Scam Call Guidance

How can I spot a scam?

Scammers are very sophisticated, which can make a scam difficult to spot.

Scammers may:

• pretend to be from an organisation you trust and ask for your personal details in a call or a text
• say that you have won a prize or there’s money waiting for you
• disguise their number/s, to make it look like they’re calling from somewhere local
• call over and over, making it hard to ignore
• use ‘robocalls’ or recorded messages saying your internet will be disconnected and ask for payment or personal data
• lie and tell you stories, like your computer needs urgent attention
• act like it’s an emergency and tell you something bad will happen if you don’t click a link or call a number to check your details.

It may be a scam if:

• a call or text sounds too good to be true
• someone you don’t know has your personal details
• your bank (or another institution that you trust) calls or texts you to ask for personal information or money
• you’re threatened or made to feel afraid
• someone asks to access your computer.

How can I protect myself against scams?

• Never give out personal information
• Change default PINs and passwords on newly acquired devices and computers
• Select strong PINS and passwords (e.g. not “1234” or “0000” or “password” etc)
• Change your PINs and passwords regularly
• Lock your mobile handset with a secure PIN
• Ensure your voicemail PIN is secure
• Disable PABX ports and features that are not used (e.g. remote call-forwarding)
• Don’t respond to missed calls or SMS from unknown international numbers, unknown Australian numbers or an unknown source
• Don’t click on URLs or make return calls to telephone numbers contained in messages from unknown international numbers or unknown Australian numbers or an unknown source
• Block suspicious or unknown domestic or international numbers on your mobile handset
• Allow unknown calls to go to voicemail and listen to messages to ascertain if they were genuine calls
• Never give a stranger access to control your computer
• Update your privacy settings on social media
• Contact your bank or financial institution immediately if you believe you have lost money to a scammer

Can I block scam calls?

Most phones allow you to block individual numbers through the Phone app.

• On most iOS phones, just go to the Phone app, then your Recents, and tap the blue information icon to the right of the number you want to block
• On most Android phones, go to the Recents section of the Phone app, long press on the number to be blocked, and choose block. On some Android phones, you’ll also be given the option of reporting the number as spam

What can I do if I think I’ve been scammed?

You can report a potential scam to Scamwatch at https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam.

Scamwatch also has a list of steps you should take straight away to limit the damage and protect yourself from further loss at https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/get-help/where-to-get-help

Where can I find more information on scams?

The following websites provide more information on scams and where you can find help

• https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/
• https://www.cyber.gov.au/
• https://www.accc.gov.au/publications/the-little-black-book-of-scams

If you are concerned about a scam that is using a mobile number connected by Pivotel, you can let us know by getting in touch at https://www.pivotel.com.au/contact-us/ or call 1300 882 448. We will investigate the issue, and once confirmed, take prompt action to block the mobile number to stop it being used for voice and SMS messaging.