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The ACNC is encouraging charities and donors to be on the lookout for scams as Scams Awareness Week (August 24 - 28) begins today.

According to the latest Scamwatch data, more than 270,000 Australians were scammed in 2025.

This year’s theme “No one’s just a number” highlights that scams can reach anyone, anywhere, at any time and that awareness is one of the most powerful protections we have.

To avoid being scammed, Scamwatch recommends these 3 simple steps:

  1. Stop

    Always take a moment before giving your money or personal information to anyone. Scammers will create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly. Don’t rush to make decisions about money or sharing personal details.

  2. Check

    Make sure the person or organisation you’re dealing with is real. Scammers pretend to be from organisations you know and trust. Always verify who you’re really dealing with before taking any action.

  3. Protect.

    Act quickly if something feels wrong. The sooner you take action, the better you can protect yourself and others from scammers. Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve lost money or shared financial details.

If you’ve been the victim of a scam or are suspicious of a donation request, report it to Scamwatch. Your reports help the National Anti-Scam Centre warn others about current scams, monitor trends, and disrupt scams where possible.

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