Every year, thousands of Australians are targeted by scams, whether it be online, via phone, mail or even in person.
Australian Community Media has compiled a list of current scams identified on sites such as scamwatch.gov.au, www.cyber.gov.au and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s website dedicated to informing people about fraudulent and dishonest activities.
If it sounds too good to be true, it is
Too good to be true offers
- It may be the season for giving, but scammers will take whatever they can get. If you receive an email, call or message out of the blue offering you money or prizes, it’s almost definitely a scam. These are common phishing attempts. Do not click on any links and delete the message.
Look out for scam recovery scams
- If you have lost money to a scam beware a second wave of attack. Don’t trust ‘recovery firms’ who request up-front payment to ‘help get your money back’. If you have lost money to a scam, contact your bank or financial institution and follow the steps below. Do not seek help from these firms.
If it sounds too good to be true, it is
- Scammers are still sending flubot scam text messages hoping to trick people into entering their personal or financial information. Current messages include ‘your order will be delivered by DHL’ or ‘failure of delivery’.
- Scamwatch advises that if you’ve done your holiday shopping online and are expecting deliveries, track your parcels by going directly to the carriers’ website.
- Since August, many Australians have been receiving scam text messages about missed calls, voicemails, deliveries and photo uploads. The text messages ask you to tap on a link to download or access something. Doing so will download a specific type of malware to your device. These are ‘flubot’ text messages.
- Do not click on any links in messages that you cannot verify are real. Delete the message.
Fake parcel delivery messages
- These notifications are typically an email or SMS message pretending to be from a legitimate parcel delivery business like Australia Post, DHL or FedEx, claiming you have an ‘undelivered package’ awaiting your collection.
- Be wary of messages that don’t address you personally, have few or no details about your order, or threaten to charge you a fee for holding an undelivered item.
- Think before you click. Australia Post will never ask you to click a link to print out a receipt for parcel collection, nor will they ask you to update or verify your personal information.
- If you’re unsure, call the organisation but remember to use contact details from a verified website or other trusted source.
TRAP: When it comes to buying pets, it could be wise to buy local or solely trade with reputable breeders or rescue organisations. Picture: via Scamwatch
Pet scams still popular at Christmas
- People looking to buy a pet for Christmas are advised to be wary of the latest scams doing the rounds.
- Shoppers should always try to see the pet in person and aim to deal with a reputable breeder or rescue organisation.
- Scamwatch’s advice it to Google the advertisement for the pet. If the same phrases are in multiple ads, it is likely a scam.
- Seek advice from a breeders’ association and don’t fall for requests for more money for transportation, insurance or vet bills.
Scammers change the script on NBN scam
- Internet users should be wary of scam calls impersonating NBN.
- These aren’t new, but recently scammers have changed up their script, according to Scamwatch.gov.au
- They now say they are offering a refund for slow internet speeds and then advise the target to Google an old ACCC article in order to seem legitimate.
- Scamwatch advises to immediately hang up on such a call.
Received a scam? Report it
Many scammers are based overseas so from time to time the ACCC may also provide your report to government organisations overseas for the purposes of law enforcement and sharing intelligence about scam activity. The ACCC may also contact you about your report if any additional information is required.
Shop wisely this Christmas
BE WISE: Be suspicious of too-good-to-be-true offers and any sellers that ask you to pay by bank transfer, gift cards or cryptocurrency.
- Scamwatch is urging people to be mindful of scammers trying to take advantage of unsuspecting shoppers rushing to organise gifts.
- People searching to find the best deal online, in time for Christmas, can be easily caught off-guard and fall victim to a dodgy deal.
- Scammers may create realistic looking fake online stores selling items at heavily discounted prices, however the items are fake, or never delivered to buyers.
- Scammers have also created fake stores on social media platforms or post fake ads on legitimate classifieds websites. They may request payment or offer discounts for payments made through direct bank transfers or cryptocurrency.
- While some scammers try to make online stores look legitimate by requesting payment via PayPal or credit card, always double check that the real PayPal platform is being used.
- Be suspicious of too-good-to-be-true offers and any sellers that ask you to pay by bank transfer, gift cards or cryptocurrency.
- Research the seller and make sure you know who you are buying from. Search online for the product or company name, plus “complaint” or “scam” to see what other people are saying.
