Phone scammers pretending to be from ACSC

What’s Happening?

Scammers are calling Australians while pretending to be from the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC). Their goal is to convince victims to install malicious software on personal devices.

These callers falsely claim that your computer has been hacked or infected with malware. They then try to “help” by asking you to download remote access tools like TeamViewer or AnyDesk.

How the Scam Works

Once you install the software, the scammer attempts to gain control of your device. They may:

  • Ask you to open a browser and enter a suspicious URL

  • Direct you to your online banking portal

  • Trick you into revealing sensitive information

This access allows them to steal your banking credentials and transfer funds from your accounts.

Some victims reported that these scammers spoofed legitimate caller ID numbers, making their calls appear as if they’re coming from a trusted Australian organisation.

How to Protect Yourself from Remote Access Scams

  • Never provide remote access to your device unless you initiated the contact and trust the source.

  • Hang up immediately if someone calls claiming your computer is infected.

  • Government agencies like the ACSC will never ask for remote access or request funds for investigations.

If you receive a suspicious call, report it to Scamwatch and the relevant agency.

What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted

If You Didn’t Engage with the Scammer:

Report the incident to Scamwatch.

If You Gave Remote Access:

  • Report the incident to ReportCyber

  • Contact your bank immediately to freeze your accounts

  • Change passphrases on your banking, email, and social media accounts

  • Enable multifactor authentication (MFA) for additional protection

Verify Suspicious Calls the Right Way

Never rely on contact details provided in the suspicious call. Instead, search for the organisation’s official website and use the contact details listed there. This helps you confirm the legitimacy of the call safely.

Learn More and Share

To improve awareness:

  • Take the ACSC’s phishing quiz to test your scam-spotting skills

  • Share it with friends, family, and coworkers

  • Explore more about remote access scams and what to do if you’ve shared personal information

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