How to protect your super from scams
Scams Awareness Week runs from 24 to 28 August 2026, raising awareness of how to recognise, avoid and report scams.
10 August 2026
It takes years to build your super. Protecting it starts with understanding how scammers operate.
Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using convincing emails, text messages, phone calls and fake websites to trick people into giving away personal information or accessing their accounts.
Your super is one of your most valuable financial assets, making it an attractive target for scammers. While Brighter Super has strong security measures in place to help protect your account, there are also simple steps you can take to reduce your risk.
Scams Awareness Week 2026 is a timely reminder to stay alert to the latest scams and review your online security. In this article, we share practical tips to help you recognise common scams, protect your account and know what to do if something doesn't seem right.
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Government figures show that 274,577 people reported financial losses totalling more than $2.18 billion due to scams of all types in 20251.
The theme of this year’s Scams Awareness Week is ‘No one’s just a number. Remember three simple steps: Stop. Check. Protect.
Stop before acting, check that the person or communication is genuine, and protect yourself by securing your information and reporting suspicious activity.
Find out more at scamwatch.gov.au.
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The threat of investment scams
According to the National Anti-Scam Centre, investment scams continue to cause greater financial losses than any other type of scam. Australians lost $837.7 million to investment scams in 20251.
Almost every Australian has a bank account, a super account and some form of digital financial footprint. With millions of Australians regularly accessing online financial services, these systems have become increasingly exposed to cybercrime.
Scammers use a range of tactics to exploit personal information, commit fraud and steal identities.
They may contact you through email, text message, phone calls, social media or fake websites that closely resemble legitimate organisations. Some even spend weeks or months building trust before asking you to take action.
Understanding how these scams work is one of the best ways to avoid becoming a victim.
How scammers try to trick you
Scammers use many different tactics. Some common approaches targeting super members include.
- Pretending to be someone you trust
One of the most common scams involves someone pretending to be from a trusted organisation, such as your super fund, bank, the Australian Taxation Office or another government agency.
They may ask you to verify your identity, update your account details or click on a link. Their emails, text messages and websites can look genuine, using familiar logos and branding to gain your trust.
If scammers obtain your personal information or login details, they may try to access your accounts or steal your identity.
- Offering to help you grow or access your super
Some scammers claim they can help you take greater control of your super by setting up a self-managed super fund (SMSF) or investing your retirement savings in exclusive opportunities with unusually high returns.
Others promise they can help you access your super before you're legally entitled to, often for a fee.
These offers can sound convincing, but they're designed to persuade you to transfer your super into an account controlled by the scammer or provide information that gives them access to your savings.
Remember, you can generally only access your super early in limited circumstances and when eligibility requirements are met. Anyone suggesting otherwise should be treated with extreme caution.
Find out more: When can I access my super?
- Trying to steal your identity
Sometimes the goal isn't to access your super immediately, but to collect enough personal information to impersonate you.
Criminals may try to obtain your passwords, one-time verification codes, myGov details or other personal information. They can then use this information to access your accounts or commit identity fraud.
Warning signs to watch for
Although scams are constantly evolving, many share common warning signs.
Be cautious if someone you are talking to in-person, online or over the phone does any of the following:
- Pressures you to act immediately.
- Promises guaranteed or unusually high investment returns.
- Offers to help you access your super early.
- Asks for your password, one-time verification code or myGov login details.
- Asks you to click an unexpected link or download an attachment.
- Tells you not to seek independent advice.
- Contacts you unexpectedly about your super or investments.
If something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts. Taking a few minutes to verify a request could save you from becoming a victim of fraud.
Protect yourself from scams
There are several simple things you can do that can help protect yourself from scams.
- Protect your login details
Never share your passwords or one-time authentication codes with anyone. Use strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts.
- Check who you're dealing with
If someone contacts you claiming to represent your super fund, bank or another organisation, don't rely on the contact details they've provided.
Instead, contact the organisation directly using details from its official website or previous correspondence.
If someone claims to be a financial adviser, you can also check whether they're licensed through ASIC's Professional Registers.
- Know the rules
Understanding when you can legally access your super is one of the best ways to avoid early access scams.
If someone promises they can help you withdraw your super outside the legal rules, walk away.
Find out more: When can I access my super?
- Check your account regularly
Log in to Member Online or the Brighter Super mobile app regularly to review your account.
Look for unexpected changes to your personal details or unusual activity. Identifying suspicious activity early may help limit any damage.
- Talk to someone you trust
If you're unsure whether something is genuine, don't feel pressured to make an immediate decision.
Speak to a trusted family member, your financial adviser or contact Brighter Super before taking any action.
Report a scam
If you receive an unexpected or suspicious email, text message or phone call, don't click any links, don't respond or provide any personal information.
If you're unsure whether a communication is genuine, contact Brighter Super directly using the contact details on our website. If you notice unusual activity on your account, contact us as soon as possible on 1800 444 396.
In the event of a scam, it may not always be possible to recover your money. That's why it's important to act quickly if you think your account has been compromised.
You can also report any scams you receive on the Government’s Scamwatch website.
If you believe your personal information has been stolen or misused, you may also wish to contact IDCARE for support at idcare.org.
Further information
Scammers are constantly changing their tactics, so it's important to stay informed.
For the latest advice on recognising and avoiding scams, visit:
By staying informed and following a few simple security habits, you can help protect your retirement savings and keep your super working towards the future you've planned.
- Report of the National Anti-Scam Centre on scams data and activity 2025 (published March 2026)
The information contained is up to date at the time of publishing. Some of the information may change following its release. Any questions can be referred to Brighter Super by calling 1800 444 396, or by emailing info@brightersuper.com.au.
Brighter Super Trustee (ABN 94 085 088 484) (AFSL 230511) (the Trustee) as trustee for Brighter Super (ABN 23 053 121 564) (RSE R1000160) (the Fund). Brighter Super may refer to the Trustee or the Fund as the context may be. Brighter Super products are issued by the Trustee on behalf of the Fund.
You should obtain and consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) before making any decision to acquire any products. A TMD is a document that outlines the target market a product has been designed for. Find the PDSs and TMDs at brightersuper.com.au/pds-and-guides.
This article provides general advice only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. As such, you should consider whether it is appropriate in light of your own objectives, financial situation and needs prior to making any decision. You should consult a licensed financial adviser if you require advice which takes into account your personal financial circumstances.
