Australians are being urged to adopt a new mantra to protect themselves from scams as the Federal Government launches a nationwide public awareness campaign. The ‘Stop. Check. Protect.’ initiative aims to curb the financial and emotional toll scams have on individuals and businesses by equipping them with critical defensive tactics.
The campaign, spearheaded by the National Anti-Scam Centre and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), comes as Australians continue to lose billions of dollars each year to increasingly sophisticated scammers.
A Modern Defence Strategy
Inspired by the lasting impact of the 1980s’ ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’ sun safety message, the ‘Stop. Check. Protect.’ campaign seeks to create a similar behavioural shift. Deputy Chair of the ACCC, Catriona Lowe, highlighted the urgent need for Australians to remain vigilant as criminals exploit emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to impersonate trusted organisations and deceive victims.
“This campaign will emphasise that we’re not powerless to scammers,”
Ms Lowe said.
“When we’re alert, we’re in control. By stopping and checking when we’re unsure, then reporting scams we’ve seen, we can protect ourselves and others against financial harm.”
How to Stay Scam Safe
- STOP: Do not share personal information or transfer money if you have any doubts.
- CHECK: Verify the authenticity of messages, emails, or calls independently by contacting organisations through official websites or phone numbers.
- PROTECT: Take immediate action if you suspect a scam. Contact your bank if you notice unusual activity and report scams to Scamwatch to help protect others.
Raising Awareness Among Vulnerable Groups
Running over a 10-week period, the campaign will be broadcast on television, online platforms, and social media, focusing on empowering all Australians while paying particular attention to vulnerable groups, including older Australians, First Nations peoples, and multicultural communities.
It also aims to dispel the stigma around being scammed by reinforcing that anyone can be targeted.
“Scams are crimes – and if you’ve been scammed, you’re a victim of crime,”
Ms Lowe said.
“There’s nothing to feel ashamed or embarrassed about – it could happen to any of us.”
Recognising the Red Flags
To help Australians identify scams, the campaign highlights key warning signs:
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- Unbelievable offers: If a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is.
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- Requests for urgent action: Scammers create a sense of urgency to force rushed decisions.
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- Unfamiliar payment methods: Demands for payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or setting up new bank accounts are red flags.
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- Links or attachments in messages: Avoid clicking unsolicited links. Instead, visit official websites manually.
Partnering for Greater Protection
The ‘Stop. Check. Protect.’ initiative complements ongoing efforts by the National Anti-Scam Centre, which collaborates with government agencies, law enforcement, and industry to disrupt scam networks and bring perpetrators to justice.
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