- If you are buying from a social networking site, check the seller’s history and read reviews from other people who have dealt with them.
- When you’re paying, avoid arrangements that ask for up-front payment via bank transfer, or payment through digital currency, like Bitcoin. Always try to use a secure payment service such as PayPal or credit card transaction.
Another COVID-19 vaccine scam
According to Scamwatch, the government is not offering a benefit payment for those who receive their COVID-19 vaccine.
- Scammers are once again using the COVID-19 vaccine to scam unsuspecting victims.
- According to Scamwatch, the government is not offering a benefit payment for those who receive their COVID-19 vaccine.
- If you get a message like this, or any other message offering you unexpected money, it’s a scam.
- Do not click the link and delete the message.
- Scamwatch is urging people to beware of fake refund scams.
- Scammers will call out of the blue claiming there has been suspicious activity on a bank account.
- They may ask for banking information or remote access to a device in order to process a refund.
- Scamwatch suggests hanging up on the caller and contacting your financial intuition.
Thomas Flynn impersonation scam
BE WISE: If you receive a text message like this, delete it.
- Scamwatch is warning of a text scam doing the rounds, claiming to be from ‘Thomas Flynn’.
- This scammer is impersonating a real person and company to lure people into investing in fake bonds.
- Always independently research any investment ‘opportunity’ – scammers often claim bonds are issued by real firms.
- Scamwatch’s advice is to delete any texts received in relation to this scam.
- People looking for work are advised to be wary of potential scams regarding employment that seems to good to be true.
- According to Scamwatch, scammers make contact by email, letter or phone with an offer of a job that requires very little effort for high returns, or a guaranteed way to make money quickly.
- The victim may even come across false job opportunities on classified ad websites.
- The victim may be asked to pay for a starter kit or relevant materials before beginning work.
- Those who pay the fee may not receive anything or what is received is not what was expected or promised.
- On completion of the job, the scammer will refuse to pay for some or all of the work, using excuses such as the work not being up to the required standard.
HANG UP: Some phone calls from scammers may appear to come from a legitimate AFP number.
- Scammers are continually using threatening and menacing tactics to try and scare their targets into action.
- Scamwatch is warning that scams involving fraudsters impersonating police or government agencies are doing the rounds again.
- Some scammers are falsely identifying themselves as a Federal Agent and telling victims they have identified suspicious activity linked to their bank accounts.
- They then request personal details, including a Medicare number, address, and bank details. The fake representatives ask their victim to deposit money into an AFP account.
- Scammers are also targeting people using email and social media with fake arrest warrants. The offenders then call their victims and demand payments ordering them to deposit money into a nominated bank account, transfer crypto currency, or purchase online vouchers.
- Some scammers ask their victim to meet in public to hand over money, or ask them to withdraw funds from their account and deposit into an AFP account.
- Phone calls from scammers may appear to come from a legitimate AFP number. In some reports, the scammers have managed to mimic an AFP number to disguise their identity. Police suspect these calls are actually coming from overseas.
- Scams Awareness Week 2021 is this week.
- Visit scamwatch.gov.au for the latest information on scams and how to avoid falling victim to them.
- Scamwatch is urging people to watch out for texts impersonating Australian banks, saying you’ve made an OSKO payment to a new payee and asking you to click a link to cancel the payment.
- The website urges people to delete the texts and avoid clicking on the links.
- Investment scams are doing the rounds again, targeting those looking to improve their wealth.
- Scamwatch is warning people to be wary of fake news stories about celebrities that have apparently made millions by investing in Quantam AI.
- Quantam AI is not a real investment opportunity, according to Scamwatch.
- Investors should exercise caution before parting with funds and conduct extensive research.
- If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Scams disguised as assistance
DON’T FALL FOR IT: Scammers are evolving their methods.
- The ever-evolving method of fraudsters has seen scam artists work to separate victims from their money by offering ‘advice or assistance’ in exchange for payment or gift cards.
- The scam appears as someone online or on the phone ‘coaching’ you or telling you to lie to a known business, according to Scamwatch.
- This might happen if they are ‘helping’ you set up a trading account, telling you to buy gift cards or transferring money to ‘catch’ scammers.
Watch out for online shopping scams in lead up to holiday season
The scams to avoid this year
- Consumers are being urged to be vigilant when it comes to online shopping in the lead up to Christmas.
