SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
SCARS™ Insight: Australia Reports Government Impersonation Scams On The Rise
According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, governmental impersonations are exploding online!
Australians are being urged to watch out for government impersonation scams with over $1.26 million lost from more than 7100 reports made to Scamwatch so far this year and in reality, losses are likely to be far greater.
There has been an increase in scams reported during tax time such as text messages claiming to be from myGov or from agencies claiming to help victims gain early access to their superannuation.
“Scammers are increasingly taking advantage of the financial difficulties and uncertainty generated from the COVID-19 pandemic to trick unsuspecting Australians,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.
“We are seeing two main types of scams impersonating government departments; fake government threats and phishing scams.”
“Both of these scams can be quite convincing and can lead to significant financial losses or even identity theft.”
In a fake government threat scam, victims receive a robocall pretending to be from a government department, such as the ATO or Department of Home Affairs.
The scammer will claim something illegal, such as tax fraud or money laundering, has been committed in the victim’s name and they should dial 1 to speak to an operator.
The scammer then tries to scare people into handing over money and may threaten that they would be arrested if they refuse.
“Don’t be pressured by a threatening caller and take your time to consider who you might be dealing with,” Ms Rickard said.
“Government departments will never threaten you with immediate arrest or ask for payment by unusual methods such as gift cards, iTunes vouches or bank transfers.”
In a phishing scam, victims will receive an email or text message claiming to be from a government department, such as Services Australia, requesting personal details to confirm their eligibility for a government payment or because the person may have been exposed to COVID-19.
The emails and texts will include a link and request personal details such as a tax file number, superannuation details or copies of identity documents.
“Don’t click on any hyperlinks in texts or emails to reach a government website, always type the address into the browser yourself,” Ms Rickard said.
“Do not respond to texts or emails as the scammer will escalate their attempts to get your money.”
“If you’re not sure whether a call is legitimate, hang up and call the relevant organisation directly by finding the details though an independent search,” Ms Rickard said.
More information on scams is available on the Scamwatch website, including how to make a report and where to get help.
The ACCC also recommends that you report the scam to the government department that was impersonated.
We also suggest that you report it the national police (such as Australia’s Federal Police or the U.S. FBI www.IC3.gov)
Background
So far in 2020 (1 January-5 July 2020) ACCC’s Scamwatch has received:
- 67 reports of scams involving impersonation of the Department of Health, or state Department of Health and Human Services, with losses over $8700
- 443 reports of scams involving Australian Federal Police impersonations with losses over $176,000
- 1,070 reports of scams involving Services Australia impersonations with losses over $94,000
- 1,638 reports of scams involving myGov impersonations with losses over $105,000
- 2,016 reports of scams involving Department of Home Affairs impersonations with losses over $99,000
- 2,389 reports of scams involving ATO impersonations with losses over $905,000.
TAGS: SCARS, About Scams, Anti-Scam, Scams, Scammers, Fraudsters, Cybercrime, Crybercriminals, Romance Scams, Scam Victims, ACCC, Scamwatch, Australian Government Scams
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FAQ: How Do You Properly Report Scammers?
It is essential that law enforcement knows about scams & scammers, even though there is nothing (in most cases) that they can do.
Always report scams involving money lost or where you received money to:
- Local Police – ask them to take an “informational” police report – say you need it for your insurance
- U.S. State Police (if you live in the U.S.) – they will take the matter more seriously and provide you with more help than local police
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- The SCARS|CDN™ Cybercriminal Data Network – Worldwide Reporting Network on « www.Anyscam.com »
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Table of Contents
- According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, governmental impersonations are exploding online!
- Background
- Fake Money Recovery Law Firms – 2026
- Money Laundering Drop Accounts – 2026
- 7 Deadly Sins of Post Scam Victim Vulnerability – 2023 UPDATED 2026
- United States Scam Center Strike Force – 2025 – VIDEO
- The Scam States of Southeast Asia – 2025-2026
- Yangyang Sweet / 阳阳 Sweet – Impersonation Victim – Used By Scammers – 2025
Rapid Report Scammers
In the U.S. & Canada
U.S. & Canada Suicide Lifeline 988
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If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
A Note About Labeling!
We often use the term ‘scam victim’ in our articles, but this is a convenience to help those searching for information in search engines like Google. It is just a convenience and has no deeper meaning. If you have come through such an experience, YOU are a Survivor! It was not your fault. You are not alone! Axios!
A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
Statement About Victim Blaming
SCARS Institute articles examine different aspects of the scam victim experience, as well as those who may have been secondary victims. This work focuses on understanding victimization through the science of victimology, including common psychological and behavioral responses. The purpose is to help victims and survivors understand why these crimes occurred, reduce shame and self-blame, strengthen recovery programs and victim opportunities, and lower the risk of future victimization.
At times, these discussions may sound uncomfortable, overwhelming, or may be mistaken for blame. They are not. Scam victims are never blamed. Our goal is to explain the mechanisms of deception and the human responses that scammers exploit, and the processes that occur after the scam ends, so victims can better understand what happened to them and why it felt convincing at the time, and what the path looks like going forward.
Articles that address the psychology, neurology, physiology, and other characteristics of scams and the victim experience recognize that all people share cognitive and emotional traits that can be manipulated under the right conditions. These characteristics are not flaws. They are normal human functions that criminals deliberately exploit. Victims typically have little awareness of these mechanisms while a scam is unfolding and a very limited ability to control them. Awareness often comes only after the harm has occurred.
By explaining these processes, these articles help victims make sense of their experiences, understand common post-scam reactions, and identify ways to protect themselves moving forward. This knowledge supports recovery by replacing confusion and self-blame with clarity, context, and self-compassion.
Additional educational material on these topics is available at ScamPsychology.org – ScamsNOW.com and other SCARS Institute websites.
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this article is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here to go to our ScamsNOW.com website.
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