As 2023 proceeds, there are no shortage of new scams putting consumers at risk. In fact, organisations like the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission have said scam calls have been increasing for several years.

Scammers are usually targeting people to access money or personal details. They use a sophisticated range of tactics – even looking as if they come from a legitimate Australian phone number, or sending emails that look like those of other trusted organisations. In a recent case, they even sent fake invoices from business people they have worked with and changed the BSB and account details. This is concerning. Always make sure that you check who you are paying and if the account details are correct before you transfer money.

Scammers have even been known to impersonate accountants using false invoices and billing details. If you ever have any questions, please double check the banking details and call us before you transfer any funds as a result of emails, calls, or texts that seem suspicious.

Here are some tips from our advisers to help you stay on your guard, both at work and at home:

• Check all invoices first. Do you know who they are from, and what they are for? Are the billing details correct?
• Ask yourself – does a text message or email look authentic? Would the organisation usually contact you this way? Are they asking for extra information from you? If the new communication appears to come from your bank or financial institution or advisers, call them first via another number to check if the material is authentic. Do this before you provide details, pay any invoices, or reply to messages.
• If you pick up a phone call from those you don’t know, do not engage if it sounds at all suspicious, even if they seem to be from organisations you have dealt with. Do not provide any personal details over the phone unless you are 100 per cent sure you are dealing with a party you know. Do not be afraid to ask for authentication, ideally call another number you find yourself to check. (NB: Banks do not often email, text or call to ask for specific new information over the phone – and you can always go into a branch to speak to a real person who works there if you are suspicious.)
• Do not click or open any links you receive on any device.
• If you receive a new invoice or have a new account you are paying to for the first time that is not registered in your system, verify it first by calling your contact or the business to check the amount, BSB, and banking details before you pay it.