1. Stop
Scammers often use pressure tactics, including phrases such as “respond immediately”, “urgent action required”, or “your account has been locked” to push you into reacting before thinking.
- Take a moment before clicking any link that could lead to a fake website.
- Avoid making payments via links sent via email or SMS.
- Never share login details or personal information via emails or over the phone.
2. Check
If something doesn’t seem quite right, it’s worth checking. Trust your instincts.
- Inspect the spelling of the sender’s address closely as small variances or mistakes are common in scam emails.
- Confirm due dates or payment requests by visiting the official website yourself.
- Only enter your password on trusted, legitimate sites you navigate to directly.
3. Protect
A few proactive habits can make a significant difference to your online safety. Prevention is always better than trying to undo damage later.
- Manage your payments to us safely via My Account.
- Use unique passwords for each site or service you use.
- If you suspect you’ve been scammed, update your passwords immediately and speak to your bank.
Common holiday scams to watch out for
Fake delivery alerts
With online holiday shopping at its peak, scammers send messages claiming there’s a problem with a parcel. The emails might ask for a small “redirection fee” or prompt you to click a tracking link.
- Tip: Don’t follow unofficial links in emails. Go directly to the courier’s official website to check delivery updates.
Charity impersonation
Scammers take advantage of seasonal generosity by posing as charities or launching imitation donation campaigns.
- Tip: Only donate through a charity’s official website. If you’re unsure whether an organisation is genuine, you may be wise to look it up on your government’s official charity register.
Order confirmation scams
Since many people receive genuine order notifications at this time of year, scammers mix in fake ones to catch you off guard, hoping you’ll log in via their fake page.
- Tip: If you receive an email about a purchase you don’t remember making, don’t click the links. Log into the retailer’s website directly to check your order history.
How to report spam or phishing
If you get an email that doesn’t look legitimate:
- Do not reply or share any personal details;
- Follow these instructions to report the message as spam or phishing in your email system; and
- Please send the message to [email protected] as an attachment.
Stay cyber-smart and enjoy the season
A little caution goes a long way. If something doesn’t add up, slow down and double-check before clicking. Staying alert today can save time, money, and headaches tomorrow.
