adviser whether personal cyber assistance or protection is included or available.

Understand exactly what is covered, what is excluded, whether an excess applies, what evidence would be required and how quickly an incident must be reported. Insurance can provide valuable support following an eligible event, but it does not replace secure passwords, updated devices and careful online behaviour. The type and level of insurance that is suitable will differ between individuals, so professional insurance advice can help you understand your options.

If you believe you have been scammed, contact your bank immediately, change affected passwords and report the matter through Australian cybercrime and scam-reporting channels. Acting quickly may help limit further damage.

Cyber protection starts with one simple habit: stop, question and independently verify before you click, disclose or pay.

If this article has inspired you to think about your unique situation and, more importantly, what you and your family are going through right now, please get in touch with your advice professional.

This information does not consider any person’s objectives, financial situation, or needs. Before making a decision, you should consider whether it is appropriate in light of your particular objectives, financial situation, or needs.

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