Protect yourself from being scammed
There are many ways in which scammers can try to gain access to your super. They may try and contact you using:
- text messages
- phone calls
- online, social and dating platforms.
They might attempt to:
- trick you into clicking a suspicious link,
- request remote access to your computer,
- ask for your personal or financial details, or
- persuade you to download a potentially harmful file.
Common signs of a super scam
These are the most common scams you might see, and how to identify them.
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Phishing scams targeting your personal details
Scammers often pose as trusted institutions such as banks or super funds, using copied Australian Financial Services (AFS) license details to appear legitimate. These fake emails typically ask for personal information and include links that, when clicked, may give scammers access to your computer and login information.
What they may do:
- Using the stolen information, they may attempt to open a super account in your name, transfer your funds, then withdraw them.
- Use stolen myGov login details to access your personal and super information.
Stay safe:
- Check the email has come from a legitimate AustralianSuper email address before sharing any personal information and, if in doubt, contact AustralianSuper directly to confirm.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links in emails and text messages.
We’ll never send an SMS or email asking you to click on a link to update your personal information or linking directly to a login page. You can check with us by messaging us or by calling 1300 300 273
For more information, search for the scam alert page at ato.gov.au
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Encouraging you to open a self-managed super fund
Scammers may encourage you to open a self-managed super fund (SMSF) with promises of high returns and personalised investment strategies.
Here’s what to watch out for:
- Fake high return investments – they offer investments in fake high-return schemes.
- False performance apps – provide apps or programs showing fake investment returns.
- Exclusive management – offer to handle everything, advising there’s no need to engage with anyone else.
- Unusual investments – suggest investing in unusual assets like cryptocurrency or foreign currency bonds.
- Building trust – they may not be pushy and will attempt to build trust over time before convincing you to transfer your super into an SMSF or bank account they control.
Stay safe:
- Always verify the credentials of anyone offering investment advice.
- Check their ABN on the ASIC website to verify if they are a licensed financial services provider.
- Be cautious of promises that seem too good to be true.
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Offering you early access to your super
Some scammers may offer quick and easy ways to access your super early, without meeting the legal conditions. Here’s what to watch out for.
Common tactics:
- Quick access offers – promising early access to your super without meeting specific early release conditions.
- Genuine documents – helping you fill out genuine documents and asking for personal details.
- SMSF transfers – suggesting transferring your super into a self-managed super fund (SMSF) for a fee.
- Misleading claims – claiming you can use the funds for personal use after lodging paperwork.
Why it’s risky:
- This is illegal and can result in additional taxes and penalties.
- Scammers may use the legitimate documents to commit identity theft, potentially leading to fraudulent accounts being opened in your name or unauthorised access to your financial assets.
How to protect yourself from super scams
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Check your balance and contact details
- Regularly log in to your account through the AustralianSuper website or the mobile app.
- Look for unusual transactions such as transfer requests or changes in personal details.
- If something doesn’t seem right, contact us immediately.
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Update your account security
- Ensure your contact details are up to date so we can alert you to suspicious activity.
- Ensure you choose a long and unique passphrase for your account.
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Contact us directly
If contacted by someone claiming to be from AustralianSuper, verify their identify by contacting us. -
Know the rules about your super
- Be aware of the limited circumstances under which you can access your super early.
- Understanding these rules helps protect you from scams offering early access to your super.
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Verify licenses
- Only deal with licensed professionals. Scammers often use fake licenses.
- Check licensing on ASIC’s website under Australian Financial Services Licensee.
- Verify names and addresses carefully.
- Use APRA’s Disqualification Register to check for disqualified individuals.
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Prevent identity theft
- Shred personal documents.
- Be cautious about what you share on social media.
- Protect your devices with passwords, PINs or fingerprint scans.
- Never use the same password across multiple accounts.
- Enable multi-factor authentication on your email account.
- We’ll never ask for your passwords over the phone. If you receive a suspicious call, contact us to confirm if it’s legitimate via mobile chat, social media or by calling 1300 300 273
What to do if you’ve been scammed
If you believe you’ve been targeted by a scammer attempting to access your super, it’s important to take action promptly.
Here’s what you can do:
1. Report the scam
- Notify the following organisations:
- Contact us directly by calling 1300 300 273
- ScamWatch: report the incident to help others stay safe
- ATO: verify or report a scam on the ATO website.
- Remember to include important details such as:
- Date of the incident
- Screenshots (desktop or mobile) of any suspicious communications
- Your preferred contact method if you wish to be reached
2. Change your password
- Update your passwords immediately to secure your accounts.
3. Contact local authorities
- Report the scam to your local police for support and assistance.
