Teachers Credit Union partners in National Consumer Fraud Week: Scams - It’s Personal

Fighting scams - the fraud that happens on the home front - is the focus of National Consumer Fraud Week, running from 7th to 13th March, according to Steve James, CEO of Teachers Credit Union

“The impact of scams on victims can be devastating, potentially causing financial, psychological, familial and social harm.”

National Consumer Fraud Awareness Week, Scams: It’s Personal is an initiative of the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce (ACFT).

“Scammers don’t discriminate – all individuals, businesses, and organisations are at risk. That’s why Teachers Credit Union is supporting National Consumer Fraud Week, to urge consumers to be savvy about protecting their personal information,” said Steve James.

According to Mr James, everyone can take steps to minimise their exposure to scammers.

“Keeping your personal information private is absolutely critical, to prevent your identity from being stolen by scammers.”

“Scammers will stop at nothing to target victims, including adopting a personal touch. Be aware of the risk – a phone call, SMS, letter, email, fax, blog, online chat or dating service – because scammers can use any of these means to target you.”

“Avoid falling prey to scammers by following these tips:

1. Protect your identity: Your personal details are private and invaluable – keep them that way. For instance, don’t disclose your personal or bank account details over the phone unless you initiate the call.
2. Ignore or delete suspicious emails, letters, phone calls or text messages, especially if they request personal or financial information – press ‘delete’, throw them out or just hang up.
3. Don't undertake financial transactions via emails that include hyperlinks to websites, or are from people or organisations you don’t know.
4. Don't let scammers manipulate your emotions: Scammers will play on your emotions, especially via dating or friendship websites, so be alert and aware.
5. Resist the personal touch: Watch out for scammers posing as someone that you know and can trust, or pretending to know you.
6. Keep your computer's security software up to date, to help keep you protected against external or phishing attacks by hackers and scammers.”

“Remember: don’t let scammers into your life – protect your identity, and stay savvy,” said Steve James.

Media contact:

Gillian Tatt
Community Investment and PR Specialist
Teachers Credit Union
P.  02 9735 9825
W. teacherscreditunion.com.au

Stay one step ahead of scammers. Visit the Australian Government’s SCAMwatch website to get information on scams that target Australian consumers and small businesses. You can find out how scams work, how to protect yourself and what to do if you’ve been scammed.