What really happens on your social media feeds?
A message from a stranger. A giveaway that looks too good to miss. A buyer on Marketplace who seems genuine.
What looks trustworthy and real online can quickly turn into something else entirely.
‘The Dark Side of Social Media’ is a new Crime Stoppers Victoria podcast series in partnership with BankVic exposing how the platforms we use every day are being exploited for scams, grooming, and abuse, often in ways most people don’t see coming.
Across five short, powerful episodes, this series brings together real stories and expert insights to uncover how offenders operate, who they target, and the subtle warning signs that are easy to miss.
If you use social media, or someone you care about does, this is a series you can’t miss.
Featuring real victim experiences’, expert voices, and clear, practical takeaways, ‘The Dark Side of Social Media’ goes beyond awareness, showing you what to look for, when to act, and how to protect yourself and those around you.
Listen now:
From gaming to chatrooms, this episode reveals how predators build trust and why they push children to switch platforms.
Do you know which platforms put children most at risk?
What starts as a normal interaction can quickly escalate into manipulation and threats. If someone you know was being pressured online, would they tell you, and would you know what to do?
If someone you know was being pressured online, would they tell you, and would you know what to do?
From Marketplace scams to fake Instagram ads, offenders are adapting fast. Could you spot a scam before it costs you?
See how young adults are being targeted financially.
Urgent messages, fake bills, and “Hi Mum/Dad” scams thrive when people are distracted. Would you pause… or react?
Explore how busy lives create new risks.
Romance scams and fake investments continue to cause devastating losses. What would you say to someone before they trust the wrong person?
What would you say to someone before they trust the wrong person?
We’ve partnered with BankVic to help keep our community safe from scams and criminal activity while online! Stay up to date with the latest tips and information in one convenient place, empowering you to prevent online crime and outsmart scammers. Together, we can create a safer internet for everyone!
Read articles here.
Been scammed?
Step 1
If you have given any financial details or have already lost money, contact your bank immediately.
It’s also important to change your passwords, monitor your accounts closely, and consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file.
Step 2
Report the scam to police at cyber.gov.au or at your nearest police station.
Additionally, report the scam to Scamwatch and your local authorities to help prevent others from falling victim.
If you think you have been scammed online, IDCARE can help for free! Call 1800 595 160 or visit their website www.idcare.org
Step 3
Getting scammed online does not mean you are not smart. Cybercrime keeps changing, so anyone can be a target. Do not be embarrassed or hard on yourself! Learn about new scams and take steps to stay safe instead.
If you need support after falling victim to a scam talk to friends and family or contact:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Step 4
If you have given any financial details or have already lost money, contact your bank immediately.aFinally, talk about different types of emerging scams and if you have been scammed share your experience with family and friends so they can better recognise the signs of scams.
Smart Scam Guide
Download a comprehensive guide to spotting scams. Download to learn about the most common scams and what to do if you have fallen victim to one.
