Have You Ever Been Scammed? By Hayley

Have you evet been scammed?

By Hayley Godfrey 

Have you ever been scammed? I have. More than once. In different ways. I know how scary, confusing, and upsetting it can feel. I share my stories because scams can happen to anyone. When we talk about them, we help keep our community safe. 

What Is a Scam? 

A scam is when someone tries to trick you into giving them money or personal information. Scammers pretend to be someone you trust – like the government, a bank, a business, or even a family member. They want to steal your money, your details, or your identity. 

My ATO Gift Card Scam Story 

A few years ago, I got a phone call on a Saturday morning. The person said they were from the ATO. They told me I owed them money – even down to the cents, which the real ATO never does. They said I would be arrested if I didn’t pay right away. They told me to buy Apple iTunes gift cards. 

They scared me so much that I bought $1,600 worth of cards. Later, with help from my family, I got back about $800. Reporting the scam was very stressful. The first person I spoke to didn’t take me seriously and told me there was no reason to be upset. The second person was kinder and helped me properly. Writing the report was also hard because I was so upset, so my best friend’s husband typed it for me while I explained what happened. 

I share this story so that other people don’t fall into the same trap. 

My Bank Scam Story (FACBK Transactions) 

In November 2023, I checked my bank account and saw three payments that I didn’t make: two for $5 and one for $470. They were labelled FACBK. I felt shocked, then angry, then I went straight into problem‑solving mode. I called my bank, cancelled my card, and waited for a new one. It was stressful and felt like a real violation. 

This time, I handled the crisis much better. I didn’t freeze. I took action right away and did what I needed to do. 

These moments show how quickly things can go wrong – and why it’s important to do something about it straight away. 

How Scammers reach you 

Scammers try to contact people in many ways: 

• Text or SMS – messages that look like they are from the government, banks, or delivery companies. 

• Phone calls – scammers pretending to be the ATO, Centrelink, NDIS, or even the police. 

• Emails – they look real but have dangerous links. 

• Social media – fake profiles, fake competitions, or “friend” requests. 

• Websites – pages that look official but are made to steal your information. 

• In person – someone knocking on your door pretending to be from a company or service. 

How to Protect Yourself 

Here are simple ways to stay safe: 

• Turn on multi‑factor authentication (MFA). MFA is like having two locks on your door instead of one. Even if someone guesses your password, they still can’t get in without the second code. 

• Keep your phone, tablet, and computer updated. Updates fix problems that scammers use. 

• Be careful about what you share online. Things like your birthday or your pet’s name can help scammers guess your passwords. 

• Remember: real government offices will never ask for gift cards or cryptocurrency ( a type of online money). 

• Slow down if something feels urgent or scary. Scammers want you to panic. Take a breath. Talk to someone you trust. Call the real organisation using a number you find yourself. 

If you think you’ve been Scammed 

Don’t feel embarrassed. Scams can happen to anyone. 

Do these steps right away: 

1. Stop talking to the scammer. 

1. Write down what happened: 

1. Who contacted you 

1. What they said 

1. When it happened 

1. Where you were 

1. Why they said they were contacting you 

1. How they contacted you 

1. Call your bank straight away. 

1. Report it to Scamwatch: scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam 

1. Contact IDCARE: idcare.org. They can help if your identity was stolen. 

1. Talk to someone you trust. Scams can be upsetting, and you don’t have to deal with them alone. 

Final Thoughts 

Technology keeps changing, and scammers change with it. But staying safe does not mean being afraid. It means learning the signs and helping each other. When we share our stories and support one another, our whole community becomes stronger. 

Scams are scary, but you are not alone. Many people have been scammed, including me. What matters most is what you do next. When we talk about scams and help each other, we all become safer. Slow down, stay alert, and reach out to someone you trust. We are stronger when we support each other.