ScamWatcher Privacy Policy

Last updated: April 2026

1. Who we are

ScamWatcher is an independent advisory service that helps individuals and organisations identify potential warning signs in suspicious communications.

ScamWatcher is operated by an Australian registered business (“we”, “us”, “our”).

For privacy-related enquiries, contact: privacy@scamwatcher.com.au

2. What this policy covers

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect personal information when you:

• visit our website (scamwatcher.com.au)
• submit enquiries via our website
• forward emails or communications to ScamWatcher for assessment
• interact with us in any other way

We handle personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

3. What information we collect

The information we collect depends on how you use ScamWatcher.

For example, if you submit an enquiry, we may collect your name and email address. If you forward an email for assessment, we may receive the content of that message, including any links or attachments.

3.1 Website usage information

We may collect:

• IP address
• browser type and device information
• pages visited and usage behaviour
• cookies and similar technologies

Example: When you visit our website, we may record which pages you view and what device you are using to help improve performance and usability.

3.2 Information you provide directly

When you contact us or submit an enquiry, we may collect:

• your name
• your email address
• enquiry details

Example: If you complete a contact form asking about a pilot program, we will use your details to respond to that enquiry.

3.3 Email submissions for assessment

When you send an email or communication to ScamWatcher, we may receive:

• the email or message content
• sender details
• links and attachments
• any additional context provided

These submissions may include personal information about you or third parties.

Example: If you forward a suspicious “bank” email, we will receive the original message, including the sender address, links, and any instructions contained in that email.

We use this information only to provide the ScamWatcher advisory service and improve safety outcomes.

3.4 Sensitive information

We do not actively seek to collect sensitive information.

However, some submitted content may contain sensitive information.

Example: A forwarded message may include personal or financial details. If this occurs, we handle that information only where necessary to assess the communication.

4. How we collect information

We collect personal information:

• directly from you
• through website technologies such as cookies
• indirectly when you forward communications that include third-party information

Example: If you forward an email that includes another person’s details, we may receive that information as part of the submission.

5. Why we collect and use information

We collect and use personal information to:

• provide ScamWatcher assessments
• respond to enquiries and support requests
• improve our service and platform
• maintain security and prevent misuse
• communicate relevant service updates

Example: We may review submitted emails to improve how ScamWatcher identifies warning signs and provides guidance.

We do not sell personal information.

6. Disclosure of information

We may disclose personal information to:

• service providers that support our operations, such as hosting and email systems
• technical and support personnel
• regulators or authorities where required by law

Example: Your information may be stored on secure cloud infrastructure used to operate the ScamWatcher platform.

We only share information where necessary and take reasonable steps to ensure it is handled appropriately.

7. Overseas data handling

Some of our service providers may store or process data outside Australia.

Example: Certain cloud or technology providers may operate internationally.

Where this occurs, we take reasonable steps to ensure your information is handled in a manner consistent with Australian privacy standards.

8. Data security

We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, interference, loss, and unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.

This includes:

• secure hosting environments
• access controls and authentication
• restricted internal access to submissions
• basic monitoring and security safeguards

Example: Access to submitted emails is limited to authorised systems and personnel required to operate the service.

While we take these steps, no system is completely secure.

9. Data retention

We retain personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary to:

• provide our services
• meet legal and operational obligations

Example: Submitted emails may be retained for a period to support service improvement and record keeping, then deleted or de-identified.

When information is no longer required, we take reasonable steps to delete or de-identify it.

10. Access and correction

You may request access to personal information we hold about you or request corrections if it is inaccurate.

To do so, contact: privacy@scamwatcher.com.au

We will respond within a reasonable timeframe.

11. Complaints

If you have a concern about how your personal information has been handled, please contact us.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).

12. Cookies and tracking

Our website may use cookies to:

• improve functionality
• understand usage patterns
• enhance user experience

Example: Cookies may help us understand how users navigate the site so we can improve layout and performance.

You can disable cookies in your browser settings if preferred.

13. Third-party content

Emails or communications submitted to ScamWatcher may contain links to external websites.

Example: A suspicious email may include a link to a third-party website. ScamWatcher does not control those sites.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party websites.

14. Updates to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.

The latest version will always be available on our website.

15. Key principle

ScamWatcher exists to provide a trusted, independent advisory layer between people and digital communications.

We handle information only to the extent necessary to deliver that service safely and responsibly.