Keep your money safe from transfer scams

• "Accidental" money transfer

You receive a transfer on Revolut, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay or a similar service from someone you don't know. You receive a message after the transfer claiming that it was sent by accident, and the sender will ask you to send the money back. You want to do the right thing so you refund them the "accidental" transfer amount, only to realise later you never received a transfer from them to begin with.

• What to do

Do not refund them the amount. Chances are the original transfer they sent you was paid for with a stolen credit card and it will be cancelled on its own. Instead, tell the user to contact the platform directly for assistance.

• Online purchase scams

Scammers leverage the anonymity of the Internet to rip you off, with fraudsters setting up completely fake websites, so you purchase an item and never receive it. Or, with bigger transactions like a car, they may ask for a deposit or upfront fees, before you've even see the car.

• What to do

Verify the deal is legitimate by asking to meet in person where practical before any money changes hands. If anybody online says you can only pay with a money transfer or money order, find another retailer.

• Lottery and sweepstakes scams

What luck! You've received a letter that you've scored a prize. Or maybe you're contacted about a lottery you've won. It's a lot of money, and there's only one catch: you first need to pay a fee or cover taxes to receive it. It's such a small amount, about $1,000. Surely that's worth receiving what you're due.

• What to do

You should never have to pay upfront to receive a prize or lottery winnings - that alone should raise red flags. But if you're curious, research the company to see what others have to say. If it sounds too good to be true, it is.

• "Get out of jail" scams

An email or phone call may come in from someone claiming to be a loved one - scammers can even use AI and deepfake technology to mimic someone you know. The fraudster could also pretend to be an attorney or police officer on behalf of a loved one, and the person requests money be sent immediately in order to post bail.

• What to do

Never send money without verifying the identity of the recipient. If you're concerned you may be leaving someone in the wind, ask for the details of where they're supposedly being held then try to contact the loved one through friends and family.

• Second-hand selling scams

You're trying to sell something online via Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace, and someone offers to buy it. But they're sending their uncle to collect it - and can they pay using PayID? They'll then send you proof of payment, but request you click a link to upgrade your account or access business transfers. This is when they convince you to click a dodgy link, giving them access to your online bank or credit card details.

• What to do

Finder research shows that 1 in 10 (10%) Aussies have been duped while trying to sell their second-hand goods online, with the average victim losing $560. When selling something secondhand, tell buyers you'll only accept cash in person. It weeds out the scammers from the outset.

• Phishing scams

You open your computer to an email from your bank asking you to verify your account number. Or it could be from an e-retailer needing confirmation of your password. Sometimes it's a link from your email provider itself asking you to click and double-check your details. It's all so official, how could it not be legit?

• What to do

A legitimate bank, retailer or other service provider will never ask you to confirm your personal information, financial details or password via text or email. This is called "phishing", and you shouldn't reply or click any links in the email or message. Instead, report it to the ACCC and contact your bank.

• Mystery shopper scams

You may be contacted about a fun new gig: becoming a mystery shopper for a local retail chain. Along with your welcome letter, you're sent a money order. Only the amount is more than it should be. When you contact the number on your letter, you're told to go ahead and cash it, and then simply send a money order for the surplus. Better yet, send a wire transfer to refund the company more quickly.

• What to do

You've likely recognised this for what it is: just another variation of the bogus check scam. Do not cash the money order. And lose the number for this bogus company, instead of losing your hard-earned cash.

• Charity scams

Disasters bring out the best in people. But they can also unearth con artists who prey on the altruistic. Be cautious of letters requesting donations in cash or by money transfer to cover the cost of aid.

• What to do

Research the charity online through the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC), which has the credentials of all genuine charities. Because some scammers use names that closely resemble well-known, reputable organisations, Google the exact name shown in your email or letter.

• Nigerian dignitary scams

Although it's the butt of many jokes, the "Nigerian prince" scam still happens often. For this scam, you're contacted by somebody requesting your help in recovering a great deal of money. They claim that if you help them by providing your banking account information or money to pay fees, you'll be rewarded with a substantial portion of the money.

• What to do

This is just another variation of the advance fee scam. Never provide your financial information or send money to anybody you don't know.

• "Stranded traveller" scams

This one involves an email from friends, often ones travelling abroad, who've found themselves in trouble and need money sent immediately to return home. The amount is nearly always $1,000 or more and may even appear to come from a friend's actual email address. Except it's not actually your friend who's sending it - their account has been hijacked through a phishing scam.

• What to do

Be wary of any email from a friend in trouble overseas. Attempt to make contact with them or confirm their whereabouts with your social network. As with other scams, never send money without being certain you know the recipient.

• Online dating scams

Another tough one — and therefore popular among scammers — involves a bond with somebody you've met online through a dating site. Often, that person wants to immediately leave the site for a more intimate IM or text chat. They may claim to be working overseas with plans to visit soon. Over the course of time, you're led to believe there's a strong connection. And then they ask for you to transfer some money.

• What to do

By now, you know the answer: don't send money to anybody you don't know. You could ask to meet in person, even if it seems impossible — their refusal will be a clear sign that they may not be who they say they are. If you were emailed a photo, consider using a reverse photo search to see if you can confirm the name you've been given.