If concerned, contact BOQ Specialist {yellow-border}
If you are concerned about a potential scam, talk to a trusted family member or friend and call BOQ Specialist immediately.
Remote Access Scam {yellow-border}
Remote access scams occur when a scammer asks you to download remote access software onto your computer or mobile device.
These scammers often make contact to you by pretending to be from a well-known company (e.g. telephone or internet provider, online marketplace, video or music service).
They may call you unexpectedly, or even get you to call them by embedding a “Security” pop up notification on your device which gives you a ‘Support’ number to call.
They will typically explain the need for them to access or view your device by claiming it is to , 'find out what the problem is' or perform some checks on your device or banking.
The scammer may direct you to sign in to your internet banking or even make payments to the 'company’s account' or perform other funds transfers. It is important you never accept an unexpected request to remotely access your device and never sign in to internet banking or access sensitive information while your device is being accessed.
Click the blue '+' to read more.
Warning signs
- Receiving a call from someone advising they have detected internet or performance issues with your computer or modem.
- Receiving a call from someone advising they have detected internet or performance issues with your computer or modem.
- A pop up “security breach” or other urgent warning on your device which provides you an unverified phone number to call.
- The third party asks you to buy or allow them to download a piece of software or a service to ‘fix’ your computer.
- Caller asking you for personal details and/or banking or credit card details.
They may then ask for some or all of the following:
- Remote access to your computer.
- You to log into your internet banking.
- To close your computer/device and not touch it for hours/days
- A need to refund your account.
- You to return the refund that was 'overpaid'.
How to protect yourself
If you receive a phone call out of the blue about your computer or internet service and remote access is requested –hang up– even if they mention a credible company. If in doubt, call your internet service provider back on a trusted phone number.
- Never give an unsolicited caller remote access to your computer or mobile device.
- Always conduct your own individual research on any software, downloads or other websites you visit. Make sure you understand what the software or program does and that you’ve checked its legitimacy.
- Never give your personal, credit card or online account details over the phone unless you made the call and the phone number came from a trusted source.
- Make sure your computer is protected with regular updates, anti-virus / anti-malware software, and a firewall.
- If you have fallen victim to a scam or you receive a lot of unsolicited emails and phone calls, consider changing your email address and phone numbers.
If in doubt, contact BOQ Specialist urgently on 1300 160 160, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Investment Scams {yellow-border}
Investment scams try to convince you to invest in schemes, companies, term deposits or currencies, which turn out to be fake. These investments claim to offer opportunities with high returns, low risk and ‘get-rich-quick’ incentives.
Recently we've seen a high prevalence of scammers spruiking cryptocurrency, high return term deposits and bond investments playing on people's fear of missing out (FOMO).
These scams can often appear genuine at first, with small starter investments and professional looking platforms – however in reality it is all manipulated to look real, meanwhile your money is already moved on to the scammers’ accounts without you knowing.
Click the blue '+' to read more.
Warning signs
- False advertisements on comparison websites or social media – often including fake celebrity endorsements and testimonies.
- Cold calls from a ‘broker’ or ‘investment expert’, incentivising your investment.
- Callers offering to assist you with opening your cryptocurrency wallet, often done so by remote access.
- Encouragement to invest immediately, including suggesting early withdrawal of superannuation.
- Sense of urgency – claims of a volatile market and possible missed opportunity.
- Promises of a guaranteed return on investment.
- Professional looking investment portals which you cannot independently verify.
How to protect yourself
- If the returns sound too good to be true, they probably are.
- Avoid giving 'brokers' remote access to your computer or mobile device.
- Conduct independent research on any platform or exchange you are encouraged to join – remember anyone can create a website or advertisement.
- Verify documentation independently, don’t trust what the scammer tells you.
- Avoid sending funds to a wallet or account you don’t have control of.
- Seek independent financial advice from an registered financial advisor via moneysmart.gov.au.
- Never provide personal information, bank account details or balances to a third party.
