Every year, millions of dollars vanish into the pockets of scammers. What makes these cons so effective is that they rarely look the same twice. One week it’s a text message about a package, the next it’s an urgent call from “your bank” — but the goal is always the same: to pressure you into handing over money or personal information.

That “Netflix” email isn’t what it seems

Phishing remains one of the most common scams. Criminals send emails or texts that look like they’re from your bank, tax office, or even Netflix. The design often looks convincing — right down to logos and colours — but the links lead to fake login pages built to steal your credentials. If you’re moving quickly, it’s easy to miss the subtle clues: a misspelled web address, odd phrasing, or a request for information the real company would never ask for.

The delivery text that’s a trap

Fake delivery texts have exploded with the rise of online shopping. A message that says “your package is waiting” feels believable. Scammers exploit that moment of recognition. The link either asks for a small payment or quietly installs malicious software on your device.

“Microsoft” calling about a virus?

Tech support scams usually arrive by phone. Someone claiming to be from Microsoft, Telstra, or the NBN warns that your computer is infected or your internet will be cut off unless you follow their instructions. The script is designed to sound official and urgent, pushing victims into giving remote access or paying for bogus software.

Love, crypto and “guaranteed” profits

Romance scams are emotionally devastating. Fraudsters build trust over weeks or months online before asking for money — often for “medical bills” or “travel”. The financial loss is huge, but so is the emotional betrayal.

Crypto scams are a modern twist on classic fraud. Scammers dangle promises of massive returns, sometimes with fake celebrity endorsements. Once you send money or digital currency, it’s gone — there’s no safety net to pull it back.

And then there are Ponzi and pyramid schemes. Early investors may see quick profits, but their payouts come from later victims. When the pool dries up, the scheme collapses. Red flags include complicated commission structures, pressure to recruit others, or a focus on signing people up instead of selling a real product.

When scammers steal your identity

Impersonation scams target trust. Fraudsters pretend to be the tax office, your bank, or even the police, claiming your account will be frozen unless you act now. They lean on fear and authority to push you into paying quickly.

SIM swapping is another growing threat. Scammers convince your mobile provider to transfer your phone number on to a SIM card they control. With your number, they can intercept text messages, including bank logins and two-factor authentication codes. The result: full account takeover.

Job scams prey on people looking for flexible work. Ads that promise “easy money from home” lure victims into paying upfront fees or handing over personal details. Some even rope people into unwittingly laundering money by “processing payments” or “reshipping goods.”

The bottom line

The golden rule is simple: if it feels urgent, emotional, or too good to be true — slow down, verify and protect yourself. Report scams when you see them. In Australia, head to Scamwatch.gov.au. Wherever you are, your government’s consumer protection agency will have the right channel.

And if you want to hear these scams broken down in plain language — with real examples, tips, and our monthly segment Don’t Click That Link — tune into my podcast, Ask A Tech with Nathan Vincent. Each episode shares the same title as this column, so you can easily find the deeper dive.

I hope you found this interesting. If you or anyone you know has been scammed, please share this with them or check out my podcast Ask A Tech with Nathan Vincent on Spotify or the MMG app. For questions or suggestions, contact me at askatech@mmg.com.au.

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Thursday, 23rd October 2025

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