We’ve probably all had a scam call at some stage in our lives. Scammers target everyone – using devious and sophisticated tactics to get us to share personal information or hand over money.
The Morrison Government is taking actions to detect, trace and block scam calls, this week unveiling a new industry code that will help put a stop to the calls. Scam calls are a serious problem and can have damaging financial consequences for victims. Australians have lost nearly $36 million to scam calls in 2020. Everyone and anyone can be scammed
The new Reducing Scam Calls Code was developed by the telco industry and sets out the processes for telcos to identify, trace and block scam calls.
Telcos have already taken action to stop scammers – in fact they have blocked more than 30 million scam calls over the past year – but this code is designed to go further.
The Reducing Scam Calls Code will work alongside the other measures we have announced to tackle scams, including the new industry standard announced earlier this year to stamp out fraudulent mobile number porting.
How to spot a scam:
Always be wary about any calls or texts from people you don’t know. The rule is: If in doubt, don’t. Don’t answer. Don’t click on links. Don’t give personal details. Don’t give money.
It’s probably a scam if:
- It sounds too good to be true
- They say it’s your bank (or an institution you trust) and they ask you for money or personal information
- You’re threatened or made to feel afraid
- They ask you for access to your computer.
If you think you have been the victim of a scam you can report it at ScamWatch (www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam).
