Scam awareness is something we feel so passionately about here at RFS Advice and we
continuously aim to provide the most up-to-date information and advice for our clients to
keep them safe in the digital age. We have been lucky to partner with Claire Robinson and
the team at Basic Tech this year offering our clients educational sessions to teach and
empower clients to actively use technology to maintain their independence. Together
during Scams Awareness Week we want to ensure our clients and the wider community are
reminded of potential threats and remain equipped to identify common red flags.

Recent data tells us that scams cost Australian consumers, businesses and the economy
hundreds of millions of dollars each year. In 2021, combined scam losses reported to
Scamwatch, banks and other government agencies was $1.8 billion. On top of that a third of
victims do not report scams, so the real numbers were well over $2 billion. In 2022, losses to
Scamwatch have increased by around 100% suggesting we are looking at losses around $4
billion this year. We hope that in a joint effort to spread awareness and assist
technologically challenged groups to learn and understand risks, we can reduce these
numbers.

Did you know…

  • The highest loss categories were investment scams ($267.2 million), dating and romance scams ($23.4 million) and remote access scams ($16.6 million).
  • The top three most reported scams were phishing (44,600 reports), false-billing (23,300 reports) and online shopping scams (11,700 reports).
  • The most common contact modes were phone (46,00 reports), SMS (45,200 reports) and email (28,700 reports).

What can YOU do to stay safe?

Know the signs…

If you notice any of the following red flags, investigate further before taking action:

  • Something/someone urging you to act quickly.
  • A caller threatening you for immediate payment.
  • Messages and emails asking you to click on links or open attachments.
  • Someone asking for your passwords, or personal and financial details.
  • Offers that sound too good to be true.
  • A caller asking to remotely access your computer.
  • Requests for payment via unsecure or unusual methods such as cryptocurrency, gift cards or bank transfer.
  • Requests asking for payment to a new bank account.
  • Unsolicited offers of financial or investment advice.
  • Offers to make fast or guaranteed money with little to no risk.

Prepare and protect yourself…

  • Never give personal information to a stranger. Scammers will pose as a legitimate contact to get your details to hack your accounts or steal your identity:
  • Anyone asking for your passwords or access to your device is likely a scammer.
  • For added security enable two-factor authentication on your accounts where possible.
  • Use strong passphrases for your online accounts and protect your network and devices with antivirus software.

Scam Watch is an ACCC initiative with additional information about scam safety, including an extensive list of the types of scams Australians should be most cautious of which can be accessed HERE

If you would like more information about Basic Tech and the work they do to assist the
community, you can head to their website at www.basictech.com.au. There is also a lot of
fabulous information available this week via the Australian Government’s Cyber Security
Centre which you can access at www.cyber.gov.au/acsc/cyber-security-awareness-month-
2022

If you’re a client of RFS Advice and would like to know more about how the Basic Tech team
can help you navigate the digital world and feel confident about your online safety, contact
us and we will be happy to provide details for any upcoming sessions.