The following scams have come across the SCAMwatch radar in recent times. This list is designed to highlight widespread or novel scams that have been reported to SCAMwatch. It is not an exhaustive list of scams that operate in Australia.
You should remember that even if an offer you have received does not appear on this list, it could still be a scam. Be sure to check out the information about common types of scams on the navigation bar to the left.
Remember, if you come across something you are not sure about, exercise caution. Your best defence against scams is to say no, or don't respond. If you are interested in an offer that has been made to you, make sure you seek independent advice before going any further.
If you want to receive warnings and alerts as they are published on the SCAMwatch radar, register for free SCAMwatch email alerts (you can also do this by following the link at the bottom of the page).
June 2009: SCAMwatch is warning consumers about an email that invites recipients to claim a bogus tax return of $452 by completing an online application.
June 2009: SCAMwatch is warning consumers to continue to be wary of unsolicited emails that appear to come from well-known businesses and financial institutions.
June 2009: SCAMwatch is again warning consumers to protect themselves from identity theft when using social networking sites such as Facebook, My Space and Twitter.
May 2009: SCAMwatch is reminding consumers to be careful in protecting their superannuation account statements in particular and all their personal information more generally.
May 2009—SCAMwatch is warning consumers to be wary of spam emails promising a $500 Myer gift card, which may actually be a ruse to steal your money and personal details.
May 2009: SCAMwatch is warning small to medium businesses to be on the look out for unusual or complicated orders from overseas, particularly orders which are being paid for by credit card.
2009 April: SCAMwatch is warning consumers to continue to be wary of unsolicited emails that appear to come from well-known businesses or agencies. Scammers trick unsuspecting victims into providin...
April 2009: SCAMwatch is again warning consumers to be on the lookout for bogus phone calls, emails and other scams relating to the government's economic stimulus package.
December 2008: SCAMwatch is warning consumers to protect themselves from identity theft when using social networking sites especially during the holiday season.
December 2008: SCAMwatch is once again warning members of the community, particularly the Chinese community, to take note of family or friends who say they have unexpectedly won a lot of money from...
SCAMwatch is warning consumers about a telemarketing survey which focuses on casinos in various Australian cities, including Canberra. This appears to be the first step in a new scam that has been ...
August 2008: SCAMwatch is warning prospective tenants to be wary when responding to rental properties advertised on the net where the 'owner' makes various excuses as to why you can't inspect the p...