Unexpected contact
Be wary of calls, texts, or emails claiming to be from your bank, the ATO, NBN, Microsoft, or Telstra — especially if they pressure you to act immediately.
Scam awareness
Scams, phishing & online fraud
Phone, email, and text scams are common on the Gold Coast — especially targeting home users and retirees, and small businesses. Know the warning signs, check official Australian alerts, and get help quickly if something does not feel right.
Unsure about a call, text, or email? Call 0451 526 207 before you pay, share passwords, or allow remote access.
Warning signs
Remote access requests
Never allow remote access to your PC unless you initiated contact with someone you trust. Scammers use remote sessions to steal banking details and install malware.
Payment red flags
Legitimate organisations do not ask for payment in gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. Stop and verify through official contact details you look up yourself.
Phishing emails & texts
Check sender addresses carefully, avoid unexpected links, and do not open attachments from unknown sources — a common way to install malware or steal login details.
First steps — if you think you have been targeted
Work through these in order. Speed matters, especially if money or remote access is involved.
- Stop — do not send money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, and do not install software or grant remote access.
- Disconnect from the internet if you already allowed remote access or clicked a suspicious link.
- Call your bank immediately if you shared banking details or made a payment.
- Change passwords from a clean device — start with email and banking.
- Report to Scamwatch and the ACSC (see reporting table below).
- Call Ian for help securing your PC, checking for malware, and recovering safely.
Where to report
| Agency | When to use |
|---|---|
| Scamwatch | Report scams and check current Australian alerts. |
| ACSC — Report a cybercrime | Official Australian cyber incident reporting. |
| ACSC — Recover from scams | Step-by-step recovery guidance. |
| IDCARE | Free support if your identity or accounts are compromised. |
| Your bank | Call the number on your card immediately if money or account details were involved. |
| ATO — report a scam | Report tax and myGov impersonation scams to the ATO. |
Learn & check
Recognise and report scams
ACSC basics on spotting scams and where to report them.
Spotting scams
Practical ACSC guide to common scam types and warning signs.
Passphrases & passwords
ACSC guidance on choosing and managing strong passphrases.
More official resources
- Scamwatch — Report scams and check current Australian scam alerts.
- Have you been scammed? — ACSC step-by-step help if you think you have been targeted.
- Australian Cyber Security Centre — Official guidance for individuals and small businesses.
- Essential Eight — The ACSC's prioritised mitigation strategies for organisations.
Need hands-on help after a suspicious call or remote-access session? Virus & malware removal and business security reviews are available.
Worried about a scam?
Call Ian before you act — or if something has already happened, we can help secure your system.