If in doubt, contact BOQ Specialist urgently on 1300 160 160, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Threat and Penalty Scam{yellow-border}
A threat and penalty scam occurs when a scammer threatens you with harm, arrest or legal action to extort funds. These criminals often impersonate legitimate government departments or law enforcement agencies. Scammers will use threatening and scary language to try and get you to comply with their request and act quickly, before you have time to think about it.
Click the blue '+' to read more.
Warning signs
- Cold calls, automated voice messages, emails or text messages threatening severe action if you do not comply with payment.
- Threats of deportation, claims of unpaid taxes or overdue bills, threats to expose incriminating online activity, compromised bank accounts or warrants for arrest.
- Payment requested via international money transfer, gift card, cryptocurrency, direct bank transfer or cash deposit.
- Requests to keep communications confidential and to lie to friends, family and your bank.
How to protect yourself
- End the phone call immediately and do not act upon any requests.
- Never provide personal information, bank account details or balances to a third party.
- Contact the relevant agency or department on a trusted number to verify the validity of the call.
- Stay tuned to local police advice, such as from Queensland Police Service
Image-Based Blackmail Scams {yellow-border}
An image-based blackmail or sextortion scam occurs when a scammer threatens to share private or intimate images, videos or personal information unless you pay them money. These scams commonly target younger victims and often begin on social media, gaming platforms or dating apps.
Scammers may pretend to be someone your age and build trust quickly, before asking for images or recording a video interaction without your knowledge. They then use fear, shame and urgency to pressure you into paying, often claiming they will send the content to your friends, family or followers if you don’t comply.
Click the blue '+' to read more.
Warning signs
- Unexpected messages claiming to have intimate images or videos of you and demanding payment to stop them being shared.
- Threats to send content to your social media contacts, school, workplace or family if you do not act immediately.
- Requests for payment via cryptocurrency, gift cards, international money transfer or direct bank transfer.
- Messages that escalate quickly, become aggressive, or insist you keep the situation secret and not tell anyone.
How to protect yourself
- Do not pay, respond or engage further — scammers often continue to demand more money once paid.
- Stop all contact immediately and block the sender on the platform.
- Never share personal information, images or verification codes with someone you don’t know and trust offline.
- Save evidence and report the account to the platform, Scamwatch and your bank immediately.
If you think you have been targeted by a sextortion scam, its important that you report the matter to your bank and the police immediately. We can help you secure your accounts and provide support.
If in doubt, contact BOQ Specialist urgently on 1300 160 160, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Friendship & Romance Scam {yellow-border}
Relationship scams involve scammers creating an emotional connection with you to gain your trust. Over time, they manipulate feelings such as affection, sympathy or concern to convince you to send money, share personal information or assist with financial transactions.
These scams often begin innocently and can feel very real, with scammers investing significant time and effort into building what appears to be a genuine relationship.
In some cases, scammers may pretend to be:
- A member of the United Nations, military or peacekeeping force deployed in a remote or dangerous location
- Someone working on an oil rig, construction site or ship with limited access to banking facilities
- A well-known celebrity or public figure using a fake or impersonated account
Click the blue '+' to read more.
Warning signs
- Initial contact through dating websites, social media platforms or messaging apps.
- Rapid declarations of love, affection or commitment.
- Excuses for why they cannot meet in person, such as being overseas, travelling frequently or impacted by global events like COVID19
- Stories of financial stress, personal hardship, medical emergencies or emotional trauma designed to gain sympathy
- Requests for money, gift cards, cryptocurrency or help moving funds
- Offers to send you gifts, such as jewellery or large sums of money, followed by requests to pay “fees”, “taxes” or “import charges”
- Promises of future financial opportunities they’ll share with you, like a large inheritance they are going to receive, lottery winnings or business deal.
Scammers may also use techniques such as “love bombing”, where they overwhelm you with attention and affection to quickly build trust.
