9 July 2026 – Scambling
‘Scambling’, also known as ‘Ding Ding’ or ‘PayID Pokies’, is a trending scam that exploits the lure of online gambling, often targeting vulnerable people and communities.
You may see these scams promoted through social media advertisements, messaging groups, or even referrals from friends and family.
They encourage you to download gambling apps or sign up to platforms offering casino-style games or pokies, often promising easy returns or shared profits.
These platforms appear legitimate, using flashy designs, bonus credits, and promises of fast payouts to encourage you to sign up. You may also be encouraged to share personal information, link bank accounts, or make repeated small deposits, increasing the risk of financial loss, identity fraud, and debt.
In many cases, victims are unable to withdraw their funds or “winnings”, with some platforms withholding payments altogether.
What to look out for
- Promoted through social media ads or messaging apps (such as Facebook or WhatsApp) or personal referrals.
- Players are directed to sign up to a website or to download a mobile app, often from an untrustworthy source.
- Sometimes, mobile apps may be listed on a legitimate app store like Google Play or Apple’s App Store.
- Smaller gambling payments ($10-$100) are usually requested via PayID transfers to accounts held in individual names or to business accounts that have no connection to gambling such as food, clothing, or technology businesses.
- Platforms provide payment instructions on how to disguise illegal gambling activity, instructing you to use your mobile number or an invoice number as the reference, or a miscellaneous purchase reference such as “food”, “bill”, “shop” etc.
- Platforms use bright and flashy designs, AI generated art of animated characters, and pop-culture imagery.
- Small bonus credits for sign-up, referrals, or continued gameplay may be given to foster trust.
- Attempts to withdraw deposited funds or winnings may be refused.
- Scammers may request access to your bank accounts which can have serious consequences.
- Platforms are unregulated and offer no consumer protections or guarantees, meaning recovering funds is unlikely.
- Known as ‘Ding Ding’ or ‘PayID Pokies’ in some communities due to slot-machine-like sounds.
How to protect yourself
- Verify if the platform you’re using is a licensed gambling provider on the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) register. If they aren’t on this list, they’re not a legal provider.
- Online gambling services such as pokies, casino-style games and scratchies are generally not permitted to be offered in Australia. If a platform is providing these products, it’s likely Scambling.
- Never give out your personal or banking information or allow access to your banking facilities in exchange for payment.
- Update your digital banking security by updating your password, adding card controls and reducing transfer limits.
- AUSTRAC/Fintel Alliance have dedicated resources including an FAQ page to help identify Scambling.
- If you think you’ve fallen victim to this scam, call us immediately on 133 282.
11 December 2025 – Fake investment offer scam
Scammers are known to be promoting fake Great Southern Bank term deposits and investment bonds via fake websites, social media ads, and cold calls.
These fraudulent offers typically promise unusually high returns of 6-8% or more and often feature professional-looking branding and language designed to mimic genuine Great Southern Bank communications.
What to look out for
- ‘Exclusive investment opportunities’ from Great Southern Bank received via unsolicited emails, messages or calls. Any offer of this kind is a scam.
- Communications featuring images of or quotes from senior Great Southern Bank executives. These are fraudulent.
- Fake login pages that imitate Great Southern Bank’s online banking and display fabricated account or balance information. To ensure you’re not using a fake login page, please only access online banking via the Great Southern Bank website. For mobile banking, download the official app from the Apple or Google app stores.
- Falsified documents, including term deposit Product Disclosure Statements (PDS) or agreements, featuring Great Southern Bank branding (see example image).
- Follow-up emails or calls asking for personal information to ‘verify’ your identity.
How to protect yourself
- Be wary of unsolicited ‘investment opportunities’, particularly those offering unusually high returns. Great Southern Bank will never contact you with investment offers of this kind.
- Do not engage with unfamiliar callers claiming to be from Great Southern Bank.
- If in doubt, independently verify any offers or communications from Great Southern Bank by visiting our official channels or calling 133 282.
Mon - Fri: 8:00am - 7:00pm (AEST)
Sat: 8:00am - 4:00pm (AEST)
Out of hours? Call 1800 648 027
Contact us via email at banking.integrity@gsb.com.au
Lodge a report with Scamwatch or ReportCyber