Scam alert – Election season scams are on the rise
At a glance:
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) are urging Australians to treat any unexpected emails or SMS’s received, requesting registration for postal voting with caution.
The AEC said it is the top complaint raised by Australian voters.
What to look out for
Election periods are busy times for official communication, which gives scammers the perfect cover to exploit confusion and urgency.
Right now, scammers are impersonating:
- Government agencies such as the AEC
- Political parties or local representatives
- Financial institutions, including banks
And they’re making contact through:
- SMS and emails- Fake postal vote links directing to unofficial websites
- Phone calls - Requests for personal details under the guise of “updating the electoral roll”
- Door-knocking - Appeals for political donations using fake campaign materials
Postal voting scam uprise
The Australian Electoral Commission has confirmed it is the only body authorised to manage postal vote applications. Recently, voters have reported receiving unsolicited texts and emails about registering for a postal vote. These third-party messages are not official and may be part of a phishing scam designed to collect personal data.
How to protect yourself
Stop.
Don’t share personal or banking information with anyone contacting you unexpectedly.
Check.
Could this be fake? Don’t click on links. Look up the organisation’s official website or phone number and contact them directly.
Protect.
Report suspicious activity to the AEC or ScamWatch.
A reminder from MyState Bank
We’ll never ask for your password, secure code or private details over email, text or phone.
Scammers often take advantage of high-profile national events like elections to catch people off guard. Staying cautious helps protect you, your finances and your identity.
