Share this @internewscast.com

A warning has been issued to Australians about a scam where fraudsters are allegedly spoofing the phone numbers of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to obtain personal details.
The National Anti-Scam Centre, operating under the ACCC, alerted the public after discovering the scam. Scammers are using ACCC’s official phone numbers, which can be found on its website.

Here’s what you need to understand about the new scam, the signs to watch for, and the actions to take if you become a target.

How scammers are impersonating the ACCC

These scammers are reportedly posing as ACCC representatives using these phone numbers to solicit personal information from unsuspecting individuals.

According to the National Anti-Scam Centre, the numbers have been “spoofed”, and the ACCC does not make calls from the publicly listed numbers.
ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe said: “Spoofing is when scammers disguise their phone number to make it look like they’re calling from a trusted organisation — including government agencies like the ACCC — to deceive people into answering and sharing personal information.”
“This is a tactic that helps scammers hide their true identity while posing as trusted institutions — it’s designed to lower your guard.”

If a call or message feels suspicious, the ACCC recommends ending the call and contacting the agency directly to verify the information.

How to spot the ACCC phone scam

In some of the reported incidents, scammers requested sensitive information over the phone, misused the ACCC acronym to impersonate an unrelated organisation, or spoke in a language other than English.

The ACCC emphasizes that it will never make unsolicited calls or send emails to request personal information, such as passwords, banking information, or responses to security questions.

The ACCC also does not charge money for its services and does not threaten or pressure you to stay on the line.
If a caller does any of these things, it could be a scam. The ACCC suggests hanging up and reporting the incident.

The National Anti-Scam Centre also said ‘urgent’ requests asking people to ‘act immediately’ could be a sign of a scam.

What to do if you have been targeted by a scam

If you receive an unusual call, message or email, consider whether it could be fake — even if it appears to come from an organisation you know and trust.

The ACCC advises if something feels wrong, it is best to act quickly. End the call, and contact the organisation directly yourself to verify if the call was real or not.

Any scams should be reported to ScamWatch, and messages received on platforms like WhatsApp or iMessage should also be reported.
If you have provided personal information, contact IDCARE on 1800 595 160 and contact your bank immediately.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Russia unleashes lethal attack on Ukraine; US restarts arms shipments

Russian drones and missiles bore down on the Ukrainian capital early on…

“Warning Signs Emerge with Increasing Use of Medical Cannabis in Australia”

On average, one script every five minutes — that’s the rate at…
President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Trump Considers Doubling Tariffs on Australia

US President Donald Trump has declared his intention to impose a 35…

Ireland’s Ben Healy Clinches Solo Victory in Tour de France Stage Six

Ireland’s Ben Healy won stage six of the Tour de France in…
Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a girl was hit and run over by a dirt bike in Sydney's far south-west yesterday.

Search for Motorcyclist After Dirt Bike Incident Involving 9-Year-Old Girl

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a girl was…

US and NATO to Provide Ukraine with Weapons Ahead of Key Announcement on Russia

Donald Trump has announced that the United States will be providing weapons…
Trump hand-picks Aussie politician turned 'alpha male' for diplomatic role

Trump Selects Former Australian Politician, Now ‘Alpha Male,’ for Diplomatic Position

A former Sydney councillor, who once faced suspension from the Liberal Party,…
Close up of senior man holding one hand on gearshift and other on steering wheel while sitting in his car. Selective focus on hand.

The Complex Guidelines Senior Drivers Must Follow

A fatal car accident in Melbourne involving a 91-year-old driver yesterday has…

Melbourne’s Oldest Bookshop Gets a New Home with Help from Hundreds

Book by book, hand to hand — hundreds formed a human chain…
The bodies of two men, believed to have died at different times, have been found inside a home in inner Sydney. 

Police Provide Update on Discovery of Decomposing Bodies in Urban Residence

The deaths of two men whose decomposing bodies were discovered in an…
Man charged over alleged $20 million cocaine plot

Man Accused in Alleged $20 Million Cocaine Scheme

A man is set to appear in court later this year, following…
Multiple cars hit during high-speed police chase across Melbourne freeways

Several Vehicles Struck in High-Speed Police Pursuit on Melbourne Highways

Authorities have apprehended a suspect accused of seizing a van and initiating…