- According to Scamwatch, scammers often target people doing their Christmas shopping, including in the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.
- Scammers may create fake websites that look like genuine online stores, offering products at very low prices and victims will either receive a fake item or nothing at all.
- They may also post fake ads on classified websites, often claiming they are travelling and someone else will deliver the goods, but the item never arrives and the victim can no longer contact the seller.
- Scamwatch suggests conducting thorough research before making a purchase by checking independent reviews of online stores or the seller’s history on classified websites.
- The website also urges consumers to take the time to consider each purchase and not to be pressured by special offers.
- More information on such scams is available on the Scamwatch website at www.scamwatch.gov.au.
- The website includes information on how to make a report and where to get help.
Scammers are impersonating the Australian Tax Office and sending text messages saying “you are due to receive an ATO refund of $3742.11AUD” and includes a link to a website.
The ATO never send texts or emails with links to log on directly to online services. If you receive this message, delete it.
If it sounds too good to be true, it is
- Scamwatch has advised that flubot scams, those that trick you into downloading malicious software to your device, are adapting in an attempt to steal your personal information.
- Since August, Australians have been getting scam text messages about missed calls, voicemails or deliveries. Scamwatch has received more than 12,000 reports of these scams.
- Scam text messages or a voice message ask you to tap on a link to download an app to track or organise a time for a delivery. The message is fake. Following a link like this may infect your device with malware that can steal your contacts and banking information.
- Scammers are frequently updating the Flubot text message format. Starting in September, many Flubot messages now talk about a delivery. Unlike earlier Flubot messages, new text messages may not contain spelling mistakes. However, they do contain a website link followed by six to eight random letters and numbers.
- As recently as October 1, text messages saying your photos have been uploaded have been circulating. This message includes a link which leads the recipient to a page saying your device is already infected.
- If you receive one of these messages, do not click or tap on the link. Delete the message immediately.
- More information on missed delivery, call or voicemail scams is available at scamwatch.gov.au.
Scamwatch is warning that if a “job opportunity seems too good to be true, it probably is”.
- Scamwatch has received reports of scam text message impersonating the government, saying “you have received an appointment for your 3rd vaccine”. There is no third vaccine. This text message is a scam designed to steal your financial information. Delete the message and don’t click the link.
- A text message scam offering recipients a part-time job with a monthly salary of between $6000 and $30,000 has prompted Scamwatch to warn that if a “job opportunity seems too good to be true, it probably is”.
- No legitimate part time job will pay you this much. These messages, which include a WhatsApp number to phone, usually lead to some kind of Ponzi scheme or other scam. If you get a text like this, just delete it and block the sender.
- Scamwatch has received reports that people are receiving a recorded message claiming to be from the Australian Border Force.
- The message states there is an arrest warrant out for the recipient as they have picked up a parcel addressed to them with illegal contents. The message asks the recipient to dial 1.
- If you receive this call, hang up immediately, it’s a scam.
Scammers pretend to be Australian Federal Police
- Police have received reports of scams involving fake Australian Federal Police (AFP) representatives targeting vulnerable members of the community, according to Scamwatch.gov.au.
- Some scammers are falsely identifying themselves as a Federal Agent and telling victims they have identified suspicious activity linked to their bank accounts. They then request personal details, including a Medicare number, address, and bank details.
- The fake representatives ask their victim to deposit money into an AFP account.
- Scammers are also targeting people using email and social media with fake arrest warrants.
- The offenders then call their victims and demand payments ordering them to deposit money into a nominated bank account, transfer crypto currency, or purchase online vouchers.
- Some scammers ask their victim to meet in public to hand over money, or ask them to withdraw funds from their account and deposit into an AFP account.
- A number of people have been manipulated by these offenders. In some cases, people have deposited thousands of dollars into a scam bank account. In other cases, people have withdrawn money from their account but fortunately, have spoken to family or friends and realised they are being scammed before handing over any funds.
- Phone calls from scammers may appear to come from a legitimate AFP number. In some reports, the scammers have managed to mimic an AFP number to disguise their identity. Police suspect these calls are actually coming from overseas.
Flubot scammers pivot on tactics
LOOK CLOSELY: Scammers have upped their flubot game with many scam texts not containing the telltale signs of spelling mistakes.Picture: Scamwatch
- Scamwatch.gov.au is warning that flubot scammers have updated their text messages yet again.
