Hello, fellow Tasmanians! Each week, via our blog, we at Hills Accounting, Hobart try to provide you with some real-world tips on all kinds of financially related matters that will help you from both a personal and business perspective, and this week is no exception
Today, we would like to talk to you about something that's become a real thorn in our side: scammers!
You've probably heard the alarming statistics – in the 2021-22 financial year, a whopping 65% of us were exposed to scams, up from 55% the previous year. What's even more shocking is that Australians lost over $2 billion to scammers during 2021 alone.
But it's not all doom and gloom. The good news is that the number of us responding to scams actually decreased, from 3.6% to 2.7%. This shows that awareness and education are key. So, how can we continue this positive trend and protect ourselves from becoming another statistic?
Here are 10 simple but handy tips that might help you avoid these fraudsters.
1. Knowledge is Power
Stay up-to-date on the latest scam trends. Scams evolve quickly, so being informed is your first line of defence.
2. Personal Information is Precious
Guard it fiercely. Shred sensitive documents, use strong passwords online, and never share personal details unless you're absolutely certain who you're dealing with.
3. Verify, Then Trust
Have you received a sketchy call or email? Don't just take them at face value. Reach out to the supposed organization through official channels to confirm.
4. Investments
Tread Carefully: If an investment opportunity sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Do your homework and seek independent advice before parting with your cash.
5. Educate Your Team - And Your Family
If you're running a business, make sure your employees know how to spot scams, especially those targeting businesses. From the family perspective, make sure that everyone in your family can gauge contact that just doesn't seem right and not respond to it until they have spoken to you.