Scams can happen to anyone. As scammers become more sophisticated, more people are losing money and personal information through increasingly convincing phone calls, emails, text messages and online schemes. Scams Awareness Week is an opportunity to learn how scams work, recognise warning signs and take action to protect yourself and those around you.

One Australian who knows the impact of scams firsthand is Sylvie Leber. Like many people, Sylvie never thought she would become a victim. She received a phone call from someone claiming to be from NBN, advising of an upgrade in her area and asking her to install a remote access application called AnyDesk. Believing the request was legitimate, she followed the instructions. Within hours, scammers had gained access to her information and stolen almost $20,000 from her savings account.

Beyond the financial loss, scams can have a significant emotional impact. Sylvie described feeling shocked, embarrassed and distressed following the incident. However, with support from family and cybersecurity experts, she was able to secure her accounts and recover confidence. She now shares her story to help others avoid the same experience.

This Scams Awareness Week, take a moment to learn about current scam trends, talk with friends and family about staying safe, and remember to stop and verify before acting on unexpected requests. If you are unsure, hang up, contact the organisation directly using official contact details, and seek advice.

Watch Sylvie's story below to learn how the scam unfolded, the impact it had on her life, and the lessons that could help protect you or someone you know.

For the latest scam alerts, practical safety tips and reporting information, visit www.scamwatch.gov.au.

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