Share a Story, Stop a Scam
This year’s Scams Awareness Week 2024, running from the Monday 26 – Friday 30 August shines a spotlight on the power of storytelling with the theme: "Share a Story, Stop a Scam." In the fight against scams, sharing experiences can be the key to preventing others from falling victim to similar traps. Through the stories of those who've encountered scams, we can spread awareness, provide comfort to those affected, and create a community of resilience.
Approximately 2.5% of Australians have experienced a scam1, while approximately 65% of Australians have been exposed to a scam2. However, around 30% of people do not report the most serious scams3.
We want to share with you Hannah's story, shared to us by the National Anti-Scam Centre, to highlight the importance of staying safe online, the dangers of isolation, and the hope that comes from seeking help.
Hannah, aged 70, found herself caught in the web of a sophisticated cryptocurrency scam. The scam drained over $300,000 of her hard-earned money, leaving her not only financially devastated but also mentally and physically distressed. As someone who prided herself on her independence, Hannah was terrified of what might happen if her family discovered what she had been through. She began to withdraw from her children, burdened by the fear of losing her autonomy and desperate to recover the money she had lost.
In her search for a solution, Hannah considered borrowing from her mortgage to pay for an investigator when she received a call from “David”. David knew all the details of Hannah's initial scam and claimed he had identified her lost funds along with those of other victims. Hannah, feeling overwhelmed with relief, believed she had finally found someone who could help her reclaim what was rightfully hers.
David's frequent, friendly calls offered Hannah a sense of companionship that she sorely needed. He was confident that he could recover her money, but he required a $25,000 fee to proceed. Despite the enormous cost, Hannah was willing to pay, seeing it as her only hope to restore her finances.
Thankfully, before handing over the money, Hannah went to her bank to withdraw the funds. It was there that a vigilant bank teller intervened. The teller recognised the warning signs of a scam and explained to Hannah that David was likely the same person who had scammed her in the first place, or someone closely connected. Hannah was shocked, but also immensely relieved. For the first time, she was able to open up about her experiences and the overwhelming financial and emotional stress she had been under.
Hannah’s story didn’t end there—thanks to the bank teller, she was referred to support services that are now helping her recover from the ordeal. While she still struggles with the idea of telling her family, she is no longer facing her challenges alone.
Why Sharing Matters
Hannah’s experience is a stark reminder that scammers often target the vulnerable, using manipulation and deceit to exploit them further. By sharing her story, Hannah not only received the help she needed but also contributed to raising awareness that could protect others.
During Scams Awareness Week, we encourage everyone to share their stories—no matter how big or small. Your story could be the one that helps someone else avoid a similar fate.
Protect Yourself From Scams!
Remember to not only Stop. Check. Reject but to also Report. If you're concerned that you may have been scammed or are worried about the security of your accounts, contact your financial institution immediately.
Stop - Does a call, email or text seem off? The best thing to do is stop. Take a breath. Real organisations won’t put you under pressure to act instantly.
Check - Ask someone you trust or contact the organisation the message claims to be from.
Reject - If you’re unsure, hang up on the caller, delete the email, block the phone number. Change your password if you think someone else may have it, and make sure you pick something long and unique.
Report - The more we talk, the less power they have. Report scams to scamwatch.gov.au when you see them.
Victim Support
Scammers want you to hide or deny your experiences. Reaching out to support services not only helps you to understand what happened but informs authorities about scammer activities so that they can make it harder for scams to occur.
• The National Anti-Scam Centre and support agencies have heard thousands of stories of scams. When you report your scam, the people who read your report understand how you are feeling. You are not alone.
• If a scammer has taken your money or personal details, contact your bank or card provider immediately to report the scam. Ask them to stop any transactions.
• IDCARE is Australia and New Zealand’s national identity and cyber support service. They can help you create a plan (for free) to limit the damage. Call them on 1800 595 160 or visit idcare.org to find out more.
• If a scam is causing you problems with debt, talk to a financial counsellor. MoneySmart provides a list of free and confidential services to help you get your finances back on track.
• Being scammed is a horrible experience, and it can happen to anyone. If you need someone to talk to, reach out to family and friends or you can contact Lifeline (13 11 14) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636).
1 Australian Bureau of Statistics, Personal Fraud Survey, March 2024.
2 Australian Bureau of Statistics, Personal Fraud Survey, February 2023.
3 69.4% of people who experienced a scam notified (or were notified by) an authority about the most serious scam (Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Personal Fraud Survey, March 2024).
