Scams and fraud are major issues in Georges River affecting residents, business owners and employees. In 2024, NSW had 67,154 scams reported, resulting in $115,071,497 known losses.  


 

No Phishing in Georges River

No Phishing in Georges River is a two-year project funded by the Department of Home Affairs.

Our aim is to protect vulnerable community members from online scams and other cyber threats. We want everyone to feel safe and confident when using the internet.

The project will focus on seniors, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, small business owners, children, young people, and families.

We will provide free, easy-to-understand cyber safety education programs. Information will be shared in clear, accessible language.

This work will lead to greater awareness of cyber threats, stronger skills to avoid scams, and increased confidence in using online services safely. Activities will be delivered during important community dates and events. 

Complete the Your Say Survey to help us learn about the community's experience with cyber security.
 

How to protect yourself

• Learn how to identify a scam.
• Use a unique and strong password on every account.
• Always set up multi-factor authentication.
• Check and update your privacy and location settings regularly.
• Install all software updates to keep your devices secure.
• Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi.
• Report cyber attacks and incidents.
• Talk about how to be cyber secure with family and friends.

Factsheets

Act Now. Stay Secure. Australian Government cyber security awareness campaign factsheets on how to stay cyber secure online.

• Stay Cyber Secure Factsheet (English).
• Stay Cyber Secure Factsheet (Chinese Simplified).
• Stay Cyber Secure Factsheet (Nepali).
• Stay Cyber Secure Factsheet (Hindi).
• Stay Cyber Secure Factsheet (Thai).
• Stay Cyber Secure Factsheet (Arabic).
• Stay Cyber Secure Factsheet (Bangla).

 

Common Types of Scams

​A few of the most common types of scams include:

• Threat and Penalty – threats to frighten you into handing over your money.

• Unexpected Money or Prizes – trick you into giving money or details to receive a prize.

• Online Shopping - fake websites that look real with prices too good to be true.

• Investment – fake investment opportunities or promises of risk-free investment.

• Dating and Romance – fake profiles on legitimate dating websites and apps.

• Blessing Scam - scammers are stealing money and jewellery from women they meet on the street by saying they need a blessing to protect their family from curse or illness. 

  • Blessing Scam Fact Sheet (English).

  • Blessing Scam Fact Sheet (Traditional Chinese).

  • Blessing Scam Fact Sheet (Simplified Chinese).

• Cyber attacks - Examples of cyber attacks include denial of service attacks (DOS), hacking, malware, phishing, spoofing, ransomware and spamming. The attacks are all executed in different ways and can result in losses.

 

Reporting

To report a scam or any fraudulent activities please contact the Police. You can also report incidents to: 

• Scamwatch run by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission for scams that are overseas or interstate
• Service NSW, if the scam originates in NSW and you know the name of the business or trader
• ACSC, the Australian Cyber Security Centre if you are the victim of identify theft or cybercrime
• Services Australia for scams and ID theft linked to myGov accounts
• Australian Tax Office, to verify or report a scam

Georges River Council works closely with NSW Police to deliver a safety and scams awareness talks year round. If you are interested in attending a workshop to learn more about scams and fraud please contact us.