How to Spot Scam Calls and Texts in East Gippsland
Scam calls, texts and emails target people across Australia, and residents of regional areas such as East Gippsland receive them just as often as anyone else. Knowing the common patterns makes them much easier to recognise, and much easier to ignore.
This guide covers the warning signs, the scams we hear about most, and what to do straight away if you think you have been caught out.
The Warning Signs
- Urgency or threats: your account will be closed, you will be fined, or your internet will be cut off unless you act now
- An unexpected contact asking for passwords, codes, banking details or access to your computer
- A link in a text message or email that you were not expecting
- A request to pay by gift card, cryptocurrency or an unusual bank transfer
- A caller who says they are from a well-known company, bank or government agency but contacted you first
- A message from a number you do not recognise claiming to be a family member in trouble
Common Scams to Watch For
- Fake tech support: a call or pop-up claims your computer has a virus and asks you to install software or allow remote access. Genuine companies do not make unsolicited calls like this.
- Missed parcel texts: a message claiming to be from a delivery service with a link to rearrange delivery or pay a fee.
- Fake government or myGov messages: a text or email with a link to sign in, claim a refund or fix a problem with your account.
- Bank impersonation: a call or text saying your account has been compromised and asking you to move money or confirm a code.
- The family emergency text: a message from an unknown number saying a relative has a new phone number and urgently needs money.
What to Do If You Responded
- Stop contact and disconnect. Hang up, delete the message, and if you let anyone connect to your computer, turn it off or disconnect it from the internet.
- Call your bank straight away. If you shared banking details or made a payment, call the number on the back of your card and ask them to protect your accounts.
- Change your passwords. Change the passwords for your email, banking and any account that shares them, using a different device if you gave someone remote access.
- Report the scam. Report it at scamwatch.gov.au and, if you lost money or personal information, at cyber.gov.au. IDCARE (1800 595 160) offers free support if your identity has been compromised.
- Have your computer checked. If anyone had access to your computer, it should be scanned and checked for malware before you use it for banking again. We can do this remotely.
Keeping Yourself Safe
If you are unsure, hang up and contact the company using a number from its official website or your statement, never a number the caller or message gave you. Do not click links in unexpected messages. Talk to someone you trust before you act on anything that feels rushed.
We also offer patient one-on-one lessons that cover scam safety, email and online banking for seniors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a computer company ever call me about a virus?
No. Genuine companies do not make unsolicited calls to tell you your computer is infected. Anyone who does is attempting to gain access to your computer or your money.
I gave someone remote access to my computer. What now?
Turn the computer off and disconnect it from the internet, contact your bank, change your passwords from a different device, and report it to Scamwatch and ReportCyber. Have the computer scanned before you use it again.
How do I know that your support sessions are genuine?
We never cold call. A remote session only starts when you contact us and choose to give us the session code, and you can end it at any time.
Need a Hand?
If you would rather have this done for you, Grimace Remote can help remotely from Bairnsdale. The first hour is $89, and every session is backed by our No Fix, No Fee guarantee.
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Make an Enquiry
Please complete the form below, email support@grimaceremote.com.au, or text 0407 464 371. Enquiries are typically answered within a few hours during business hours, and within 24 hours outside business hours.
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