- Get help from IDCARE: they can help you make a plan to limit the damage if you call them on 1800 595 160
Remember, taking these steps can help protect your personal information and prevent further issues.
How we’re protecting your super
At AustralianSuper, your safety is our top priority. We are committed to protecting you from identity fraud and ensuring the safety of your superannuation. Here’s how we do it:
- Identified verification – when you call us, we’ll ask a number of questions to confirm your identity.
- Suspicious activity alerts – we will notify you if we detect any suspicious activity on your account, such as unusual benefit payouts or transfer requests.
- Secure communication – our written correspondence will never include irrelevant personal information, like your date of birth, to protect your privacy.
- Fraud monitoring – we actively monitor benefit payments and transfer requests to identify any fraudulent activity. Our dedicated fraud team is trained to spot potential scams.
- Data security measures – we implement robust security measures that help minimise the risk of unauthorised access to your confidential data and documents.
- Proof of identity – we have strict protocols in place to verify your identity.
- No login requests – rest assured, we will never contact you asking for your account login details.
- Encryption technology – your information is safeguarded by the latest industry encryption technology, ensuring sensitive data sent between your device and our systems is secure.
- Two-factor authentication – for certain tasks, we may send you an authentication code to your mobile or email for added security.
- Session timeout – if you’re logged in to your super account online and haven’t used it for a few minutes, your session will automatically time out to prevent unauthorised access.
Latest scams, fraud and security alerts
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Qantas and ACSC impersonation scams – July 2025
Following the recent cyber incident at Qantas there’s an increased risk of scam emails, SMS messages and phone calls impersonating Qantas or the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC). The scam caller or message may falsely claim your superannuation or bank account is at risk due to the incident.
Email and SMS scamsIf you get a suspicious-looking email or SMS from Qantas or the ACSC:
- don’t click on any links or open any attachments
- don’t reply to the message.
Phone scams
If you receive a call from Qantas or the ACSC and you’re not sure it’s legitimate:
- hang up straight away
- don’t share any personal or financial information, including your username or password
- check the caller is real by calling the company using a trusted phone number.
Reporting a scam
If you’ve shared personal information including username or password, or notice unusual activity on your super account report it on the mobile app (the fastest option) or call us on 1300 300 273.
It’s also a good idea to change your password if you suspect you have been scammed.
You can also visit the Qantas website for updates and support resources.
Learn more at online security tips. -
Superannuation rules - May 2025
Scams are on the rise in Australia, and as one of your biggest investments, superannuation can be a target. We've identified false claims regarding new super rules taking effect on June 1. Rest assured, there are no changes to withdrawal limits or preservation age.
View all superannuation announcements following the Federal Budget 2025-26
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Email phish attempt impersonating AustralianSuper and myGov – May 2025
We’re aware of emails circulating that appear to be sent from AustralianSuper but signed by MyGov, advising people that their superannuation has been consolidated with a link to check their super activity.
Do not click on any links within these emails
In doing so, you risk having your username and password stolen, as well as potential financial theft.
Important safety tips
- Never enter your username and password through an email link.
- Always navigate directly to the AustralianSuper login page before accessing your account, including to request a password reset.
- Do not respond directly to any emails claiming to be from AustralianSuper.
We are aware of these emails and request that you delete any that appear suspicious.
Let us know as soon as possible if you:
- have provided personal information or your super account details to another person, or
- notice any unusual activity on your super account.
You can also learn other ways to protect yourself by visiting our online security tips.
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AustralianSuper impersonation scams – April 2025
We’re aware of email scams targeting Australians since the cyber incident that impacted a number of industry and retail funds. Scammers are sending fraudulent emails that appear to be from AustralianSuper. These emails are being sent to both members and non-members.
Be on the lookout for the following scams:
Withdrawal requests
These emails claim that AustralianSuper has received a request to withdraw from your account. It states that funds are limited and instructs you to transfer money out of your investments into a cash option.
Insurance transfers
These emails claim that AustralianSuper has received a request to process your Insurance transfer to an alternative AustralianSuper account and will ask for your confirmation to proceed with the transfer.
Reset your password fraudulent requests
These emails are impersonating AustralianSuper, providing a link to change your password. The aim of this email is to capture your username and password to use for financial theft.
Important safety tips
The above scams provide links for you to click, where you will be prompted to "login" to your AustralianSuper account or reset your account password. In doing so, you may be at risk of having your username and password stolen, as well as potential financial theft.
Do not click on any links within these emails
- Never enter your username and password through an email link
- Always navigate directly to the AustralianSuper login page before accessing your account, including to request a password reset, and
- Do not respond directly to any emails claiming to be from AustralianSuper.
