Here's how you can protect yourself and provide peace of mind during the holiday season.  

Common holiday scams to watch out for

During the holiday season, scammers may use various schemes to catch you off guard: 

• Super ‘bonuses’: Messages claiming ‘You’re eligible for a government super bonus, claim before specified date’ are typically scams to trick you into sharing sensitive details. 
• Suspicious activity alerts: Communications like ‘We detected suspicious activity on your account, log in to verify now’ may lead you to fake sites. Always double-check links and contact us directly if in doubt. 
• End of year reviews: Beware of scammers posing as CareSuper staff or Government organisations conducting ‘end-of-year reviews’ to phish for your personal information. 
• Online shopping scams: Fraudulent online shopping offers can drain your bank account and expose your identity, potentially jeopardising your superannuation security through direct access to your personal information. 

Spotting the signs of holiday season scams

During the holiday season, scammers often exploit the holiday cheer and rush to deceive people. Stay alert to these red flags: 

• Seasonal account alerts: Beware of emails or texts claiming your super account needs urgent attention, a suspension or an update amid holiday chaos, especially if these notifications arrive unexpectedly during the festivities. 
• Festive phishing offers: Be cautious of holiday-themed superannuation ‘gifts’ or ‘Christmas bonuses’ that sound alluring but are schemes aiming to collect your personal information. 
• Holiday verification urgency: Scammers may pressure you to confirm your account details quickly, using links disguised as festive greetings, that actually lead to harmful websites. 
• End-of-year check-in calls: False calls requesting ID verification or password resets under the guise of year-end clean-ups are probably fake and should be handled with extreme caution. 
• Imitation holiday portals: Watch out for websites styled with holiday designs mimicking CareSuper or government portals, set up to steal your credentials while posing as festive offers or official year-end notifications. 

Steps to protect yourself

To better protect your superannuation and personal data during the holiday season, follow these proactive measures: 

• Scrutinise links: Avoid clicking on links in unexpected messages, especially those received during festive times when relaxation may lower your guard. 
• Use official channels: Access your super account only through our official CareSuper app or website to make sure you're viewing genuine information. 
• Question festive offers: Approach holiday offers related to your super or savings with extreme caution. 
• Enable security features: Set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your myGov and super accounts for added security. 
• Verify before action: If you’re unsure about a message, contact us directly for confirmation. 

What to do if you suspect a scam

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. If you think you may have been targeted by a scam, please call 1800 005 166 straight away or email [email protected] - we're here to help.  

The holiday season should be a time of joy and relaxation, free from stress about potential scams. By staying alert and informed, you can fully enjoy the festivities while safeguarding your superannuation and personal information. Always rely on verified sources and consult with us at CareSuper to protect your financial security during the holiday season. 

This is general information only and doesn’t take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision about CareSuper, you should consider if this information is right for you.
We're giving you this information in good faith. It comes from sources we think are reliable and helpful. However, we can't guarantee its accuracy and take no responsibility for this content, including any errors or omissions.