{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://www.bankaust.com.au/blog/{{slug}}" }, "headline": "{{title}}", "description": "{{desc}}", "image": "{{image}}", "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Bank Australia", "url": "https://www.bankaust.com.au/" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Bank Australia", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64d5d5beb2a67e9491ecdff8/64d5d5beb2a67e9491ece00c_BA-logo-white.webp" } }, "datePublished": "{{datePublished}}", "dateModified": "{{dateModified}}" }
Skip to main content
No items found.
Back to blog
Money

Did you know scammers have team meetings?

Photo journal

You'd probably be surprised to know that scammers aren't just lone rangers or random people. They actually often operate like businesses.

Here's some things to look out for.

  1. They're organised. Scammers rarely work alone. In fact, they even have team meetings.

  2. They'll ask lots of questions.

  3. They'll isolate you. This means they'll ask you 'not to tell anyone' so that you feel like you can't reach out to anyone to see if what you're doing is right.

  4. They will always create a sense of urgency like 'You're being hacked!' or 'People are coming to arrest you!' so that you feel like you need to sort it out ASAP.

  5. They will prey on the fear they created.

  6. They'll change their story quickly if something doesn't work. For example, if you don't have internet banking, they'll ask you for gift cards.

  7. They'll overwhelm you with lots of information and numbers to appear legitimate. They could use codes, reference numbers, complex-sounding language, fake screens on your computer or documents and items to download.

If you need to report a scam, report it directly to ScamWatch and call us on 132 888. Remember, there's no such thing as a silly question and it never hurts to double check you're doing the right thing.

To learn more about scams, visit our page on Scams, security and fraud.

Related stories

Money

Could your password already be exposed? A quick spring clean can help protect your accounts

Money

Planning an overseas trip? Here's how to stay safe from travel scams

Money

The $500 mistake: why scammers are paying for bank accounts and IDs

Money

Why this Depop scam doesn't look like a scam

Money

Anyone can be targeted: why intelligent people still fall for scams

Money

Cost of living: How to navigate financial anxiety in 2026

Money

6 expert tips for how to talk to your partner about money

Money

QR code scams are rising in Australia. Here’s how to protect yourself

QR code scams are increasing across Australia. Learn how quishing works, where fake QR codes appear, the red flags to look for, and how to protect your money and device.

Money

How to turn your eco-friendly upgrades into a reduced home loan rate

Money

Electric vehicles are more affordable than ever, here's how Bank Australia’s EV car loan works

Money

The RBA, the cash rate, and why your interest rate changes

When the RBA moves rates, why does your home loan or savings rate change? Here's a plain-language explanation of how it actually works.

Money

Money mule scams: What to do if someone asks you to transfer money

Money mule scams don't always look like scams. Here's what they look like, why they're so common, and what to do if you've been approached.

Money

Mobile porting scams: How to protect your phone and your bank account

Stop scammers from stealing your phone number. Learn the warning signs of mobile porting fraud and how to secure your Bank Australia account.

Money

What to do when someone you love is caught up in a romance scam: steps that actually help

Learn the key signs someone you love is caught in a romance scam. Discover expert tips, behaviour changes to watch for, and steps to safely support them.

Money

Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree scams are rising: Most losses under $300

Marketplace scams are on the rise in Australia, with small‑value losses becoming increasingly common. Learn the key warning signs, who scammers are targeting in 2026, and practical steps to protect yourself when buying or selling online.

Read more tips for staying safe online

Money

Road trip safety in Australia: Tips for summer, easter and year-round travel

Planning an Australian road trip? Discover essential safety tips, EV charging advice, and insurance checks to keep your journey stress-free and sustainable—perfect for summer holidays, Easter camping trips, and year-round adventures.

Money

Achieving your financial resolutions in 2026

Whether it’s understanding where your money goes or reviewing your “set and forget” expenses, we get a financial planner’s thoughts on how to better understand, manage and streamline our finances in the year ahead.

Money

5 schemes and grants for first home buyers in Australia

Money

AI scams are on the rise – here’s how to stay safe

Between fraudulent websites, “AI-powered” investment scams and deepfakes, artificial intelligence is making scams more convincing than ever. A Bank Australia fraud expert explains what to watch out for, and how to keep yourself safe.

Money

Unlock your first home sooner: what you need to know about the 5% deposit scheme