Spot the scam quiz
Scammers keep changing tactics. Could you spot these?
10 multiple-choice questions, with the answer explained after each one.
Answer each question, see why, and beat your best score.
All 10 questions and answers
Want to check an answer or run the quiz out loud? Every question is here, with the answer hidden until you open it.
- A caller says they're from the ATO and you'll be arrested unless you pay in gift cards today. What is it?
- A real ATO call
- A police matter
- A scam. Hang up
- A legitimate debt collector
Show answer
A scam. Hang up. Government agencies don't demand payment in gift cards or threaten immediate arrest.
- A text from 'Mum' says she has a new number and urgently needs money. What should you do?
- Send the money quickly
- Forward it to friends
- Reply with your bank details
- Call her on her old, known number to check
Show answer
Call her on her old, known number to check. This 'Hi Mum' scam relies on urgency.
- Your bank texts a link asking you to log in to 'verify your account'. What should you do?
- Forward it to a friend
- Don't click. Open your banking app or call the number on your card
- Click and log in
- Reply with your password
Show answer
Don't click. Open your banking app or call the number on your card. Banks don't ask for passwords through links.
- An investment promises guaranteed 30% monthly returns with no risk. What is it?
- A normal term deposit
- A great opportunity
- A government bond
- Almost certainly a scam
Show answer
Almost certainly a scam. High guaranteed returns with no risk are a classic red flag.
- A 'tech support' caller asks you to install software so they can fix your computer. What should you do?
- Give them your passwords
- Hang up and never give remote access
- Install it
- Pay the fee
Show answer
Hang up and never give remote access. Remote-access scams can empty bank accounts.
- What is 'phishing'?
- A type of bank account
- A fishing licence fee
- Fake messages designed to steal your details
- An antivirus program
Show answer
Fake messages designed to steal your details. Phishing comes by email, SMS or phone.
- You realise you've paid a scammer. What should you do first?
- Wait and see
- Delete the evidence
- Contact your bank immediately
- Pay more to get it back
Show answer
Contact your bank immediately. Then report it to Scamwatch or ReportCyber.
- Which Australian website collects scam reports and warnings?
- Trove
- myGov Jobs
- Seek
- Scamwatch
Show answer
Scamwatch. Scamwatch is run by the National Anti-Scam Centre within the ACCC.
- A seller online only accepts payment by crypto or bank transfer and refuses to meet. What is it?
- Required by law
- Safer than cash
- A warning sign
- Normal practice
Show answer
A warning sign. Use secure payment methods with buyer protection.
- What does turning on multi-factor authentication do?
- Removes passwords
- Shares your logins with your bank
- Speeds up logins
- Adds a second check, like a code, when logging in
Show answer
Adds a second check, like a code, when logging in. It protects you even if your password is stolen.