How to protect yourself
You can help protect yourself by:
- Never sending money, cryptocurrency or gift cards to someone you haven’t met in person
- Never sharing personal or financial information, including bank details, verification codes or intimate photos that could later be used for blackmail
- Being cautious of anyone who pressures you to act quickly or keep the relationship or requests secret
- Stopping communication immediately if you feel uncomfortable or pressured
- Speaking with a trusted family member or friend if something doesn’t feel right — a second opinion can help identify warning signs
If you believe you may have been targeted or affected by a relationship scam, contact your bank as soon as possible and report the scam to Scamwatch.
Scamwatch have developed an Online Relationship Health Check {link-button} which you can do if you’re not sure.
If in doubt, contact BOQ Specialist urgently on 1300 160 160, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Business Email Compromise {yellow-border}
A business email compromise (BEC) is when a cybercriminal breaches or impersonates the email account of an organisation or staff member.
The offender impersonates the business or individual to trick the recipient of the email into either changing the bank details of a known supplier or employee or making an 'urgent' payment to a new account.
Click the blue '+' to read more.
Warning signs
- A change in bank details for the recipient of funds (either via an email request or a modified copy of the supplier's invoice).
- Inconsistent communication style and unusual use of spelling or grammar.
- Sense of urgency for the payment to be made.
- 'Lookalike' email addresses which may, for example, be achieved by swapping an "i" for an "l" (or vice versa).
How to protect yourself
- Verify the legitimacy of the email by calling on a trusted and known phone number – not just the one on the invoice.
- For businesses, have a clear process for change of bank details and if your employees access the network remotely, make use of two factor authentication (2FA).
- For businesses, implement ‘two-to-sign’ arrangements or appropriate approval workflows so payments have more than one touchpoint.
- If in doubt, ask a colleague or your manager for their opinion.
- Make sure your email accounts and IT networks are kept secure.
If in doubt, contact BOQ Specialist urgently on 1300 160 160, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Phishing Scam {yellow-border}
A phishing scam is a fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information or data from you such as bank account numbers, passwords, one-time-pins and credit card numbers. You may be contacted by email, social media, phone call, or text message.
Scammers pretend to be from a trusted organisation and ‘phish’ for information through text messages and emails. The texts and emails often contain malicious links and attachments designed to steal personal and financial information. They may also direct you to a website or portal where you need to pay a ‘once-off’ amount to resolve an issue such as a fine, delivery fee or tax.
Once provided, you can become vulnerable to ID takeovers, account hacks, email compromises and/or unauthorised internet banking or card transactions. Scammers can manipulate the phone number they send an SMS from, just because an SMS appears to be from a legitimate company you know does not mean it is genuine. Never click unexpected links no matter who they are from.
Click the blue '+' to read more.
Warning signs
- The message is sent from a public email domain. Legitimate organisations will typically not send you emails from a free webmail service.
- There are grammar errors in the content.
- An Email or SMS includes suspicious attachments or links.
- The message creates a sense of urgency.
- The messages asks you to log into your Internet Banking account.
- The contact is unexpected and not prompted by yourself.
How to protect yourself
- Be cautious and validate all communications you receive.
- Check the actual sender email address, not just the name that appears as their “Contact Name”.
- Do not trust an SMS just because it comes from the same sender ID – scammers can manipulate this.
- Do not click on any links listed in the correspondence and do not open any attachments.
- Do not enter personal information in a pop-up screen.
- Do not respond to the message.
- Install a phishing filter on your email application and also on your web browser.
- If you receive a link posing to be from BOQ Specialist, report it to us immediately at fraudandscamoperations@boq.com.au
- Delete the message, ensuring to take a screen shot if you need to report the URL to BOQ Specialist.
- Always access Internet Banking via www.boqspecialist.com.au
If in doubt, contact BOQ Specialist urgently on 1300 160 160, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Buying and Selling Scam {yellow-border}
A buying and selling scam occurs when a scammer poses as a genuine buyer or seller to steal your money or your goods and services. This can occur on fake websites, classified pages or social media sites.
Scammers as sellers:
The scammer poses as a genuine seller of goods on common for-sale platforms. Goods often include pets, motorised vehicles and electronic goods. Following deposit or full payment, the person often ceases all contact and does not supply or exchange your goods.
