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Common scams

Consumer scams

CBOS receives many complaints from victims of scams and fraud. While we work hard to help as many as we can, so many scams come from outside Australia. In these cases, it’s almost impossible to get money back.

Scamwatch provides information on common scams to look out for. Learn how to recognise and protect yourself.

Follow the links on this page to find out more about each type of scam.

Some of the most common scams are:

Personalised scams aim to find out your personal details so they can target you directly. These types of scams include:

Some common scams pose as opportunities. These include:

Business scams

Small businesses are a big target for scammers, who have sophisticated schemes that are hard to spot.

Learn how to recognise and protect your business from:

Report a scam

Last updated: 07 Aug 2023

This page has been produced and published by the Consumer Building and Occupational Services Division of the Department of Justice. Although every care has been taken in production, no responsibility is accepted for the accuracy, completeness, or relevance to the user's purpose of the information. Those using it for whatever purpose are advised to verify it with the relevant government department, local government body or other source and to obtain any appropriate professional advice. The Crown, its officers, employees and agents do not accept liability however arising, including liability for negligence, for any loss resulting from the use of or reliance upon the information and/or reliance on its availability at any time.