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Scam Awareness stay protected
Tips on how to avoid being scammed
Behind the growing numbers are everyday Australians who lost money to scams –sometimes their life savings. The true cost of scams is more than a dollar figure. Scams can have a devastating impact on victims’ lives.
‘Impersonation scams’ are of increasing prevalence and concern. The scammer could impersonate a bank such as Community First, other well-known companies or Australian Government departments like MyGov or the ATO to try to deceive you into giving out personal details or, gain access to your account. There are many other types of scams including incidences of celebrity and ‘Hi mum/family’ impersonation scams.
Current Top 5 scams:
- Investment scams
- Payment redirection
- Romance scams
- Phishing
- Remote access scams
Investment scams have been the costliest scam to Australians.
Keeping you and your money safe is important to us.
If you contact us to assist in making a large payment, our staff are obligated to proceed with caution and ask you extra questions. This is to help protect you from scams that are impacting Australian of all ages every day.
Scammers will typically pressure you to act in a rush and say things like “don’t speak to your bank”. If this has happened to you — please contact us immediately. We’re here to help, not judge. Our goal is to keep you and your money safe.
Report a scam
If you notice any suspicious activity on your bank account or believe you’ve shared your personal information with a potential scammer, please call us immediately on 1300 13 22 77. We’re open 8am – 8pm weekdays and 8am – 3pm Saturdays.
How to spot and avoid scams
- STOP – Don’t give money or information to anyone if unsure
- CHECK – Ask yourself if the message or call is fake
- PROTECT – Act quickly if something feels wrong
Victim support
If you believe you have fallen victim to a scam, you need to act quickly to minimise the impact.
- Call Community First immediately on 1300 13 22 77 to report the scam and ask us to stop any transactions or block your card.
- If you’re at risk of identity misuse or need support to recover from a scam, contact IDCARE on 1800 595 160 or go to their website here.
- Protect others by warning the community and people you know.
- If a scam is causing you problems with debt talk to a financial counsellor. Moneysmart provides a list of free and confidential services to help you get your finances back on track.
- Being scammed is a horrible experience and it can happen to anyone. If you need someone to talk to, reach out to family and friends or you can contact Lifeline (13 11 14) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 46 36).
Our staff will NEVER call or email and ask you to:
- ✕Share your Internet banking login, password or username
- ✕Share your card details including your PIN, expiry date or CVC number (on the back of your card)
- ✕Withdraw cash, transfer money or buy gift cards
- ✕Login directly to your account via a link from an email or SMS
- ✕Move money to a “safe” account either at Community First or another bank
- ✕Help us “catch a cyber-criminal”
- ✕Share your screen or download remote access software
What to do when you suspect you are being scammed?
- ✓ Hang up and then contact us immediately on 1300 13 22 77 8am-8pm weekdays and 8am-3pm Saturdays.
- ✓Change your password for internet banking
- ✓After hours: Contact the Fraud Bureau Service 24/7 on 1300 705 750
- ✓ Even if the message from Community First looks genuine, always use official details on our website or in the Internet Banking app.
- ✓ Forward any unusual emails and screenshots of SMS messages referencing Community First to fraudteam@communityfirst.com.au
- ✓ Seek guidance with blocking fraudulent enquiries on your Credit Report
If you have received any suspicious contact or activity, where there has been no money lost or your ID is not compromised, submit a report directly via the Scamwatch Report a Scam form to report the activity to help stop scammers and warn others.
If you’ve been the victim of a cybercrime (for example someone has stolen your personal information or money, or tried to extort you) make a police report
Safety Tip for members
Always be cautious if you receive an unsolicited call, text, or email (one you didn’t initiate).
- Do not automatically assume the contact is genuine
- If something feels suspicious, immediately hang up/ignore the message
- Verify the source by finding the organisation’s official contact details yourself (e.g., from their website).
- Contact them directly to confirm whether the contact was genuine or not
Remember: Banks and other organisations will never pressure you to act in a rush or share sensitive information. If you need guidance, call us before complying with any unsolicited requests.
Types of scams
The Types of Scams below provide additional information and steps you can take to protect yourself.
How it works: Scammers impersonate trusted entities (like banks or government agencies) via email, text, or phone calls to trick you into revealing personal information such as Social Security numbers or bank details.
Protect yourself: Never click on suspicious links or provide personal information through unsolicited communications. Always verify requests by contacting the organization directly.
How it works: Fraudsters call pretending to be from reputable organizations, claiming issues like expired licenses or unpaid debts, and pressure you into immediate action.
Protect yourself: Hang up on unsolicited calls requesting personal information or payments. Register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry and report suspicious calls.
How it works: Scammers pose as debt collectors, using threats and harassment to coerce payments for debts you may not owe.
Protect yourself: Request written validation of any debt. Legitimate collectors are required to provide this information.
How it works: Unsolicited text messages claim issues with your accounts or deliveries, prompting you to click on malicious links.
Protect yourself: Do not click on links from unknown senders. Delete suspicious messages and report them to your mobile carrier.
How it works: Fraudulent offers promise guaranteed loans or credit repair services for upfront fees, then disappear without delivering services.
Protect yourself: Be wary of any service requiring upfront payment. Research companies thoroughly and consult financial advisors before proceeding.
How it works: You’re informed of winning a prize or lottery you never entered, but must pay fees or taxes upfront to claim it.
Protect yourself: Legitimate lotteries do not require payment to claim winnings. Ignore unsolicited prize notifications.
How it works: Scammers create fake online stores or listings, taking payments for goods that are never delivered or are counterfeit.
Protect yourself: Shop from reputable websites, check for secure payment methods, and read reviews before purchasing.
How it works: Fraudulent car sales, fake warranties, or deceptive repair services aim to extract money without providing promised services.
Protect yourself: Verify the legitimacy of sellers and service providers. Obtain all agreements in writing and consult trusted mechanics.
How it works: You’re promised a large sum of money (like a loan or inheritance) but must pay fees upfront to release the funds, which never materialize.
Protect yourself: Be sceptical of unsolicited offers requiring upfront payment. Legitimate transactions do not require fees to release funds.