A new campaign to help Australians avoid being scammed has been launched around three simple actions.
The Stop, Check, Protect advertising campaign, to be screened on television and social media, aims to increase awareness of the actions which will help prevent scam losses, by urging consumers to listen to their suspicious inner-voice. WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW.
Federal Financial Services Minister Stephen Jones said campaign was critical in arming Australians with tools and tips to keep their money safe.
Minister Jones said the key message was:
- STOP: before sharing personal information.
- CHECK: that you know who you’re dealing with.
- PROTECT: against scams by taking actions like reporting them to Scamwatch.
He said the campaign was the latest initiative in a wider strategy.
“Losses have been almost cut in half since we stood up the National Anti Scam Centre (and) Scamwatch data shows reported scam losses dropped by over 40 percent in the 2023–24 financial year compared to the previous year.”
Minister Jones said a Scams Prevention Framework was a vital next step.
He said legislation would put obligations on banks, social media companies and telcos to prevent scams or face fines and compensation for victims.
Australian Banking Association CEO Anna Bligh said the new campaign was a timely reminder for Australians to be on the look-out for the tell-tale signs that they might be being scammed.
“Scams are a blight on our society. Every dollar lost is a dollar too much,” Ms Bligh said.
“While Australia is one of the few countries in the world reporting declining losses, ongoing community education and awareness of the risks that scams pose is absolutely critical.”
