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Scam alerts

What scammers are up to in Australia right now, and how to spot it. Every alert is checked by our team before it's published.

Scam of the week

Hotel and holiday park booking scam after RMS Cloud data breach

Scammers are using real booking details from a recent accommodation data breach to send fake messages about hotel and holiday park bookings. They ask you to click a link to update or confirm payment details to avoid cancellation.

How to spot it

Going around right now

Updated regularly from official sources and what our members send us.

  1. 1Fake hotel or holiday park booking cancellation messages

    Rising

    Scammers may have got your booking details from a computer problem at a booking company. They send emails or messages that look real. They may know your name, booking number and dates. They say your payment failed or your card was blocked. They ask you to click a link to update your card details. If you do, they can take your money.

    How to spot it and what to do
    • The message may use your real booking details, but that does not mean it is real.
    • The message asks you to click a link to give card details.
    • The message says your booking will be cancelled if you do not act now.
    • The sender's email address may look slightly wrong.
    1. Do not click any links in the message.
    2. Delete the message.
    3. Contact the hotel or holiday park directly using the phone number on their official website.
    4. If you think you have shared card details, call your bank straight away.

  2. 2Fake bank messages about your account

    Steady

    Scammers pretend to be your bank. They send a text or email. They say there is a problem with your account. They ask you to click a link or call a number. The link goes to a fake website. If you enter your details, they can steal your money.

    How to spot it and what to do
    • The message may look like it comes from your bank, but scammers can copy logos.
    • It may say your account is locked or you need to verify your identity.
    • It may ask for your PIN, password, or a code sent to your phone.
    • Real banks never ask for these details by text or email.
    1. Do not click links in bank messages.
    2. Do not call the number in the message. Use the number on the back of your card.
    3. Check your account by logging in through the bank's official app or website.
    4. If you think you gave details, call your bank immediately.

  3. 3Fake task-based job scams

    Steady

    Scammers advertise easy work from home. They may say you can earn money by doing small tasks online. They ask you to pay money to get started or to unlock bigger tasks. They may pay you a small amount at first to gain trust. Then they ask for more money. In the end, you lose your money.

    How to spot it and what to do
    • The job seems too good to be true, with high pay for little work.
    • They ask you to pay money before you can earn.
    • They contact you through social media or messaging apps.
    • They pressure you to keep paying to get your money back.
    1. Do not pay money to get a job or to withdraw earnings.
    2. Stop all contact with the scammers.
    3. Report the scam to Scamwatch.
    4. Talk to someone you trust about what happened.

  4. 4Fake calls from icare (NSW insurance)

    New

    Scammers call you and say they are from icare. icare is the NSW government insurer. They may use a name like 'James from icare'. They ask for your personal or bank details. They may say it is about a claim or policy. They try to trick you into giving sensitive information.

    How to spot it and what to do
    • icare will never ask for sensitive personal or bank details in an unsolicited call.
    • The caller may use different phone numbers.
    • They may pressure you to act quickly.
    • They may ask for your Medicare number, bank details, or passwords.
    1. Hang up the phone.
    2. Do not give any personal or financial information.
    3. Contact icare directly using the number on their official website if you are unsure.
    4. Report the call to Scamwatch and icare.

  5. 5Fake online shopping app messages (Vinted)

    Steady

    Scammers send messages that look like they come from a shopping app like Vinted. They may say there is a problem with a sale or your account. They ask you to click a link to fix it. The link goes to a fake website. If you enter your bank or card details, they can take your money.

    How to spot it and what to do
    • The message may create a sense of urgency, like your account will be closed.
    • The link may look slightly different from the real website.
    • They may ask for your bank details outside the app.
    • Real apps will not ask for your card details through a message.
    1. Do not click links in messages from shopping apps.
    2. Open the app directly to check your account.
    3. If you think you entered details, contact your bank immediately.
    4. Report the scam to the app and Scamwatch.

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