Scammers as buyers:
The scammer shows fake interest in your goods and services advertised online and misleads you into believing payment has been made. In some instances, these individuals will provide false records of payment and often request a refund for false overpayments.
Click the blue '+' to read more.
What to look out for as a buyer
- Product or service is advertised at below market price.
- Payment requested via international money transfer, gift card, cryptocurrency, separate payment portal (such as ‘PayID portal’), direct bank transfer or cash deposit.
- Urgent payment requested, prior to arranging delivery.
- Extra costs requested in advance– insurance, freight, taxes etc.
- Inability to inspect the goods in person.
What to look out for as a seller
- Scammers claim to have paid more than the agreed price and request a refund of the overpaid amount.
- Payment made through an escrow service or third-party payment provider.
- Scammers often claim to be located interstate or overseas.
- Willingness to purchase goods without viewing in person.
How to protect yourself
- When purchasing online, try to do so only through well-known online marketplaces.
- Research the company or seller prior to proceeding with payment.
- Use more secure payments methods from established financial service providers or your credit card.
- Refrain from sending funds upfront. If needing to pay in cash or funds transfer, where possible, purchase in person.
- When selling items, do so in person and using immediate payment methods, like cash.
- If someone claims to have paid you for goods or services, check with your bank independently before delivering.
If in doubt, contact BOQ Specialist urgently on 1300 160 160, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Unexpected Money Scam {yellow-border}
An unexpected money scam happens when someone contacts you claiming you’re entitled to a large sum of money you weren’t expecting (such as an inheritance, donation or lottery). They may pretend to be a legitimate person or organisation and ask you to pay a fee or share personal information before you can receive the money.
Click the blue '+' to read more.
Warning signs
- Cold calls, emails, text messages, pop-ups or social media accounts claiming you are entitled to an inheritance, lottery winnings or a large sum of funds.
- A request for up-front payment to claim the funds. This is usually in the form of international money transfer, gift card, cryptocurrency, direct bank transfer or cash deposit.
- Excuses for repeated, additional payments such as taxes, import fees or security fees.
- Someone claiming to be a solicitor, well known company or government agency.
How to protect yourself
- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Avoid any requests for up-front payment. Discuss the legitimacy of the claim with a trusted person.
- Never provide personal information, bank account details or balances to a third party.
- Gain independent legal advice before engaging with anyone claiming to have a large sum of money owed to you.
If in doubt, contact BOQ Specialist urgently on 1300 160 160, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Impersonation Scams
Authority Impersonation Scams
Authority impersonation scams begin with scammers contacting victims pretending to be a trusted authority figure, such as a government agency, law enforcement, utility provider or other official organisation. They may claim there is a serious issue that needs immediate attention, such as unpaid fines, secret investigations, legal or immigration action. The scammer relies on fear and trust in authority to pressure the victim into sending money or sharing personal information.
Warning Signs
Unexpected Contact
Be cautious of unsolicited calls, SMS or emails claiming to be from an authority or official organisation. Scammers often contact you out of the blue and may use spoofed phone numbers or email addresses to appear legitimate.
Sense of Urgency
Scammers will create pressure by stating the matter is urgent or that immediate action is required to avoid penalties, account suspension or legal consequences. It’s important to pause and independently verify the request using trusted contact details before taking any action.
If in doubt, contact BOQ Specialist urgently on 1300 160 160, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Friends and Family Impersonation Scam
Family impersonation scams often begin with fraudsters contacting victims, claiming to be a family member in distress. They may say they are in an emergency situation and need urgent financial help. The victim, wanting to help their loved one, sends money to the scammer. The scammer exploits the victim's emotions to extract money.
Warning Signs
Unexpected Contact
Be cautious of sudden SMS, email or phone calls claiming to be a family member or friend. Often the message will come from an unknown number with excuses such as they "broke their phone" and are contacting from a friends.
Sense of Urgency
Scammers will try to pressure you to act quickly and that the request for funds is urgent. Its crucial you pause and take the time to verify the request is genuine before sending any funds.