- Since August 2021, many Australians have been getting scam text messages about missed calls or voicemails.
- Starting in September 2021, many Flubot messages now talk about a delivery.
- The new version of these scam text messages says it’s your last chance to collect a package.
- hey often refer to DHL and always ask you to take some form of action in relation to the ‘delivery’.
- Scamwatch is urging recipients to not be fooled, do not click on the link. This downloads malware which gives scammers access to your phone.
- Android phones and iPhones can both receive texts from the Flubot.
- Unlike earlier Flubot messages (which are also still circulating), the new text messages usually don’t contain spelling mistakes, so they can be harder to spot.
- They do contain a website link followed by 6-8 random letters and numbers.
BE SCAM SAFE: If you receive a message like this, delete it and don’t click on the link. Picture: courtesy of Scamwatch.gov.au
- As COVID-19 restrictions start to ease for vaccinated people in some parts of Australia, Scamwatch is urging people to beware of scams relating to vaccine passports.
- These can look convincing but are a scam designed to steal your personal info.
- If you receive a text message or email stating that a vaccine passports is now available by clicking on a link, delete the message straight away.
- Do not click on the link.
Missed call or voicemail (Flubot) scams
Australians have been getting scam text messages about missed calls or voicemails.
- Since August 2021, many Australians have been getting scam text messages about missed calls or voicemails. Less than three weeks after this scam was first reported, Scamwatch had received over 5500 reports of these scams. These scams have also already been a problem overseas in 2021.
- The text messages ask you to tap on a link to download an app to hear a voicemail message. However, the message is fake, there is no voicemail, and the app is actually malicious software called Flubot.
- Android phones and iPhones can both receive texts from the Flubot. If you receive one of these messages, do not click or tap on the link. Delete the message immediately.
- The text message often begins with 5-6 random lowercase letters or numbers, then says you have a missed call or voicemail message.The text message may also have several misspellings. Here are some examples.
- ab12c3 Nfw voice yessage received
- gh6tr7 Voicemail message receiied
- x78y9z New oozce-message received
Gumtree will never ask for payment or credit card details for the sale of an item.
- Shopping on Gumtree? Scamwatch is urging consumers to be on the lookout for fraudsters offering a ‘Gumtree delivery service’ with the sale of their products.
- Gumtree does not offer such a service.
- To protect yourself, use Gumtree messages to chat whenever possible and remember Gumtree will never ask for payment or credit card details for the sale of an item.
‘Celebrity’ cryptocurrency scams resurfacing
- Scamwatch is urging people no to fall for schemes that claim to be endorsed by #celebrities or public figures – these are almost always a #scam.
- Investors should conduct thorough research and check investment warnings before handing over hard earned cash.
Scammers stealing house deposits
CHECK THE DETAILS: Don’t let your home deposit fall into the hands of scammers.
- False billing and payment redirection are pretty common methods for scamming people however it seems fraudsters are using it to target home buyers, according to Scamwatch.gov.au
- Scammers can intercept invoices and change the bank details, redirecting big payments to their own pockets.
- A legitimate business will send an invoice or bank details for the the property deposit to be sent to. Scammers will intercept the email and change the bank details to their own.
- From there, the home buyer will make the deposit using the amended email details. The scammer gets the money and the legitimate business and the purchaser lose out.
BEWARE: Payment redirections scams are often only detected when your regular supplier asks why they have not been paid.
- Binge-watching your favourite shows during lockdown? Scamwatch is urging account holders to think twice before responding to a request from a streaming service to ‘update your payment details’.
- Always double check the sender to avoid false billing scams.
- Scammers posing as a regular supplier may claim that their banking details have changed. They may tell you they have recently changed banks, and may use stolen letterhead and branding to convince you they are legitimate.
- They will provide you with a new bank account number and ask that all future payments are processed accordingly. The scam is often only detected when your regular supplier asks why they have not been paid.
GET VERIFICATION: Scamwatch is urging people to be on the lookout for fake online listings for shipping containers.
- Scamwatch is urging people to be on the lookout for fake online listings for shipping containers.
- The website has received 29 reports with $136,518 in losses to shipping container scams in the past week.
Scammers using Census to target victims
- Scamwatch is warning that with the The ABS Census coming up, people should be wary of scammers trying to take advantage and steal personal information.
