💸 Everyday Scams¶

They’re not just on dodgy websites anymore — scams show up in your inbox, text messages, DMs, and even your doorstep.
Here are the classics doing the rounds in Australia right now.

🛒 Marketplace & Buy/Sell Scams¶

“Is this still available?”
You reply yes.
They send a “courier link” to collect payment and boom — you’ve just given up your banking details.

Red flag

Real buyers don’t use external payment links. Stick to the official app or cash in hand.

📱 Text & SMS Scams¶

From fake AusPost delivery messages to “Hi Mum, I lost my phone” texts, these rely on speed and emotion.

Hi Mum scam

You get a message like:

“Hi Mum it’s me, my phone’s broken, can you send $400 to this account?”
It’s almost always a scam.
Call your kid directly on the old number — nine times out of ten they’ll answer fine.

🧑‍🔧 Tradie & Service Scams¶

Fake tradies offer cheap work, take a deposit, and disappear.
Always: - Check for ABN registration
- Search their business name + “scam” before booking
- Never pay full price upfront

🪙 Investment & Crypto Traps¶

“If you’d bought Bitcoin in 2010…” yeah, yeah.
Scammers use FOMO to hook you into fake “investment platforms” that look real but never pay out.

Remember

If a “broker” finds you, it’s not a real investment.

🧓 Elder & Family Scams¶

Family members and older Aussies are prime targets for “grandparent scams” — emotional hooks and tech confusion combined.

Teach your parents and grandparents three lines:

“I’ll call you back.”
“I’ll check with [name].”
“I’ll log in myself.”

That simple habit saves thousands every year.

🧠 Big picture¶

Scams are just stories with urgency.
If something feels rushed, secretive, or emotional — slow down.

🎥 Watch & Learn¶

(Video: Everyday scams Aussies are falling for right now.)

Next up: Passwords & MFA