If in doubt, contact BOQ Specialist urgently on 1300 160 160, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Bank Impersonation Scam
This scam usually starts with scammers contacting victims, pretending to be representatives from a bank. They claim there are issues with the victim's accounts, suspicious transactions on their card or other issues that need immediately remedy. The victim is tricked into providing sensitive information or transferring money to resolve the supposed issue.
Warning Signs
Unexpected Contact
Be cautious of all calls claiming to be from BOQ Specialist or other banks. Scammers often contact customers out of the blue and may claim they are calling from a fraud, security or support team. You can always verify any contact from BOQ Specialist by calling our trusted and verified number.
Sense of Urgency
Scammers commonly create pressure by saying you must act immediately. They may threaten account restrictions, loss of funds or claim a transaction is about to be processed unless you respond straight away. This urgency is designed to stop you from thinking clearly or verifying the contact through official channels.
Claims your account is at risk
You may be told there is suspicious activity, an unauthorised transaction, or a security breach on your account. While these claims can sound convincing and alarming, they are often used to gain your trust and prompt you to share personal or banking details. Always remember — if you’re unsure, hang up and contact BOQ Specialist directly using a trusted number.
Requests for verification codes or ‘proof’
Scammers may ask you to share one‑time passwords (OTPs), security codes sent to your phone, or other “proof” to verify your identity or secure your account. They might even say these codes are needed to stop fraud. BOQ Specialist will never ask you to share verification codes, passwords or login details — even if the request appears urgent.
If in doubt, contact BOQ Specialist urgently on 1300 160 160, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Cryptocurrency Scam {yellow-border}
A cryptocurrency scam happens when someone is deceived into sending money or digital currency (such as Bitcoin or Ethereum) to a scammer through a cryptocurrency wallet.
The scammer may misrepresent the investment, service or opportunity as genuine, despite it not being real. Scammers often take advantage of the fact that many people are still learning how cryptocurrency works and deceive their victims into believing they are involved in a real investment. Because cryptocurrency scams occur entirely online, it makes it easier for them to hide their identity and move money quickly, making recovering funds very difficult.
To make the scam appear legitimate, victims may be asked to transfer funds through a genuine cryptocurrency exchange or deposit cash into an in-person cryptocurrency ATM. Once the funds have been transferred, scammers also sometimes redirect the victim to a fake website or account.
This view can falsely show the investment is still active, increasing in value, or available for withdrawal, when in reality the money has already been sent to the scammer.
Click the blue '+' to read more.
Warning signs
- Promises of high or guaranteed returns, that often sound 'too good to be true'.
- You are given access to professional looking portals that show your "investment", but the portal cannot be independently verified.
- Contact from someone claiming to be a trusted person, like an investment broker or expert.
- Pressure you to act quickly or risk "missing out" on the opportunity.
- Responses from the company or broker slow down or completely stop once you’ve sent money—or you're asked to pay more to “unlock” your funds.
- You're requested to send funds or cryptocurrency to wallets or accounts that you don't control.
If in doubt, contact BOQ Specialist urgently on 1300 160 160, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Job and Employment Scams {yellow-border}
Job scams usually begin with scammers posting fake job listings on job boards, social media, or company websites. They collect personal information from applicants or charge fees for non-existent job opportunities.
Victims may be asked to perform tasks as part of the role, like receiving funds into their account and passing them on to another bank account. The scammer may use professional-sounding language to appear legitimate, however the funds being received are often proceeds of another scam and the victim is being used to mask their fraudulent origin.
Click the blue '+' to read more.
Warning signs
- A recruiter contacts you unexpectedly through text message or encrypted message platforms like WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram.
- You are told you can earn a high income while working from home and with little effort.
- The hiring process is quick. There’s no interview or discussion about your qualifications, experience, and references.
- You are told to top up an account with your own money or cryptocurrency to complete tasks.
- The job involves transferring money, making purchases, or receiving money on behalf of someone else.
- You are required to pay a recruitment fee or pay for training materials before you begin the job and make any money.
If in doubt, contact BOQ Specialist urgently on 1300 160 160, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.