SCAMMERS move faster than Consumer Protection can respond, Consumer Protection Commissioner Trish Blake told a crowded seminar at the Margaretta Wilson Centre last Thursday.
“So, if you are scammed, don’t be embarrassed or feel silly, it happens to everybody,” Ms Blake said.
“Speak up and report it, so we know what is going on.”
The state and federal governments are working together to try to combat scams, which are a serious problem.
“Last year in WA, $50 million was lost in scams, but that figure should probably be $150 million, because only one in three people report scams,” Ms Blake added.
She said scams can be reported at WA ScamNet.
“The scammers work by telling you the situation is urgent, you must do something quickly ‘to protect yourself’, whether it is to give bank details, transfer money or click on a link,” she said.
“Once you click on a link, malware gets remote access to your computer or phone, or steals your details.
“Don’t download anything. Protect yourself against scams with anti-virus software, and remember to install this on your phone, as well as your computer or laptop.”
People who have been scammed lose trust in their own judgement, which is why it is recommended stopping to pause, think, check and act.
“Scammers play on our emotions, through romance scams or GoFundMe scams,” Ms Blake warned.
“Unless you have personal knowledge of a circumstance, or the organiser is someone you trust, don’t go there. 
“If it is a big event, like a major fire or flood, the Lord Mayor’s Appeal will be activated. I
f it is a local cause, usually a local bank will open an account where you can donate safely.”
Ms Blake suggested using PayPal when shopping online, which is secure.
“Trying to remember all your passwords can be a nightmare, they are needed for so many things these days - write them down in a little notebook and put it away in a drawer somewhere,” she advised.
“I know you are told not to do this, because someone might steal the book, but burglars are more likely to steal your computer than steal your passwords.”