The following sites from Australia and overseas have useful information about scams and how to avoid them. You can also learn more about scams by ordering free publications, including The Little Black Book of Scams.
Important notice: The ACCC is not responsible for the quality, validity or accuracy of information published on these websites. Links to other websites are provided for convenience and do not constitute endorsement of material at those sites or any associated information, product or service.
The SCAMwatch website is run by the ACCC. The main ACCC website provides a wide range of information on fair trading, consumer rights and the Trade Practices Act.
The AHTCC is run by the Australian Federal Police. Includes information on computer intrusion, denial of service, online fraud, phishing, malware, money laundering, pop-up advertising, scams and spam.
Information on financial services and financial reporting, ASIC’s public registers and databases, information for investors and consumers and information on insolvency and liquidators. This site includes media releases and a link to the FIDO website.
ASIC's consumer website. Includes information on banned people, warnings about scams, tips on managing money and information on how to complain. Also features victim stories and information on accessing and correcting your credit report.
NetAlert is an internet safety advisory body. The NetAlert site includes advice and resources on internet security, scams and identity theft, spam and other internet-related issues.
The Australian Government’s e-security website for home users and small businesses. The site includes quizzes, guides, tools, tips and advice on securing your computer, smart transacting and keeping your family safe online.
The Security and Fraud Prevention section of the ABA website provides information on general security, how to protect your information online, protecting your financial identity, protecting your money and protecting your small business. Fact sheets are provided for each of these topics.
AMTA's 'If it sounds too good to be true…' page provides a general overview of mobile phone-related scams, including links to two fact sheets on avoiding scams and spam phone calls.
CHOICE's scams page contains information for consumers on the top ten scams, how to detect and avoid scams and case studies on two common types of scam.
This website is designed to inform consumers about identity theft protection. It is a joint project between the Australian Bankers' Association, ASIC and the Australian High Tech Crime Centre (hosted by the Australian Federal Police).
PhoneBusters is the Canadian anti-fraud call centre. The site includes tips for consumers on recognising scams (including a list of scams), a reporting function and contact information, information for consumers on organising anti-fraud events, and news about current scams.
The Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) is an international association dealing with phishing, pharming and other email fraud. The website contains white papers, reports, consumer advice, articles, links to anti-fraud organisations, news, events and a link to a phishing reporting function.
eConsumer.gov provides information for consumers about internet shopping (e-commerce). The site has tips for consumers, information on complaint trends and tips on resolving complaints with overseas traders. Consumers can also lodge complaints about overseas e-commerce traders.
The New Zealand Scamwatch website is run by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. The site includes information on types of scams, reported scams, current scam alerts and how to report a scam.
Consumer Direct is a telephone and online consumer advice service, supported by the UK Office of Fair Trading. The scams section of its website includes a list of common scams, tips for consumers on how to protect themselves against scams, scam warning signs and useful contacts for consumers.
This site is maintained by the US Federal Trade Commission hosts fraud data from numerous organisations. The site also includes a reporting function, fraud trends and research, consumer tips, news and a section on identity theft.
The Federal Trade Commission established this website to provide information for consumers who suspect they me be the victims of identity theft. The site provides links to various brochures and publications on the issue along with tips on what to do if identity theft has occurred.
Run by a taskforce of United States law enforcement agencies and industry, the site contains information on different types of fraud, victim stories, FAQs, tips for consumers, current fraud alerts, a test for consumers and a reporting function.
A joint initiative of several US government departments. Provides information on different types of scam, a quiz, a 'word of the day' function, email alerts and tips for avoiding scams. The site also allows visitors to file a complaint.