A scam is an attempt to trick you into parting with your money. Most scammers contact people by phone or on the internet.
Scammers are experts in gaining trust but often there are warning signs. If you have lost money to a scam or given out your personal details to a scammer, you're unlikely to get your money back. However, there are steps you can take straight away to limit the damage and protect yourself from further loss.
Visit the SCAMwatch website below for where to get help if you have been scammed, tips to protect yourself and check for alerts about current scams being reported in Australia.
You can also report a scam on the SCAMwatch website.
SCAMwatch is run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
A Seniors Card is a free discount card offering savings on goods and services to seniors, including transport concessions and participating business discounts.
The Seniors Card Discount Directory lists businesses that offer discounts to Seniors Card holders and you can view the Directory online.
You can apply for a South Australian Seniors Card if:
- You are aged 60 years and older
- You are a permanent South Australian resident
- You are not working more than 20 hours per week in paid employment
Apply for a Seniors Card online via the website or print and complete the application form below.
For further information, visit the website or call the number below.
Financial Counselling service for small business owners.
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The Small Business Debt Helpline is a valuable resource for Australian small business owners and sole traders facing financial challenges. This free and confidential service provides independent support to help navigate through difficult financial situations.
The Financial Counsellors at the Small Business Debt Helpline possess specialized knowledge about small business operations and can offer assistance in various areas:
- Debt Understanding: Gain clarity on both business and personal debts, including the implications of personal guarantees.
- Grants and Training: Discover potential grants and access training opportunities designed specifically for small business owners.
- Crisis Relief: Receive information and guidance on crisis relief measures available for situations such as bushfires and the impact of COVID-19.
- Payment Arrangements: Explore options for establishing payment arrangements with entities such as the Australian Tax Office (ATO), creditors, suppliers, and service providers.
- Business Closure: Access information about the process of closing a business, including insights into bankruptcy and insolvency if necessary.
- Dispute Resolution: Find out where to access dispute resolution services to help resolve any business-related conflicts.
- Emotional Support: Receive the emotional support needed to navigate the challenges associated with small business financial difficulties.
For further details, please visit the Small Business Debt Helpline website or reach out to the Helpline directly during operating hours, Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
The Small Business Debt Helpline is committed to supporting small business owners and sole traders in managing their financial well-being.
Support Act operates a free and confidential helpline service available 24/7. This service is available to anyone working in the Australian music or performing arts industry who needs to talk about their mental health.
This service provides crisis relief to artists, crew and music workers who are doing it tough. You can get help by applying for financial support if you are in crisis as a result of ill health, injury, a mental health issue, or some other crisis that impacts on your ability to work in music or performing arts industry.
For more information visit the website or call the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline on the number below
Assistance with lodging your tax return.
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Are you in need of assistance with lodging your tax return? You might qualify for the Tax Help program. Tax Help comprises a dedicated network of ATO-trained community volunteers who offer a confidential and free service to help individuals file their tax returns online.
Tax Help operates annually from July to October, and volunteers are available to provide assistance over the phone, online, and in person at select Tax Help centers.
If your income is approximately $60,000 or less, you may meet the eligibility requirements for Tax Help. Additional criteria may also apply.
To learn more about eligibility, the types of support volunteers can provide, and how to schedule an appointment, please visit the website.
Unclaimed money is money from lost bank accounts, shares, investments and life insurance policies. This money becomes lost when you move house and forget to update your details with a financial institution or company.
This money is available to be claimed at any time by the rightful owner and there is no time limit on claims.
- Bank accounts become unclaimed after 7 years if the account is inactive (no deposits or withdrawals).
- Life insurance policies become unclaimed 7 years after the policy matures and is not claimed.
The unclaimed money search is a simple system to use. Enter your name and see the results in a few seconds. There is no cost associated by using this government service but be aware that there are private, advertised companies who will use this free system and charge you a fee for looking on your behalf.
If you have changed jobs several times over the years you may have superannuation associated in different super funds that are considered inactive. You can identify unclaimed super by linking your myGov account to the ATO and follow the instructions. It is not as simple as searching for unclaimed money but worthwhile as these amounts may be consolidated with your current fund.
The University of South Australia Tax Clinic provides free, confidential tax advice, representation, education and advocacy to unrepresented taxpayers and small businesses.
Under the supervision of qualified tax professionals, the UniSA Tax Clinic is staffed by students who can support unrepresented taxpayers across a range of tax matters.
If you are an individual or a small business without a tax agent, contact 8302 0100 to arrange an appointment, or submit an enquiry via the online enquiry form.
Appointments are available during teaching terms August to October and March to May between 10.00am - 4.00pm Wednesday - Friday.
The USASA Financial Counsellor can help you manage your money and assist in making the pieces of the puzzle fit.
If you are dealing with financial stress related to issues such as debt, rent, utility costs and budgeting problems a USASA financial counsellor may be able to help you. A financial counsellor can help identify your options and give you the information you need to support you through managing any debt.
What can a USASA Financial Counsellor assist you with:
- Developing a budget to help manage your finances.
- Dealing with bad financial standing with the University.
- Accessing emergency food support.
- Applying for the grant support program.
- Can help point you in the right direction to access further financial support and assistance.
If your issue is not listed here, a Financial Counsellor may still be able to assist.
Way Forward provide free assistance to people in financial hardship, but who still have income, by helping them to get out of debt faster.
They have a dedicated team that provides free debt advice and free financial support to help you deal with your debt and set up a solution. Their hardship advocates have extensive experience handling creditors, negotiating better outcomes and providing debt relief for their clients.
They assist by:
- Establishing a workable budget
- Advocating for affordable arrangements with creditors, which means no more stressful conversations with debt collectors
- Helping with debt repayments, so you can make one regular payment to them, which they then distribute to your creditors.
There are no hidden fees - 100% free of charge.