Scam Awareness
There are many types of scams, but there are some signs that you can look out for to give you pause when communicating online or over the phone. You can find out more at “Help to spot and avoid scams” at ScamWatch.
Safeguards
There are some wise steps you can take to protect yourself from scams. Find out more at LegalAid NSW.
If you’re a senior, you can protect yourself by increasing your general digital literacy through seniors computer clubs. Find out more at ASCCA.
Sources of Help
If you suspect you or a loved one are the victim of a scam, the first step is to notify your bank to stop any further transfers of funds. If money has been lost, you can make a complaint to the sending or receiving bank, and if you are unsatisfied with the response, request an “internal dispute resolution review” which they are obliged to do under the Scam Prevention Framework.
If you are still unsatisfied, you can make a complaint to AFCA, and seek free legal support or financial counselling for the resulting financial hardship.
At some point it’s also good to report the scam to the ACCC to add to their information about current scams.
Sources of Hope
The Bible says that the sources of help above God-given authorities he has established for justice (Romans 13:4).
But even when earthly justice fails us, we can find consolation in a heavenly Father who in concerned for justice and for the vulnerable, and who will bring perfect justice in the end (Deuteronomy 10:17-18).
This reminds us that it’s not only scammers who will receive justice in the end. We need mercy for our own failings, mistakes, and outright sins. The good news is we don’t need to drown in guilt - the Bible tells us that God himself has paid the price for our forgiveness by sending Jesus to die on the cross (Titus 3:4-6).
So don’t just make use of the various helplines listed above - Jesus invites us to make use of the heavenly helpline of prayer.
Legal Protections
As of 2025, there is a new “Scam Prevention Framework Act” that adds to Australian consumer law some protections to do with scams in particular.
It requires telcos (under the ACMA), banks (under ASIC), and digital platforms (under the AFCA) to prevent, detect, disrupt, and report scams.
For example, that means banks must ask questions about abnormal activities and transfers and act to protect customers from being scammed.