- Scam Alert
- Cybersecurity
- ACCC
Scammers are impersonating the ACCC using spoofed phone numbers to steal personal data. Learn how to protect yourself.
Beware: ACCC Phone Numbers Being Spoofed by Scammers
Australians are being urged to stay vigilant as a new phone scam has emerged, with fraudsters impersonating officials from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). The warning comes from the National Anti-Scam Centre, which reports that scammers are spoofing ACCC phone numbers listed on the agency’s official website in a bid to extract personal information from unsuspecting victims.
How the Scam Works
Scammers use a technique called 'spoofing' to disguise their real phone number, making it appear as though they are calling from a trusted organisation, such as the ACCC. These fraudulent callers pretend to be ACCC representatives and attempt to gain sensitive personal information, including passwords and banking details.
According to ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe, this deception is designed to lower your guard by exploiting trust in official agencies. In some cases, scammers have even misused the ACCC acronym to impersonate other organisations or communicated in languages other than English to add to the confusion.
Warning Signs to Watch Out For
The ACCC has outlined key red flags that indicate a potential scam:
- Receiving unsolicited or 'cold' calls asking for personal details.
- Callers demanding sensitive information like passwords, banking information, or security question answers.
- Pressure to stay on the call or threats of consequences if you hang up.
- Urgent requests requiring immediate action.
The ACCC stresses that it does not charge for its services, and it will never request personal data over the phone or through cold emails.
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Call
If you get a call or message that seems suspicious, do not provide any personal details. End the call and contact the ACCC directly using a verified number from its official website. Trust your instincts — if something feels off, it probably is.
You should also report the scam to ScamWatch and, if the contact was through a platform like WhatsApp or iMessage, report it through those services as well. Quick action can prevent further harm.
If You've Shared Personal Information
If you have already provided sensitive information to a suspected scammer, take immediate action:
- Contact your bank or financial institution.
- Call IDCARE at 1800 595 160 for assistance in securing your identity.
- Report the incident to ScamWatch.
Protecting your personal data is essential in today’s digital landscape. Stay cautious, verify contacts, and always think twice before sharing any personal information.
Comments from our readers
Scammers are shameless
It's infuriating how these scammers are allowed to operate freely while the authorities do nearly nothing to protect us. How many more people need to be victimized before action is taken? These calls make you feel vulnerable, and it’s embarrassing that we have to deal with such a pathetic crime. The ACCC should step up their game!
Phone scam alert
This article highlights a critical issue of caller ID spoofing, which capitalises on the trust in official entities. This technical vulnerability needs greater public awareness and robust consumer education to mitigate risks and protect personal information effectively.
What about reporting?
This is alarming! I’ve heard of phone scams before, but how can we better prevent falling victim to these scammers? Are there specific organisations we should report these incidents to besides ScamWatch? I'm particularly curious about what steps the ACCC is taking to combat these issues and protect Australians. Any insights would be appreciated!
Scam alert
Thanks for the heads up! It’s so dodgy how they use trusted numbers. I’ll be more cautious with calls from unknowns!