How to Protect Yourself from Online Fraud and Scammers

The internet makes life easier in so many ways — from online shopping to staying connected with friends and family. But unfortunately, it has also made it easier for scammers to target people with fake emails, calls, and messages.

We want our clients to feel confident and safe when using the internet. Here are some simple but powerful steps you can take to protect yourself from online fraud:

1. Be cautious with unexpected messages

Scammers often pretend to be from trusted organisations like banks, government agencies, or even the NDIS. If you get an email, text, or phone call that feels urgent or unusual, pause and think before responding.

• Don’t click on links or open attachments in messages you weren’t expecting.

• Check the sender’s details carefully — often scammers use email addresses or numbers that look close to the real thing but have small differences.

  
  

2. Protect your personal information

Never share sensitive details like your NDIS number, bank details, or passwords over email, text, or social media. Genuine organisations will never ask for these in unsafe ways.

3. Use strong and unique passwords

Choose passwords that are hard to guess and avoid using the same one everywhere. Adding a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols makes them much stronger. A password manager can also help you keep track securely.

4. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

Wherever possible, turn on 2FA for your accounts. This adds an extra layer of protection by asking for a code sent to your phone or email before you can log in.

5. Keep devices and software up to date

Regular updates help protect your phone, tablet, or computer from security risks. If possible, set your device to update automatically.

6. Trust your instincts

If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Take your time to double-check. You can always contact the organisation directly using official contact details (not the ones provided in a suspicious message).

7. Know where to get help

If you think you may have been targeted by a scam:

• Contact your bank immediately if financial details were shared.

• Report scams to Scamwatch (www.scamwatch.gov.au).

• Reach out to us if you’re unsure — we’re here to support you.

  
  

✅ Remember: Staying safe online is about slowing down, checking carefully, and protecting your personal information. By taking a few small steps, you can avoid becoming a victim of online fraud.