Online safety for new to australia
Welcome to Australia. Some things here work differently: government agencies never call demanding payment, the ATO never texts links, and real help is free. We link you to official resources in community languages.
Three things worth knowing first
- Australian government agencies never demand payment by gift card, crypto or wire transfer — anyone who does is a criminal.
- Scamwatch and eSafety publish scam and safety advice in many community languages — see our translated resources page.
- IDCARE (1800 595 160) provides free support and can arrange interpreters.
- guideSpot a scam in 60 seconds: the universal red flagsThe five red flags that appear in almost every scam — urgency, secrecy, unusual payment, too-good offers, and contact you didn’t start. Learn to spot any scam fast.6 min read · Reviewed October 2026
- guidePhishing texts, emails and DMs — anatomy of a lureAnatomy of a phishing lure: why “missed delivery” texts and “account suspended” emails work, how to check links safely, and what to do if you clicked. Australian guide.7 min read · Reviewed October 2026
- Scam alertAlert: Tax time ATO and myGov impersonation scamsFake ATO refund texts, myGov “account update” emails and ATO phone threats surge around tax time. How the current wave works and how to stay safe. Verified against Scamwatch alerts.4 min read · Reviewed October 2026
- guideBanking and payment safetyKeep your money safe online: the safe-account lie, one-time codes, PayID checks, card security and what your bank will never ask. Written with seniors in mind.5 min read · Reviewed October 2026
- explainerWho’s who in Australian online safetyeSafety vs Scamwatch vs ReportCyber vs ACSC vs OAIC vs IDCARE — what each Australian agency actually handles, and which one to contact for your situation. Plain-English guide.5 min read · Reviewed October 2026
- playbookI think I’ve been scammed — your first 60 minutesStep-by-step recovery plan if you’ve been scammed in Australia: contact your bank, report to Scamwatch and ReportCyber, get free help from IDCARE. Calm, plain-English steps.6 min read · Reviewed October 2026