Why this matters
Australians lose billions of dollars to scams every year. Scammers use text messages, phone calls, social media and email, and they often target older relatives and young people. A family conversation about common scams is one of the best protections.
What you'll need
- A few minutes with family members
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Agree on a family rule
Anyone asking for money, codes or personal details urgently should be verified by calling a known number. No exceptions.
Step 2
Learn the common scams
Talk through the most common types.
- "Hi Mum" texts from an unknown number asking for money
- Fake parcel delivery and toll road texts with links
- Calls claiming to be from the bank, NBN or a tech company
- Too-good-to-be-true investment or shopping deals
Step 3
Never click links in unexpected texts
Go to the official app or type the website address yourself instead.
Step 4
Hang up on unexpected calls
Banks and tech companies will not call asking for remote access to your computer or passwords. Hang up and call the official number.
Step 5
Set up a family code word
Agree on a word only your family knows to confirm real emergencies, especially as voice-cloning scams become more common.
Step 6
Know where to report
Report scams to scamwatch.gov.au. If money was sent, call your bank straight away.
Summary
Clear family rules, awareness of common tricks and always verifying requests stop most scams before any money is lost.
Still Need Help?
Some IT problems are easier to solve with a professional. If you've followed the guide and still need help, the Omnicron team can assist.