No Credit Check :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Protect Yourself from Scams: Five Essential Steps

Protect Yourself from Scams: Five Essential Steps

Protect Yourself from Scams: Five Essential Steps?w=400

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.

Published:Saturday, 4th Nov 2023
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Finance News

APRA Implements Cap on High Debt-to-Income Home Loans
APRA Implements Cap on High Debt-to-Income Home Loans
16 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change to address emerging risks in the housing market. Effective February 2026, APRA will impose a cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, limiting such loans to 20% of new home lending portfolios. This proactive measure aims to curb potential financial instability arising from escalating property prices and increased credit growth. - read more
Australian Banks Tighten Policies on Trust and Company Lending
Australian Banks Tighten Policies on Trust and Company Lending
16 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
In response to emerging regulatory concerns, two of Australia's major lenders, Macquarie Bank and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), have introduced new restrictions on lending to trusts and companies. - read more
APRA Implements Cap on High DTI Home Loans to Address Housing Market Concerns
APRA Implements Cap on High DTI Home Loans to Address Housing Market Concerns
08 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at mitigating risks in the housing market. Effective February 2026, APRA will impose a cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, limiting such loans to 20% of new home lending portfolios. This measure is designed to address concerns over escalating property prices and the potential for financial instability. - read more
Commonwealth Bank Raises Alarm Over Surging Home Loan Demand
Commonwealth Bank Raises Alarm Over Surging Home Loan Demand
08 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), the nation's largest lender, has voiced concerns over the current surge in home loan demand, suggesting it may be contributing to escalating property prices and potential financial instability. CEO Matt Comyn emphasized that while the bank benefits from increased housing credit, a more moderate growth rate would better support long-term financial stability and housing market accessibility. - read more
Major Australian Banks Reduce Dependence on Mortgage Brokers
Major Australian Banks Reduce Dependence on Mortgage Brokers
08 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Australia's 'Big Four' banks-Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), National Australia Bank (NAB), Westpac, and ANZ-are strategically reducing their reliance on mortgage brokers in response to squeezed profit margins resulting from lower interest rates, rising operational costs, and intense market competition. Currently, mortgage brokers account for approximately 80% of new home loans in Australia, a significant increase from 50% six years ago. However, banks are now focusing on more profitable, in-house mortgage origination channels. - read more
Australian Housing Market Forecast: 7% Price Increase Expected in 2026
Australian Housing Market Forecast: 7% Price Increase Expected in 2026
30 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
Recent analyses indicate that Australian home prices are set to rise by approximately 7% in 2026, an upward revision from earlier projections of 5.6%. This anticipated growth is primarily attributed to a constrained housing supply coupled with resilient demand, particularly in major urban centres such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. - read more
Australian Stock Market Achieves 10% Growth in Financial Year 2025 Amid Global Challenges
Australian Stock Market Achieves 10% Growth in Financial Year 2025 Amid Global Challenges
30 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian stock market has demonstrated remarkable resilience, with the S&P/ASX 200 index recording a 10.2% gain over the 2025 financial year. This performance comes despite a backdrop of global economic uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions and fluctuating commodity prices. - read more
Commonwealth Bank Raises Alarm Over Surging Home Loan Demand
Commonwealth Bank Raises Alarm Over Surging Home Loan Demand
22 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), the nation's largest lender, has expressed concerns about the current surge in home loan demand, suggesting it may be contributing to escalating property prices and potential financial instability. CEO Matt Comyn emphasized that while the bank benefits from increased housing credit, a more moderate growth rate would better support long-term financial stability and housing market accessibility. - read more
Westpac's RAMS Financial Group Penalized for Home Loan Misconduct
Westpac's RAMS Financial Group Penalized for Home Loan Misconduct
22 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
RAMS Financial Group, a subsidiary of Westpac Banking Corporation, has been fined A$20 million by Australia's Federal Court for serious misconduct in its home loan practices between June 2019 and April 2023. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) initiated the lawsuit, citing issues such as the use of falsified payslips to approve loans, engagement with unlicensed mortgage referrers, and inadequate oversight mechanisms. - read more
Australia's Major Banks Reducing Dependence on Mortgage Brokers
Australia's Major Banks Reducing Dependence on Mortgage Brokers
22 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
Australia's 'Big Four' banks-Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), Westpac, National Australia Bank (NAB), and ANZ-are strategically reducing their reliance on mortgage brokers in response to squeezed profit margins resulting from lower interest rates, rising operational costs, and intense market competition. Currently, mortgage brokers account for approximately 80% of new home loans in Australia, a significant increase from 50% six years ago. However, banks are now focusing on more profitable, in-house mortgage origination channels. - read more