- The ABS will never ask for bank or tax file details and doesn’t offer prizes for taking part in surveys. If you are unsure if a call or email is genuine, contact 1300 135 070.
SCAM ALERT: The ATO does not suspend TFNs and will never request you pay a fine or transfer money in order to protect your TFN pending legal action.
- Scmwatch.gov.au is reminding people who are about to lodge their tax returns that scammers are trying to use this time of year to target unsuspecting victims.
- The website is issuing a reminder that the Australian Tax Office will never a person, claiming to have a warrant out for their arrest.
- The ATO will also never issue an automated call to advise that a tax file number (TFN) has either been suspended due to illegal activity or compromised by a scammer.
- The ATO does not suspend TFNs and will never request you pay a fine or transfer money in order to protect your TFN pending legal action.
- The ATO warns that if you’re concerned that a phone call, SMS, voicemail or email claiming to be from the ATO is not genuine, don’t reply to it. Instead phone the ATO on 1800 008 540 or go to its website www.ato.gov.au – which shows how to spot and report a scam.
Computer takeover scams on the rise across Australia
ACCESS DENIED: Giving a scammer access to your personal computer can lead to identity theft and financial loss.
- So far this year scammers have stolen more than $7.2 million from Australians by gaining access to home computers, an increase of 184 per cent compared to the same period last year.
- According to the ACCC’s Scamwatch, almost 6,500 Australians have reported calls from scammers trying to convince them to download software that gives access to home computers and bank accounts.
- Commonly called remote access scams, scammers pretend to be from well-known organisations such as Telstra, eBay, NBN Co, Amazon, banks, government organisations, police, and computer and IT support organisations.
- Scams of this nature will often be an unexpected phone call saying you’ve been billed for a purchase you didn’t make, your device has been compromised, or your account has been hacked.
- The scammer will pretend to assist you or ask you to assist them to catch the scammer. They will tell you to download remote control software such as AnyDesk or TeamViewer. Once the scammer has control of your computer or device, they will ask you to log into applications such as emails, internet banking or PayPal accounts, which will allow the them to access your banking and personal information.
- People who think they may have been scammed should contact their bank or financial institution as soon as possible. If they installed any apps or programs, they should also delete them from the device. Support in recovering from scams, including how to check if your identity and computer is secure, is available via IDCARE on 1800 595 160 or www.idcare.org
Don’t fall victim to COVID-19 vaccination scams
TRUSTED SOURCE: Visit covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility for reliable information on COVID-19 vaccinations.
- Scamwatch is advising that reports have been made regarding potential scams involving fraudulent COVID-19 vaccine websites.
- People wanting to get vaccinated should book via a genuine website.
- Scamwatch suggests using the COVID-19 Vaccination Eligibility Checker on the healthdirect website: covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility
Australia Post scams circulating within communities again
- Scammers are once again sending fake ‘Australia Post’ emails claiming the target has a package waiting.
- The link takes the recipient to an ‘interactive parcel management system’ which claims the package label is damaged and asks for personal and financial details.
- Scamwatch advises that this is a scam.
- Delete the emails and do not click on any links.
REMEMBER: If an investment opportunity is too good to be true, it probably is.
- Scamwatch has advised that romance baiting scams are again circulating in communities across Australia.
- People are being advised to be skeptical of anyone who connects with them via social media or online forums under the premise of romance, only to begin talking about investment opportunities.
- Scamwatch warns people not to take financial advice from potential ‘suitors’ and says if an opportunity seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Puppy scams still rampant
- Puppy scams remain at alarming highs with the total on track to equal the number of complaints received in 2020 relating to the canine cons that shot to prevalence during COVID-19.According to NSW Fair Trading scammers are posting fake classified ads on websites, in the paper or on social media platforms and asking for thousands of dollars for a non-existent puppy.
- People are being urged to verify the existence of the puppy before making a payment and only sourcing puppies from reputable breeders or rescue organisations.
RESEARCH: Only source puppies from reputable breeders or rescue organisations.
- Scamwatch is advising of a text message scam that aims to target Harvey Norman customers.
- The text message claims to be from the national retailer and claims the recipient of the text has won a prize.
- The message will ask the recipient to click on a link.
- Scamwatch advises people to delete the message as soon as they recieve and avoid clicking on any links.
If you’re shopping online, look out for fake websites pretending to be real stores.
