The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
Scams are becoming increasingly prevalent in Australia, with record losses of $3.1 billion reported in 2022, an 80% increase from the previous year. Despite efforts to raise awareness, scams continue to target individuals.
To combat this, Australia has established the National Anti-Scam Centre in May 2023, bringing together experts from both the government and private sectors to tackle scams and protect consumers.
Additionally, financial institutions such as banks are investing in new technologies to safeguard their customers.
However, there are steps that individuals can take to protect themselves from falling victim to scams.
1. Recognize Your Vulnerabilities
Scammers exploit people's vulnerabilities, targeting individuals based on their circumstances and characteristics. For example, individuals who have recently lost their jobs may be more susceptible to job scams, while those less experienced with digital technology may be more vulnerable to impersonation and remote access scams. It's important to be mindful of potential vulnerabilities when making financial decisions, even seemingly harmless ones like hunting for discounts on social media.
2. Monitor Your Accounts
Regularly checking your bank accounts is an essential practice to identify any suspicious transactions promptly. Many banks, such as Heritage and People's Choice, offer transaction notifications through various channels. These notifications can alert you whenever money enters or leaves your account, enabling immediate action if something appears amiss. Take advantage of your bank's security features to protect yourself against scams.
3. Stay Informed
Scammers constantly evolve their tactics, making it crucial to stay informed about the latest scams and cyber threats. Websites like the ACCC's Scamwatch provide valuable resources to keep up to date with new scams. In addition, banks like Heritage Bank and People's Choice regularly publish scam updates on their websites and social media platforms, helping their customers learn about potential scams targeting them.
4. Report Incidents
If you do fall victim to a scam, it is vital to report the incident to your bank and relevant authorities, such as the police or government agencies, as soon as possible. Banks like Heritage and People's Choice offer 24/7 assistance in reporting scams and can take immediate action to secure your accounts and prevent further losses. Reporting scams also helps banks enhance their fraud detection capabilities, ensuring better protection for their customers.
5. Share Your Experience
Many individuals hesitate to disclose that they have been scammed due to embarrassment or shame. However, by sharing your experience with family, friends, and your bank, you can help save others from falling victim to the same scam in the future. It's important to remember that being scammed is a dreadful experience that can have lasting effects on your finances and credit record.
Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.
Recent personal lending updates from Australia’s loan comparison market suggest borrowers are still facing a mixed environment. While some advertised rates have become more competitive, unsecured personal loan pricing remains uneven, especially for applicants who do not fit a mainstream bank profile. For Australians with limited credit history, casual income, self-employment or past repayment issues, the headline rate is only one part of the decision. - read more
Debt consolidation is moving back into focus as Australians continue to balance higher living costs, credit card balances, buy now pay later commitments and personal loan repayments. Recent finance sector commentary suggests more borrowers are looking for ways to simplify their debts, not necessarily to borrow more, but to make existing obligations easier to manage. - read more
Australia’s fast-growing private credit market is again under the regulatory spotlight, with ASIC warning that borrowers, investors and superannuation members may be more exposed to private lending risks than many realise. The latest concern centres on a sector that has expanded as banks have become more selective, especially in areas such as property development, construction finance and specialist business lending. - read more
HSBC Bank Australia has been ordered to pay a $35 million penalty after admitting serious failures in how it protected customers from scams. The case is significant because it moves beyond warning consumers to be alert and places stronger focus on the systems banks use to detect, prevent and respond to unauthorised transactions. - read more
In the first quarter of 2026, Australians borrowed a record $5.1 billion in new personal loans, reflecting the mounting financial pressures from escalating living costs. This significant increase underscores the challenges many individuals face in managing daily expenses. - read more
OnDeck Australia has announced an increase in its Lightning Loan limits, now offering up to $300,000 in unsecured funding for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This enhancement aims to meet the growing demand for quick and accessible business financing. - read more
In December 2025, Australian businesses demonstrated a significant increase in credit demand, with applications rising by 5.1% compared to the previous year. This uptick suggests a shift from cautious financial management to proactive investment in growth and expansion. - read more
The Regional Investment Corporation (RIC) has announced the introduction of two new low-interest loan products aimed at supporting Australian farmers and fishers grappling with the adverse effects of drought and harmful algal blooms. This initiative reflects the government's commitment to bolstering the resilience of the nation's primary producers in the face of environmental challenges. - read more
In a significant development within Australia's property investment sector, buyer's agency Dashdot has collapsed, leaving hundreds of clients financially impacted. This event has raised serious concerns about the practices and stability of buyer's agencies operating in the country. - read more
The Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA) has expressed strong support for the Federal Budget's emphasis on small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) support, regulatory reform, and economic resilience. This endorsement highlights the critical role of SMEs in Australia's economy and the necessity for policies that foster their growth and sustainability. - read more
Maintaining a healthy credit score is crucial for anyone looking to secure their financial future. A good credit score can open doors to better loan rates, more favourable credit card terms, and even housing opportunities. It's something that impacts many major financial decisions you make in life. Without a solid score, you might end up paying more in interest and find it harder to get approval for the things you really need. - read more
Soft inquiries are a type of credit check that does not impact your credit score. These checks occur when you or a company reviews your credit report as part of a background check, pre-approval process, or other non-lending purpose. - read more
Let's dive into the essential topic of emergency funds. An emergency fund is a stash of money set aside to cover the financial surprises life throws your way. These unexpected events can include sudden unplanned repairs, medical emergencies, or job loss. - read more
Financial stress is a common issue that affects a large portion of individuals, often due to unexpected expenses, unemployment, or a high cost of living. It can lead to both mental and emotional strain, influencing one's quality of life and decision-making abilities. Credit scores, a critical measurement of financial health, are used by lenders to evaluate the risk of lending money. - read more
No-credit-check and bad-credit loans are not automatically illegal in Australia, but regulated consumer lenders generally still need to assess whether credit is suitable and affordable. This guide explains responsible lending, borrower protections, hardship rights and warning signs to check before applying. - read more
Loan approval can often be a crucial milestone in achieving your financial goals. Whether you're looking to buy a home, pay for education, or consolidate debt, securing a loan can provide the financial boost you need to move forward. - read more
Soft credit checks can help you explore loan options without adding unnecessary pressure to your credit score. Understanding the difference between soft and hard credit enquiries can make it easier to compare lenders, review repayment scenarios and decide when a formal application is worth making. - read more
Managing personal finances judiciously becomes paramount when dealing with loans and their repayments. A potential obstacle many encounter is preserving or enhancing their credit score while simultaneously undertaking the necessary financial commitments of loan repayments. Understanding how to navigate this terrain is vital to financial health. - read more
Your credit score is a critical number that plays a significant role in your financial life. It represents your creditworthiness, or in simpler terms, how reliable you are in repaying borrowed money. - read more
Understanding financial health is paramount when venturing into the realm of loan acquisition. It's the backbone that supports not just your immediate monetary requirements but ensures longevity in your fiscal stability. At the heart of this understanding lies a critical aspect: the credit score. It's a numerical representation of your financial trustworthiness, influenced by past fiscal decisions and behaviors. - read more
Need Help Finding a Loan?
Find out now if you qualify and compare
rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check!
All finance quotes are provided free and without obligation. We respect your
privacy.
Knowledgebase
Monetary Policy: The actions of a central bank or other regulatory authority that determine the size and rate of growth of the money supply.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.