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Picture Book · Investing

Spot the scam

Story pages

A surprised man in his sixties on a verandah looking at his phone
Out of the blue, Col gets a message promising big, guaranteed returns.
A shiny fishing lure dangling on a line in clear water
Red flag: guaranteed or very high returns with low risk.
An old hourglass on a table with sand running quickly
Red flag: pressure to act fast, or to keep it secret.
A shadowy salesman in a hat at a front door holding out a glossy folder
More red flags: being asked to move your super, pay in crypto or gift cards, or celebrity 'endorsements'.
The man at a desk with a magnifying glass and a landline phone
Check the business on ASIC's registers and the adviser on the Financial Advisers Register. Call them on a number you find yourself.
The man on the phone looking relieved while a family member rests a reassuring hand on his shoulder
If it happens, contact your bank straight away, report it to Scamwatch and ReportCyber, and call IDCARE for support.

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General advice warning. This picture book is general information only. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs, and it is not personal advice. Rules and thresholds change. Before acting, consider whether it is right for you, read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement and our Financial Services Guide, and seek personal advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

Information as at 27 October 2026. Sources:

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