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AFFORD IT — Brisbane

Is it a scam? The one-page checklist

Keep this near the computer. Scammers change their stories constantly, but the shape of a scam never changes. If any of these five things happens, the answer is already no.

The five signs

  1. A computer warning with a phone number in it. Real warnings from Windows, Apple or your bank never ask you to call anyone. Ever.
  2. Anyone who calls YOU about your computer. Microsoft, Telstra, NBN Co and your bank do not ring people about viruses, refunds or "suspicious activity" on a computer. If they rang you, it's a scam.
  3. Being asked to install remote-access software (AnyDesk, TeamViewer or "a little program so I can help you"). The moment a stranger asks for this, hang up.
  4. Payment by gift cards, bank transfer to a person, or cryptocurrency. No legitimate business is paid in Woolworths gift cards.
  5. Urgency and secrecy. "Your account will be closed today." "Don't tell your family, this is confidential." Pressure to act now, and pressure not to check with anyone, are the two loudest alarm bells there are.
The one rule that beats every scam: hang up or close the page, look up the organisation's real number yourself, and call them back on that. A genuine caller will never mind. A scammer needs you to stay on their line.

If it already happened

  1. Turn off the computer's internet (or just turn the computer off).
  2. If money or card details were involved — call your bank first, straight away.
  3. Change your email password from a different device (a phone is fine).
  4. Have the computer checked before using it for banking again.
  5. Report it at scamwatch.gov.au — it helps protect the next person.

There is no shame in being caught — these operations are run by professionals who do this all day. The people who get hurt worst are the ones too embarrassed to act quickly.