Security Hub

Job scams are becoming increasingly common, often advertised via social media or messaging apps. These fraudulent offers may promise easy money or remote work with minimal requirements, and typically request personal or financial information as part of the ‘onboarding’ process. Apart from financial fraud, in some cases this scams can lead up to human trafficking schemes.

Signs to watch out for include vague job descriptions, unusual payment requests, or communication via unofficial channels (such as WhatsApp or Telegram).

What you can do:
Be cautious of unsolicited job offers. Always check the legitimacy of a company via their official website before applying or sharing personal details.

Received a suspicious job offer? Report it to Scamwatch and do not engage.

Scammers may use stolen personal information to access or transfer investment assets without your knowledge. Often, the first sign is unexpected mail from CHESS or your share registry.

Don’t ignore unfamiliar or unusual correspondence, particularly related to financial transactions.

What you can do:
Review all communications carefully and report anything suspicious to your provider or broker immediately.

Need help understanding a notice you’ve received? Get in touch with us or your financial adviser.

Scammers are posing as investment providers, offering access to high-return government or corporate bonds. These offers often appear professional and are promoted via unsolicited emails, phone calls, or online ads, but they are completely fake.

You may be asked to provide ID, banking details, or transfer money to secure the ‘investment’.

What you can do:
Only invest through licensed financial providers. Verify investment opportunities on ASIC’s Investor Alert List before transferring any funds.

Scammers are using software to make SMS messages appear as though they’re from legitimate businesses, including financial institutions. These messages may ask you to click a link, confirm a transaction, or reply with ‘Y’ or ‘N.’

SCCU will never send SMS messages with links or ask you to reply by text.

What you can do:
If in doubt, do not respond to the message. Contact us directly using the phone number on our website or via direct inbox in the SCCU mobile app.

Phishing emails often imitate trusted organisations or people, using logos, email domains, and formatting that looks familiar. They may urge you to click a link, open an attachment, or enter personal details into a fake login page.

Even one click could give scammers access to your device or sensitive information.

What you can do:
Check the sender’s email address closely. If something doesn’t look right, don’t click. Delete the message and contact the organisation through verified channels.

Scams involving unusual payment methods are on the rise. You may be asked to pay using gift cards, preloaded debit cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, methods that are hard to recover once sent.

At the same time, fake online shopping sites are becoming more convincing, with professional-looking websites that advertise products they never intend to deliver.

These scams are designed to catch you off-guard and pressure you to act quickly.

What you can do:
Only shop from trusted websites and avoid any seller that insists on non-standard payment methods. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t proceed. Use a credit card for added security where possible.

With cryptocurrency scams on the rise, it’s important to recognise the red flags early. According to ASIC, there are common signs that strongly indicate a scam, particularly if you’re being offered fast returns or unsolicited investment opportunities.

Watch for the following warning signs:

• You receive an unexpected investment offer.
• The offer features a celebrity endorsement that turns out to be fake.
• A person you’ve only met online (often via dating platforms) asks for crypto.
• You’re pressured to move your crypto to a different exchange or unknown website.
• You’re asked to pay fees or services using cryptocurrency.
• The app you’re using isn’t available through official stores like Apple or Google Play.
• You’re told to pay more just to withdraw your funds.
• You’re promised guaranteed returns, free money, or risk-free investments.
• Unknown or strange tokens appear in your digital wallet.
• You’re told your investment earnings are withheld “for tax reasons.”

What you can do:
Be cautious with all crypto-related offers. If you’re ever unsure, seek independent financial advice and avoid acting on pressure or emotion.