Your super matters. It’s your future, built over years of hard work. Which is why safeguarding it from scams and fraud is something we take seriously at Australian Ethical. 

Protecting your super starts with knowing what to look for. Scammers are getting smarter, but staying informed could mean staying one step ahead. 

What are super scams?

Super scams (super fraud) happen when criminals try to access your account or trick you into handing over personal information. They might pretend to be from your fund, a government agency or even offer ‘investment opportunities’ that sound too good to be true. 

Once they gain access, the damage can be swift and severe. Scammers often transfer funds out immediately, change your contact details or redirect future payments to accounts they control.  

According to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and National Anti-Scam Centre, Australians lost $22 million to super-related scams in 2025 alone. This is why being informed about fund fraud tactics isn’t just optional — it’s necessary. 

Common super scams in Australia

Scammers constantly adapt their approach, but certain tactics appear again and again. Recognising these patterns can help you spot fraud before it happens. 

Here are the most common scams targeting Australian super accounts: 

Phishing emails

These look like they’re from your super fund, asking you to click links or verify account details. The emails often use official logos and professional language to seem legitimate, but they’re designed to steal your login credentials. 

Phone impersonation scams

Someone calls claiming to be from your super fund, a government agency or a financial advisor. They’ll request sensitive information like your member number, password or personal details, often creating urgency to pressure you into complying. 

Early access schemes

These promise to help you access your super before retirement, usually through questionable legal loopholes. Not only are these illegal, but they often involve hefty fees that drain your balance while leaving you liable for tax, penalties and interest. 

SMS and text message scams

You receive urgent messages about your account being locked, suspicious activity or required security updates. The goal is to create panic so you’ll click malicious links or call fake support numbers without thinking. 

Fake investment opportunities

Scammers offer “exclusive” or “guaranteed” high-return investments if you transfer your super into a special fund they control. These often involve cryptocurrency, property schemes or offshore investments that disappear along with your money. 

Identity theft and account takeover

Criminals may use your stolen personal information to set up fraudulent super accounts in your name or transfer your existing super to accounts they control. This often goes undetected until you check your balance months or years later. 

SMSF rollover scams

Scammers may encourage you to roll your super into a self‑managed super fund (SMSF) by promising better control, early access, tax benefits or higher returns. These schemes often involve misleading information or direct pressure to act quickly. Once your super is transferred, scammers can gain full control of your savings. For more information, visit Moneysmart’s SMSF scam guidance.  

Lead generation and comparison website risks

Some comparison sites, “super health check” services or lost-super search tools are lead generators that sell your details to third parties. These businesses may pressure you to switch funds, even when it’s not in your best interests. 

Be cautious if:

• You receive unsolicited calls after using a comparison or lost-super tool 
• A caller pressures you to switch immediately 
• You are offered a “free super review”, “free health check” or prize 
• You cannot identify the financial adviser or licensee involved 

Use only trusted, government-run tools, such as: 

• ATO YourSuper comparison tool 
• ATO Lost Super search tool
• Moneysmart’s advice on avoiding pushy sales calls
• Financial advisers register

Helpful resources

For reliable information on scams, cyber safety and protecting your super, visit: 

• Moneysmart — moneysmart.gov.au 
• Scamwatch — scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam 
• Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) — cyber.gov.au 
• ASIC — asic.gov.au for alerts and consumer warnings 

These sites provide up‑to‑date information, examples of current scams, and practical steps to stay protected. 

How we keep your account secure

We’ve invested in multiple layers of security that work around the clock to protect your super. Here’s what’s working behind the scenes: 

Advanced encryption and monitoring

Your data is protected with bank-level encryption, and we actively monitor accounts for unusual activity. If something looks off, we’ll reach out directly.  

If we need to contact you about suspicious activity, our team will reach out from an @australianethical.com.au email address or call from 02 7229 0499. If you’re ever unsure whether a message or call is really from us, you’re welcome to call us back on 1800 021 227.  

We also use a combination of automated tools and specialist partners to help prevent, detect and respond to emerging cyber threats. 

Multi-factor authentication

When you log in, we use extra verification steps to confirm it’s really you. This adds a barrier against unauthorised access. 

These authentication controls work alongside other online safeguards such as secure session management and geographic restrictions. 

Regular security updates

Our systems are constantly updated to identify and work against new threats. We invest in the latest security technology so your account benefits from industry-leading protection. 

We also conduct ongoing reviews of our technology partners to ensure their controls remain effective and meet our security standards. 

24/7 security operations and threat monitoring

We have independent Security Operations Teams (SOCs) monitoring our environment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

This includes real‑time threat detection, continual analysis of security alerts and rapid response processes to reduce potential risks.

Member of national cyber safety programs

We are a member of the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) and the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) Cyber Hygiene Improvement Programs. 

This gives us visibility into security vulnerabilities across the sector and guidance on urgent remediation activities, so we can continually uplift our cyber resilience.

Your privacy matters

We follow strict privacy standards and handle your personal information in line with our Privacy Policy.

Our controls ensure your data is stored securely, used appropriately and only shared when necessary to manage your account or meet legal obligations. 

How you can protect yourself

Security is a team effort. While we’re working hard on our end, there are simple steps you can take to add an extra layer of protection to your account. 

Here’s what makes a real difference: 

Check the sender carefully

Before clicking any links in emails or texts, verify the sender’s address. Scammers often use addresses that look almost right but have small differences. 

Never share your password or PIN

We will never ask for your login password or verification codes via email, text, or phone call. If someone does, it's a scam.

Use strong, unique passwords

Create passwords that are hard to guess and different from other accounts. Consider using an established password manager to keep track of them securely. 

Question urgent requests

Scammers create urgency to pressure you into acting quickly. If something feels rushed or too good to be true, take a breath and verify it through official channels. 

Keep your contact details current

Make sure we have your latest phone number and email address. This helps us reach you quickly if we spot anything suspicious. 

What to do if you suspect a super fund fraud

Spotted something suspicious? Acting quickly can make all the difference. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and protect yourself.  

Here's your action plan:

1. Stop and don't engage 

Don’t click links, download attachments or provide any information. Close the email or hang up the phone immediately. 

2. Report it to Australian Ethical

Call us on 1800 021 227 Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm AEST/AEDT or email us at members@australianethical.com.au with details of the scam. Forward suspicious emails and messages so we can investigate. 

3. Report to the authorities

Lodge a report with Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au or call ReportCyber on 1300 292 371. If you’ve lost money, contact your bank and police immediately. 

4. Change your passwords

If you think your account has been compromised, change your password straight away. Update passwords for any other accounts using the same login details. 

5. Enable additional security features

Once you’ve secured your account, activate multi-factor authentication if you haven’t already. This adds an extra layer of protection against future attempts. 

Not sure if something is legitimate?

If you’re unsure about any communication claiming to be from us, or if you need support with your account security, we’re here to help. Australian Ethical takes every report seriously, and we’d rather hear from you ahead of time so we can act to stop any potential fraud from taking place.  

Your security matters to us. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and we can work together to keep your super safe.