// Scams & awareness
The fake purchase callback scam
What it looks like
You receive a message that tells you something's just been bought on your account, a phone, gift cards, plane tickets, usually between $300 and $2,000. It might come by text, email, possibly with your real name or address attached, which makes it feel even more convincing. There's a number to call if you didn't make the purchase.
How it plays out
When you ring the number, a friendly, professional-sounding "support" person answers. They confirm the purchase is fraudulent and tell you your account has been hacked. Then they offer to help fix it, and this is where the scam happens. Depending on the version, they'll ask you to:
read out a code that's just been sent to your phone (this lets them into your account)
install an app so they can "check your computer" (this gives them control of it)
move your money to a "safe account" while they sort it out (this account is theirs)
The purchase was never real. The whole point of the text was to get you to call them.
Why it works
It makes you panic about money you didn't spend. And because you're calling to cancel, not to pay, it feels like the safe thing to do.
The giveaway
The message gives you a number to call. Real companies don't ask you to ring a number sent in a text.
You didn't buy anything.
It pushes you to act "immediately".
What to do
Don't call the number in the message.
Check your account the way you normally would: open the app or website yourself.
Delete the message.
Already called?
If you shared a code, installed anything, or moved money, call your bank straight away using the number on your card, then report it at scamwatch.gov.au.
// Quick tech tip
Scan documents with your phone, no scanner needed
Your phone can make clean, flat PDF copies of letters, receipts or forms, ready to email or save.
On an iPhone:
Open the Notes app and start a new note.
Tap the camera or paperclip icon, then Scan Documents.
Hold the phone over the page. It snaps automatically, then tap Save.
On an Android phone:
Open the Google Drive app.
Tap +, then Scan.
Take the photo, adjust the edges if needed, and tap Save.
Handy for insurance claims, medical receipts, or sending a form without a trip to the post office.
// This week’s habit to keep
If someone asks you to say your PIN or one-time code out loud, hang up, no exceptions.
That’s it for this week.
Let me know if there's something you want to know more about. Reply to this email, I read every one, and it might help someone else too.
Until next time,
John
P.S. If you found this useful, forward it someone you care about!
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