We are aware of these emails and request that you delete any that appear suspicious.
Let us know as soon as possible if you:- have provided personal information or your super account details to another person, or
- notice any unusual activity on your super account.
You can keep track of transactions through your account online and the mobile app.
Previous scam alerts
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Compare and switch super fund scam - February 2025
We’re aware of a scam where people are being contacted with offers to help you compare and switch super funds. Scammers may contact you through cold calling or social media ads.
Cold calling
Cold callers may offer a free review of your superannuation, convincing you that your existing super fund is underperforming. They use high-pressure sales tactics, exaggerated claims, emotional manipulation, and create a false sense of urgency to switch your super fund.
- Don't answer calls from numbers you don't recognise, and
- If you're stuck on a cold call, remember you can hang up at any time.
Social media ads
Just as cold callers use pushy tactics over the phone, some businesses target you on social media before selling their services. Posts questioning your super's performance or encouraging you to compare funds should be approached with caution.
- Scroll past these posts to avoid getting hooked, and
- Use your social media settings to 'see less' of these posts or block them.
To ensure you are interacting with the official AustralianSuper social media pages, please only access them via the footer section of our website.
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Instagram fake account alert – December 2024
We’ve previously identified a fake Instagram page impersonating our brand.
We do not currently have an official AustralianSuper Instagram. To ensure you are interacting with the official AustralianSuper social media pages, please only access them via the footer section of our website.
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Microsoft and Facebook scams – October 2024
Microsoft scam
We’re aware of an increase in members falling victim to the well-known Microsoft scam.
The Microsoft Security Alert scam is a widespread threat targeting all Windows users. Using fake pop-up alerts, scammers impersonate Microsoft to deceive users into allowing remote access to their computers.Overview of how the scam typically operates:
- Malicious redirects lead to fake Microsoft security pop-ups
- Pop-ups use logos and urgent warnings about viruses
- Scare tactics pressure users into calling tech support numbers
- Numbers route to overseas scam call centres, not Microsoft
- Callers are tricked into providing remote computer access
- Scammers install spyware, steal data, encrypt files for ransom
The pop-ups are very convincing at first glance, using the Microsoft brand and alarms about malware to make the warnings seem credible.
Facebook Messenger scam
We’re aware of a member targeted by scammers on Facebook Messenger. The member was approached via Facebook Messenger by someone claiming to be a Customer Service Provider of AustralianSuper. This individual, using the name 'Tony Myles,' offered assistance with the member's account for a fee. The communication was not on an official AustralianSuper template, lacked the proper logo, and used a Gmail email address.
Facebook fake page alert
We’ve recently identified two fake Facebook pages that were impersonating our brand.
To ensure you are interacting with the official AustralianSuper social media pages, please only access them via the footer section of our website.
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Investment scam – February 2024
Fraudulent investment schemes are being promoted, promising high returns with little to no risk. These scams often use attractive marketing materials and pressure tactics to entice individuals. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always conduct thorough research before investing.
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Phone scam – December 2023
There has been an increase in phone scams where callers pose as representatives from reputable organisations, including AustralianSuper. They may ask for sensitive information or payment details. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact the organisation directly using a verified number.
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Email phish attempt
Reports indicated that scammers were using the AustralianSuper brand to promote fake offers or services. These scams aim to mislead members into providing personal data or making payments. Always verify offers through our official channels.
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Fake uses of AustralianSuper Brand
Reports indicated that scammers were using the AustralianSuper brand to promote fake offers or services. These scams aim to mislead members into providing personal data or making payments. Always verify offers through our official channels.
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Cryptocurrency trading scams
Scammers promoted non-existent cryptocurrency trading opportunities, promising quick and massive returns. Many individuals lost substantial amounts of money. If you're considering investing in cryptocurrencies, ensure you do so through reputable and regulated platforms.
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Important information to consider
- AustralianSuper Balanced investment option compared to the SuperRatings Fund Crediting Rate Survey – SR Balanced (60–76) Index to 30 September 2025. Investment returns aren’t guaranteed. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns. Returns from equivalent investment options of the ARF and STA super funds are used for periods before 1 July 2006.
- APRA Quarterly Superannuation Fund Level Statistics June 2025, Released 9 September 2025.
- Source: Zenith CW Pty Ltd (Chant West) (ABN 20 639 121 403). Chant West Super Fund Fee Survey June 2025. Survey compares administration fees and costs for MySuper products for a $50,000 balance. AustralianSuper’s MySuper product is the Balanced option. Other fees and costs apply. Fees may change in the future which may affect the outcome of this comparison.
- Thinking Ahead Institute, Global top 300 pension funds, September 2025.