Finance Articles

Understanding Soft Inquiries: How to Check Loan Options Without Affecting Your Credit Score
Understanding Soft Inquiries: How to Check Loan Options Without Affecting Your Credit Score
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
How to Create a Budget that Keeps Your Debt in Check
How to Create a Budget that Keeps Your Debt in Check
Managing debt is a cornerstone of financial wellness. Whether it's credit card debt, student loans, or a mortgage, keeping debt in check helps you maintain a healthy financial state. High levels of debt can lead to financial stress, impacting your overall well-being and limiting your ability to save for future goals. - read more
Understanding Your Credit File: How to Seek Loans without Negative Impacts
Understanding Your Credit File: How to Seek Loans without Negative Impacts
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
Loan Hunting with Confidence: How to Check Options Without Credit Damage
Loan Hunting with Confidence: How to Check Options Without Credit Damage
Embarking on the journey to secure a loan can feel like navigating a minefield with your credit score as the prize. It's no secret that your credit score is your financial fingerprint, impacting not just your loan prospects but also the terms you're offered. However, the act of loan hunting itself, if not done carefully, can take a toll on this crucial number. - read more
Budgeting Basics to Keep Your Credit Score Healthy While Seeking a Loan
Budgeting Basics to Keep Your Credit Score Healthy While Seeking a Loan
Understanding the nuances of financial health is a crucial component in the journey of loan acquisition. It is the bedrock on which potential borrowers build their case for credibility and reliability. Among the myriad of factors influencing your fiscal stability, credit scores stand out as a beacon indicating your creditworthiness to lenders. A robust credit score simplifies the path to securing loans, garnering favorable interest rates, and negotiating better terms. - read more
Navigating Financial Uncertainty: Tips for Managing Money Worries
Navigating Financial Uncertainty: Tips for Managing Money Worries
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
Choosing the Right Loan for Your Personal Needs in Australia
Choosing the Right Loan for Your Personal Needs in Australia
Choosing the right loan can be a pivotal decision in your personal financial journey. In Australia, where a diverse range of loan options is available, selecting the loan that aligns perfectly with your needs is more crucial than ever. A judicious choice can help you fulfill your dreams—be it buying a new home, investing in education, or consolidating debt—while ensuring that the repayments remain manageable and do not lead to financial strain. - read more
Understanding Soft Credit Checks: Safeguard Your Score During Loan Comparison
Understanding Soft Credit Checks: Safeguard Your Score During Loan Comparison
When embarking on the journey to secure financing, particularly for significant purchases such as a car, your credit score takes center stage in the eyes of lenders. A credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness, derived from your financial history and behaviors. It wields substantial influence on your ability to acquire loans with favorable terms. - read more
Savvy Spending: Innovative Budgeting Tips for Smooth Loan Repayments
Savvy Spending: Innovative Budgeting Tips for Smooth Loan Repayments
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
Top 5 Mistakes That Damage Your Credit Score and How to Avoid Them
Top 5 Mistakes That Damage Your Credit Score and How to Avoid Them
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


Need Help Finding a Loan?
Find out now if you qualify and compare rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check!
Loan Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a Specialist from our National Broker referral panel. See our Privacy Statement for more details.

All finance quotes are provided free and without obligation. We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Refinancing:
The process of obtaining a new mortgage to replace an existing one, often to secure a lower interest rate.


Quick Links: | No Credit Check Loans | Personal Loans No Credit Check | Bad Credit Loans | Business Loans No Credit Check | Fast Cash Loans Australia | Unsecured Loans | Guaranteed Approval Loans | Short Term Loans | Emergency Loans | Same Day Loans