Scams are getting more sophisticated every year — and Port Stephens, with its large retired population, is unfortunately a prime target. We hear about it regularly from clients across Nelson Bay, Salamander Bay, and Shoal Bay.
The good news is that once you know what to look for, most scams are surprisingly easy to spot. Here’s what we’re seeing in 2026 and how to protect yourself and your family.
The Most Common Scams Targeting Locals Right Now
The “Your Computer Has a Virus” Call
Someone calls claiming to be from Microsoft, Telstra, the NBN, or even the Australian Government. They tell you your computer has been hacked or has a serious virus, and they need remote access to fix it immediately.
The truth: Microsoft, Telstra, and the NBN never call you out of the blue about your computer. Never. If you get one of these calls, hang up immediately. If you’re worried, call the company directly using the number on their official website — not the number the caller gives you.
The “Unpaid Fine” or “Arrest Warrant” Text
A text message arrives saying you have an unpaid toll, a fine, an outstanding tax debt, or even a warrant for your arrest. There’s a link to pay immediately or “your licence will be suspended.”
The truth: The ATO, Service NSW, police, and government agencies do not contact you by text message demanding immediate payment via a link. These links lead to fake websites designed to steal your credit card details.
The Fake Bank Call
Someone calls claiming to be from your bank’s fraud department. They say suspicious activity has been detected on your account and they need to verify your details — or they need you to move your money to a “safe account” they’ve set up for you.
The truth: Your bank will never ask you to move money to another account, and they will never ask for your full PIN, password, or card number over the phone. Hang up and call your bank directly on the number on the back of your card.
The “Package Delivery” Scam
A text arrives saying a parcel couldn’t be delivered and you need to pay a small redelivery fee via a link. The link takes you to a convincing fake Australia Post or courier website.
The truth: Australia Post and most couriers don’t charge redelivery fees via SMS links. Check your actual deliveries by going directly to australiapost.com.au — never through a link in a text.
The Golden Rules
If you remember nothing else from this article, remember these:
- No legitimate company will ever ask for remote access to your computer out of the blue
- No government agency will demand payment over the phone or via a text message link
- If you feel pressured or rushed, that’s a red flag — legitimate organisations give you time
- When in doubt, hang up and call back on a number you find yourself
- Never give anyone your bank PIN, password, or one-time code — not even someone claiming to be from your bank
What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed
First — don’t be embarrassed. These scammers are professionals and they target intelligent, careful people every day. It happens to everyone.
If you gave someone remote access to your computer: Call us immediately on 02 4934 7755. We can check your computer for any software they may have installed and make sure it’s safe to use.
If you gave banking details: Call your bank immediately on the number on the back of your card and tell them what happened. They can freeze your account and reverse transactions in many cases.
Report it to Scamwatch: Go to scamwatch.gov.au — this helps protect other Australians.
How We Can Help
We offer a free scam protection check for home users and seniors across the Port Stephens area. We’ll look at your computer, check for any suspicious software, and show you how to browse safely. We can also set up extra protections to make your devices much harder for scammers to exploit.
We do in-home visits across Nelson Bay, Salamander Bay, Shoal Bay, Fingal Bay, Anna Bay and surrounding areas — and we’ll always explain everything in plain English, no tech jargon.
Call us on 02 4061 9088 or visit cloudandtech.com.au/contact to book a visit.