Unfortunately, online scams are so prevalent that staying ahead of them can  feel like a full-time job. But the good news is that even as scams continue to evolve, implementing some strong digital habits can help you to stay safe online and avoid becoming a victim.

For the purposes of these tips, we’re using Scamwatch’s definition of a scam: “when someone deceives you into providing personal or financial information so they can steal from you.” A scam is not someone hacking your computer, buying something of poor quality or paying too much, even though people might colloquially refer to these experiences as ‘being scammed.’
 

1. Password management matters!

• Make sure your passwords are unique
• Change sensitive passwords regularly
• Consider a password manager
• Avoid things that can be easily guessed like birthdays, names, your pet’s name (no matter how cute your dog is!) etc
• Never share your passwords or PINs.

2. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

• Use a combination of password plus phone token, or password plus biometric (like facial recognition)
• Yes, it’s annoying to enter the code that gets sent to your phone, but less annoying than someone accessing your bank account!

3. Clean up your files - physical and digital

• Remove old files and emails from your computer and email regularly
• Shred documents you no longer need
• Secure your mailbox with a lock.

4. Install Internet security apps

• Use anti-malware and anti-virus software

5. Avoid public Wi-Fi

• Avoid using insecure public networks
• Always logout of browser windows when finished, especially in places like library computers or other shared devices

6. Check those links!

• Links in emails and messages like SMS can be phishing scams - check before you click
• Manually enter business websites and phone numbers from official websites if you’re in doubt
• Signing up to alerts from places like Scamwatch, the Australian Cyber Security Centre, and ACMA can help you stay aware of the latest threats

7. Stop and pause

• Don’t let yourself get panicked into acting quickly!
• Scammers will try to make things seem urgent - take the time to check if something is legitimate
• Follow the Scamwatch process:
• Stop: Don’t give money or information to anyone you’re unsure about
• Check: Ask yourself if this could be fake?
• Protect: Act quickly to contact your bank if you think you’ve maybe been scammed and report to Scamwatch.

8. Sign up to a credit bureau

• There are three Credit Reporting Bodies in Australia. 
• You are able to obtain a copy of your free credit report here. Monitoring your credit profile can help alert you to identity theft
• Equifax also has a range of credit and identity protection plans from as little as $9.95 a month