Help protect your community from scams

How To Help

If your friend or family member agrees, you should ensure that all contact with the scammer stops. Find out exactly what personal information has been revealed.

Identify The Scam

The first thing you can do to help someone is to work out whether they are being or have been scammed. Scamwatch, run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), provides useful information on the main scams in circulation. To find this information, visit scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams

You may need to investigate. For example, find out what the opportunity is and get the information in writing, review the fine print and see if it’s legitimate. You can also research unfamiliar companies with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) by visiting asic.gov.au

Once you have confirmed the scam, ask the person what they would like to happen next. This helps them to feel they are taking control.

Block the scammer’s email address or ‘unfriend’ them from any social media sites or apps. Have your friend or family member consider changing your email address and phone number, especially if contact from the scammer continues. Their telephone provider may agree to change their number for free. If a physical address has been given, seek advice from local police.

Emotional Support

Victims are often embarrassed or afraid to tell their friends and family when they have a problem. They fear losing their independence and do not want you to think they’re incapable or vulnerable.

Remain patient and supportive, and remember that they may be experiencing strong emotions, even if they do not immediately show it. Talking about the issue with a support person may prove useful.

Is it safe to eat?

Foods that should not be consumed after a certain date for health and safety reasons must have a “useby” date. Do not eat foods that have passed their “use-by” dates.

A best-before date indicates how long food will last before losing quality. Eating foods after the “best before” date may still be safe, but they may have lost quality and some nutritional value.

RELIABILITY OF USE-BY AND BEST-BEFORE DATES

Manufacturers usually choose a best-before date well before the time when the food would be expected to deteriorate and spoil. These dates encourage you to eat the product while it is fresh and at its peak but can still be eaten after the date has passed.

“Use-by” dates indicate that the food is no longer suitable to eat after the date has passed. Never eat food past its ‘use-by’ date, even if it looks and smells okay.

Packaging And Temperature

Foods can spoil well before their use-by or best-before date because their packaging has been damaged or not transported properly. Check for dents, leaks and tears in the packaging. If you see signs of damage, don’t purchase the product, as it might be contaminated. Many products, such as dairy foods, must be kept at a low temperature to avoid spoilage.

Cold and frozen foods should be collected last when shopping to keep from getting warm. If you can, keep them in a cooler bag while travelling home. When you arrive home with your groceries, put away your cold and frozen foods first.

Where To Get Help

If you are unsure if something is safe to consume, check with

• Food Standards Australia New Zealand

(02) 6271 2222

• Australian Consumers’ Association

(02) 9577 3333

• Food Safety Information Council

0407 626 688