Definition of a scam

A scam is a scheme designed to take your money dishonestly or deceitfully, and give you little or nothing in return.

Facts

• Scams can affect anyone.

• In 2008, Consumer Affairs Victoria recorded 3,707 enquiries or complaints about scams.

• In 2007, 1.3 million Victorians were exposed to scams. Of these, 87,500 fell victim to a scam. (2007 ABS Personal Fraud Survey)

• Victorians lost over $250 million to scams in 2007.

Types of scams

Select a scam below to:

• learn more about the most common types of scams you may be exposed to
• learn how to avoid being scammed
• find the names of scammers Consumer Affairs Victoria has identified.

Chain letter and pyramid selling schemes
Promises of a large financial return for signing up other people to the scheme.

Computer gambling software scams
Software that promises to predict racing results or make you money on the stock market.

Domain name renewal notice scams
Invitations to register an internet domain name using imitation invoices.

Door-to-door scams
Travelling scammers offering cheap, ‘today only’ deals for home repairs including painting, asphalting and roof repairs.

Employment schemes
Offers of big money to work from home.

Investment and financial scams
Promises of huge returns on investments in a dodgy-sounding scheme.

Lottery scams
Requests to send a fee to access international lottery winnings.

Money transfer (‘Nigerian’) scams
Requests from a stranger to send or transfer money.

Online car sales scams
Online advertisements offering fake second-hand vehicles for lower than expected prices.

Overpayment scams
Fake cheques sent by scammers to people selling goods and services online.

Phishing scams
Requests to give out account details in response to an official-looking email.

Phone or fax back schemes
Missed mobile phone calls and expensive faxes.

Prize award and merchandise offer scams
Requests to send a fee to collect an unexpected prize.

Psychic, clairvoyant and fortune teller scams
Promises to help solve personal troubles if you send money.

Rental scams
Advertisements for fake rental properties.

Unauthorised advertising scams (‘blowers’)
Invoices for advertisements you never authorised or requested.

Weight loss, health and medical scams
'Miracle cures' that promise quick and easy remedies for serious medical conditions.

If you are scammed

Report the scam to Consumer Affairs Victoria: dob in a scam online.

We will not contact you regarding your submitted form, however we will use this information to help fight scams in Victoria.

If you require further assistance, please call the Consumer Affairs Helpline: 1300 55 81 81.

Resources

Easy English factsheet - Scams (PDF, 306KB)