Have you really won the lottery, or is it a trick? Is it a miracle cure for cancer or a cruel scam? Does the job offer sound just too good to be true?
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's new look SCAMwatch website, www.scamwatch.gov.au, can help you decide.
ACCC Chairman, Mr Graeme Samuel, said the website is designed to educate and assist consumers about scams and the steps they can take to protect themselves.
"While most consumers are aware of widespread scams like 'Nigerian emails', they may not appreciate just how many different types of scams are out there".
The new SCAMwatch website lists 39 different types of scams, ranging from pyramid schemes to office supply scams, along with the warning signs to look out for.
Most scams rely on looking or sounding like genuine offers. To find out if something is a scam, consumers should do their homework - to ask questions and think carefully before deciding what to do. The aim of SCAMwatch is to provide information to consumers and small business about how to recognise, avoid and report scams.
"Most people think they can spot a scam a mile away, but unfortunately scammers are very good at what they do – they rely on consumers letting their guard down", Mr Samuel said.
SCAMwatch features stories from Australians who have been targeted by scams – by reading their stories, consumers can see just how easy it can be to fall prey.
Many scams originate overseas or take place over the internet which makes them very difficult to track down and prosecute.
"If consumers lose money to a scam, it is unlikely that they will ever recover it.
"SCAMwatch aims to help consumers avoid scams in the first place – and prevention is definitely a better option".
Find out how scams work and how to protect yourself by visiting www.scamwatch.gov.au.
If you think you have spotted a scam or have been caught out call the ACCC Infocentre on 1300 302 502 or use the electronic form on the SCAMwatch website.