Rarely a day goes by without an online or phone scam, data breach, or news story of tearful victims having been frauded out of their superannuation or house deposit.  

Seniors are too often among them.  

The massive Optus data breach was followed up just days later by evidence of overseas-based criminal cabals targeting countries including Australia.

Scamwatch is warning us to be on the lookout for increased scam activity following the Optus breach and to take steps to protect ourselves.

For detailed information on what to look out for, visit the Optus website and Scamwatch. 

Being aware of scammers is necessary to avoid becoming the victim of one. Once you know their tricks, you are more likely to be able to spot a scam.  

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month. The Australian Government's free Be Connected training program holds free online presentations to help you navigate the online world safely.

The online presentations help build your digital skills and keep you safer online. Presentation topics include how to protect yourself against scams and how to use smart home technology.  

Visit the Be Connected website to secure your spot at one of their upcoming presentations.  

Topics include: 

• Protect yourself against scams 

• Online shopping and banking

• Helpful apps for your smart device 

• How to use home smart technology 

• Selling safely online 

Occasionally, there is a good news story about an overseas team of scammers caught by the authorities. A Philippines-based call centre targeting Australians for their superannuation was successfully raided by the Philippines anti-cybercrime police.  

If anything, such stories only confirm the size of the cyber threat confronting us.  

The scam cloned or misused details without permission from a company controlled by financial giant AMP.  

Victims say the cloning and other deceptive tactics made the scam appear like a legitimate financial advice firm.  

The scam has triggered multiple ongoing investigations in Australia, with corporate watchdog Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) confirming some are at an advanced stage.  

ASIC's deputy chair, Sarah Court, told the ABC investigations were continuing.  

"These matters are a powerful reminder that Australians need to treat contact by any third parties in relation to their investment and superannuation with the maximum caution," she said.  

"Financial scams are becoming more frequent and increasingly sophisticated. The increased use of company impersonation to access personal details to gain trust contributes to the scam's appearance of legitimacy," she said." 

For more information on this story, visit the ABC website.