- Scamwatch received more than 150 reports of a scam text message impersonating PayPal during the June long weekend.
- The alert reads ‘#PAYPAL_ALERT# You’ve made a “TRANSACTION”. This is not a legitimate PayPal text message.
- Scamwatch advises that anyone who receives this message to delete it and do call the number.
- Always independently source contact details for organisations from their official webpage.
Stay alert when online shopping
- If you’re shopping online, look out for fake websites pretending to be real stores.
- Scammers impersonate these companies using sophisticated designs and layouts, possibly stolen logos, and even a ‘.com.au’ domain name and stolen Australian Business Number.
- The biggest tip-off that a retail website is a scam is the method of payment. Scammers will often ask you to pay using a money order, pre-loaded money card, or wire transfer. If you send your money this way, it’s unlikely you will see it again or receive your purchased item.
- How to protect yourself: Check if the website or social media page has a refund or returns policy, and that their policies sound fair, when making online payments, only pay for items using a secure payment service-look for a URL starting with ‘https’ and a closed padlock symbol, or a payment provider such as PayPal, avoid any arrangement with a stranger that asks for up-front payment via money order, wire transfer, international funds transfer, pre-loaded card or electronic currency, like Bitcoin.
If it sounds too good to be true, it is
Record scam losses in 2020
- Australians lost a record $851 million to scams last year with investment ($328m loss), romance ($131m) and payment redirection scams ($128m) accounting for almost 70 per cent of all losses from 444,000 scam reports
- Phishing – where a fraudulent message designed to trick someone into revealing sensitive information – thrived during the pandemic, especially through government impersonation scams. There were more than 44,000 reports of phishing scams, representing a 75 per cent increase from 2019
- Health and medical scams increased more than 20 fold compared to 2019, accounting for over $3.9 million in losses
- Losses to threat based scams increased by 178 per cent to $11.8 million, and there were more than $8.4 million in losses to remote access scams, an increase of over 74 per cent
- People who detect a scam, whether or not they have lost money to it, can report scams and learn more about how to get help at scamwatch.gov.au
Read more about scam losses in 2020 here.
Watch out for ‘bitumen bandits’
ON THE ROAD: People are being urged to watch out for travelling conmen who are offering shoddy services such as laying driveways.
- Fair trading is urging people to be wary of travelling conmen that are passing through regional towns.
- Dubbed the ‘bitumen bandits’ these scammers have been scammers have been active for decades, offering cheap labour, usually bitumen laying or sometimes roofing, only to take off with the consumer’s cash before completing the service or carrying out shoddy work, such as simply spraying black tinted paint.
- Fair Trading has warned that bitumen bandits can be extremely convincing and exhibit several characteristics that can help consumers spot them.
- Fair trading also warned that these scammers present extremely professionally, even with work vehicles and websites.
- Anyone who believes they are being approached, or have been approached, by a bitumen bandit are urged to collect all details possible and report sightings to the police and NSW Fair Trading.
- Contractors and labourers in NSW are required to hold a White Card, which you can request to see. These cards have also recently been digitised through the Service NSW app, so if the person does not have their physical copy you can request to see their digital copy. If they cannot supply either, that is a red flag.
WATCH OUT: Scammers are now claiming they have intimate photos or videos of their target. If you receive an email like this, delete it.
- Scammers are claiming to have intimate videos or photos of you and are threatening to share them online unless you pay them in bitcoin, according to Scamwatch.gov.au.
- The victim may receive an email or message claiming that they have 48 hours to pay the scammer in bitcoin or else the ‘incriminating’ images or videos will be released to the public.
- The message often warns the victim not to go to the police, tell their friends or try to trace the scammer.
- Scamwatch urges people who receive such a message not to respond to it and to delete it immediately.
Telstra scam with a twist
BIN IT: If you receive suspect email claiming you’re owed a refund from Telstra, avoid clicking on any links and delete it straight away.
- Scamwatch has reported of a another scam targeting Telstra customers.
- The scammers claim that the victim has overpaid a phone or internet bill and ask the victim to enter their personal details to claim the refund.
- People are being urged not to click on any links and to delete the email upon receipt.
- Telstra has also warned that such phishing scams may ask you to reply to the email and include things such as your password, or they may ask you to click a link to visit a website.
- Often, the website will look similar to a legitimate Telstra website (such as My Telstra) and may ask you for even more sensitive information.
