Types of scams and cybercrime

Being able to identify a scam and taking steps to protect yourself from cybercrime can protect you, and your money.

An introduction to scams

Scams cost Australian consumers, businesses and the economy hundreds of millions of dollars each year.

It’s not just the gullible or greedy who get scammed. Scammers are smart and often use emotional triggers to extort money or information from their victims. These actions can cause emotional harm and financial hardship to those affected.

To learn more and protect yourself, visit the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) The Little Black Book of Scams page.

Types of scams

These are some of the common scams that people can encounter which include:

• attempts to gain your personal information, including hacking, identity theft and phishing
• buying or selling scams
• dating and romance scams, often via dating websites, apps or social media
• fake charities seeking donations
• investment opportunities and ‘foolproof betting systems’
• jobs and employment that include offers of ‘guaranteed’ employment and other ways to ‘get rich quick’
• threats and extortion, including malware and threats of fines, arrest and even violence
• unexpected money, such as inheritance and rebate scams
• unexpected winnings, such as winning lottery tickets, prize giveaways.

Learn more about these scams and more on ACCC's Scamwatch website.

An introduction to cybercrime

Cybercrime and scams often overlap, but cybercrime does not always involve a scam.

Cybercrime is illegal activity directed at:

• computers
• mobile phones, or
• other online devices.

It is often computers or other connected devices which are the main ways the illegal activities are carried out.

Types of cybercrime

These are some of the common cybercrimes that people can encounter which include:

• AI cybercrime
• online scams and fraud
• identity theft
• email spam and phishing
• attacks on computer systems
• distribution and possession of offensive and illegal content
• cyber-bullying
• online trading issues.

Learn more about cybercrime at the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) website.

Report identity theft, scams or cybercrime

If you have been a victim of a scam or believe someone is trying to scam you, you can make a report to Service NSW.