Be scam savvy
Anyone can fall for a scam because scammers are getting smarter and using more sophisticated tricks to dupe thousands of people every year.
- We have received reports of community members receiving scam phone calls or letters, claiming to be from Mornington Peninsula Shire.
- If you receive a phone call claiming to be from Mornington Peninsula Shire, and have any doubts about the caller, please hang up and call the Shire back on 1300 850 600. Do not trust contact details given to you by the caller.
- Similarly, if you have any doubts about a letter that claims to be from the Shire, call us on 1300 850 600.
For further advice or assistance, or if you suspect you may have been targeted by a scam communication, please visit the Scamwatch website for advice or call the Australian Cyber Security Hotline on 1300 292 371.
Please remember: Never provide your personal and financial details or give a stranger remote access to your device or computer – simply hang up.
Further information
If you suspect you are a victim of identity theft, contact IDCARE on 1300 432 273. IDCARE is a free, government-funded service which will work with you to develop a specific response plan to your situation and support you throughout the process.
If you have been the victim of a scam, contact your bank as soon as possible and contact the platform on which you were scammed to inform them of the circumstances.
More information on scams is available on the Scamwatch website, including how to make a report and where to get help.
If in doubt, don't
That’s the message Consumer Affairs Victoria – the state’s fair trading regulator – when it comes to staying safe online.
Many older Victorians are attractive targets for scammers because they often own substantial assets and have access to life savings and superannuation.
Life events such as financial hardship and recovering from illness, loss and trauma can also leave you more vulnerable to scams.
Consumer Affairs Victoria is working to reduce the harm caused by scammers by building greater awareness and understanding of online scams.
Scammers are professional criminals. Anyone can fall for a scam because scammers are getting smarter and using more sophisticated tricks to dupe thousands of older Victorians every year.
Here are some tips for staying safe online:
- Do not open suspicious text messages, pop-up windows, or emails.
- Be wary of any emails or requests on social media from people you do not know.
- Avoid sending money, personal or financial details to someone you have never met in person, especially if you are online dating.
And remember; if in doubt, don’t.
Think you’re scam savvy? Take the Consumer Affairs Victoria quiz and find out.
For more information on common types of scams, tips on how to identify, avoid or report them, visit Consumer Affairs Victoria.