- Badly written emails with broken sentences, spelling mistakes, grammatical errors and words in a foreign language may be indicators of a scam email.
- Telstra urges customers to refer to My Telstra at myid.telstra.com for accurate account information.
Caravan and motorhome scams
TARGET: Fraudsters are impersonating caravan and motorhome companies in a recent scam that is circualting across Asutralia.
- Scamwatch is warning people to be on the lookout for fraudsters selling caravans and motorhomes at too-good-to-be-true prices.
- Scammers often ask for payment through a third party escrow company.
- Some are falsely claiming to represent major caravan and motorhome companies which are selling stock at reduced prices due to the coronavirus pandemic.
- The scam may involve asking the victim to transfer money into an account in order to pay shipping costs. One this happens the seller vanishes.
- Scamwatch is urging people to always inspect the vehicle before purchase.
If it sounds too good to be true, it is
- Scamwatch has received almost 50 reports of investment scams this week and scammers are making contact on social media platforms.
- The site is urging people to avoid sending money or personal details to anyone you don’t know. Be suspicious of guaranteed returns and always seek independent advice before investing.
- Scammers often target people who are already looking for good investment opportunities and have done their research. The most common group of victims to investment scams are men between the ages of 35 to 44, according to Scamwatch.gov.au
- They may use scripts that use investment language and fake websites showing fictitious profits to convince you that they are legitimate.
- Scammers make contact by phone, with internet, email and social networking being other popular contact methods.
- If they contact you via phone, they may try to forge a connection and create a sense of urgency to invest in the false opportunity before it expires.
- If you sent money to the scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
- Scamwatch suggests advising them that you have been scammed and ask them to cancel the payment if possible.
- They may be able to stop a transaction, or close your account if the scammer has your account details.
- According to Scamwatch scam victims can be targeted again because scammers share information and target people that have previously lost money.
- Be wary of future unsolicited approaches offering you an investment opportunity or service to recover your funds, especially if they seem too good to be true.
Vehicle ad scams with a twist
WATCH OUT: Scamwatch is warning that scammers are pretending to be defence personnel in order to con people into parting with their money.
- Scammers have now begun impersonating defence personnel to con their victims into falling for vehicle ad scams, according to Scamwatch.gov.au.
- Scammers post fake online listings offering to sell in-demand cars at well below market value to lure potential buyers looking for a second hand vehicle. Scammers seek payment to secure the car for the buyer but never deliver the vehicle.
- Vehicle scams are commonly hosted on sites such as Facebook Marketplace, Autotrader, Car Sales, Cars Guide and Gumtree.
- According to Scamwatch, as second hand car sales increased during the pandemic so did vehicle scams. If current trends continue, Australians could lose much more to vehicle scams this year than the $1 million lost in 2020.
- A new technique being used is scammers pretending to be defence personnel. In 97 per cent of reports received this year, the scammer claimed to be in the military (navy, army and air force), or to work for the Department of Defence, and said they wanted to sell their vehicle before deployment.
- This sought to create a sense of urgency with buyers and explained the unusually low listing price of the vehicles and why buyers could not inspect them prior to payment.
- Email addresses that do not bear the legitimate the defence email format of @defence.gov.au may be an indication of a scam, but even the correct email format does not guarantee the car ad is not a scam, as scammers are able to spoof email addresses. It is best to look for all warning signs to avoid being scammed.
- A price that is too good to be true should be a warning sign for potential buyers.
Scams targeting .au domain holders
If it sounds too good to be true, it is
- Scamwatch is urging website owners to be wary of a scam targeting .au pages and sites.
- Scammers are impersonating .au Domain Administration @auda and asking people to upload their personal documents.
- Fraudulent emails are being sent out asking recipients to verify personal information regarding the domain holder.
- The email threatens to cancel the domain if a response is not received within 24 hours.
- Scamwatch is warning people not to click on the links within the email or upload any documents and instead, delete the email.
Scamwatch has received reports of scams relating to COVID-19 vaccines including those that request payment for vaccines or for early access to vaccines; offers to mail vaccines; offers to pay money as an investment opportunity in the Pfizer vaccine and; fake surveys related to vaccines that offer prizes or early access.
To avoid a vaccination scam:
- Don’t give personal information to someone who calls you about the vaccine
- Don’t click on links in unexpected emails or text messages
- Don’t pay to get on a vaccination list – COVID-19 vaccines will be free for everyone living in Australia
- Don’t pay for early access to a vaccine – you can’t pay for early access
- You will not need a prescription from a GP to get vaccinated
If you are asked for any of these by someone claiming to provide COVID-19 vaccines, it is a scam.
Be careful when you get unexpected contact or messages – remember, scammers can impersonate the government too. Always source phone numbers independently from official government websites.
If you receive a message like this, do not click on the link. Delete the message imediately.
- Scamwatch has received an increase in reports of scammers impersonating the ANZ banking institution to gain access to sensitive information and data via text messages. This type of scam is referred to as ‘phishing’.
- The text message claiming to be from the ANZ tells the user that there has been unsuccessful log in attempts on their account or that the account has been restricted. Don’t click on any links in the text message and delete it immediately. This is a scam.
Payment redirection scams
Australian businesses reported over $14 million in losses to Scamwatch due to payment redirection scams last year, and average losses so far in 2021 are more than five times higher compared to average losses in the same period last year, according to scamwatch.gov.au
In a payment redirection scam, also known as business email compromise scams, scammers impersonate a business or its employees via email and request that money, which usually is owed to the legitimate business, is sent to a fraudulent account.
- Scammers tend to target new or junior employees, or even volunteers, as they are less likely to be familiar with their employer’s finance processes or the types of requests to expect from their supervisors.
- Payment redirection scams can take several different forms. In some instances, scammers hack into a legitimate email account and pose as the business, by intercepting legitimate invoices and amending the bank details before releasing emails to the intended recipients.
- Other times, payment redirection is done by spoofing, when scammers impersonate CEOs or other senior managers using a registered email address that is very similar to that of the genuine email address.
- The scammer will then request that staff transfer funds to them or make a payment to a third party on behalf of the business.
- Scamwatch has also received reports of scammers posing as staff members, where they request the employee’s salary be paid into the scammer’s bank account.
- More information on scams is available on the Scamwatch website, including how to make a report and where to get help.
COVID-19 Vaccination scams
BEWARE: Scammers are using the COVID-19 vaccination rollout to target unsuspecting victims.
- Scamwatch is warning Australians of scams relating to COVID-19 vaccinations in Australia and overseas that may attempt to gain your personal information and lead to financial loss.
- The organisations is warning people not to give personal information to someone who calls about the vaccine.
- Don’t pay to get on a vaccination list – COVID-19 vaccines will be free for everyone living in Australia.
- Don’t pay for early access to a vaccine – you can’t pay for early access.
- You will not need a prescription from a GP to get vaccinated.
- Scammers may try to obtain your personal information by claiming it is required for you to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Scamwatch warns that If you are asked for any of these by someone claiming to provide COVID-19 vaccines, it is a scam.
- Other vaccine scams that Scamwatch is aware of include offers to pay money as an investment opportunity in the Pfizer vaccine and fake surveys related to the vaccine.
- These surveys offer a prize or even early access to the vaccine for their completion. In reality, the surveys are after your personal or financial information.
- Scamwatch.gov.au has received more than 100 reports of vehicle sale scams through online marketplaces in March alone.
- According to carsguide.com.au scams will target sellers with an offer to purchase the vehicle, often without inspecting it.
- Scammer will offer to pay via PayPal and claims to live interstate. They will claim they need to organise freight transport for the vehicle.
- They will then claim an issue with paying the freight company so instead offer to pay you more and ask you to pay the freight cost into a western union account.
- The buyer then sends fake PayPal receipts to the seller showing the extra funds. The seller is scammed after they have paid the funds into the account and then find out that the original payment into PayPal was faked.
- Other scams will target the buyer with a sale price well below market rates.
- The seller often claims the vehicle is interstate and unavailable for inspection.
- Scammers will often ask for an up-front deposit. Once the deposit has been made, the seller then disappears.
- SMS scams will target sellers with the aim of engaging in a dialogue with the unsuspecting target to entice them into a scam.
- Carsguide.com.au warns that people should never transfer money without inspecting the vehicle first and urges people to check all contact details of the person they are conducting business with.
- Check that the phone number in the ad is connected and that the address provided actually exists.
- It is recommended that communication should be conducted via phone conversation rather than text or email.
- Remember, if an offer looks to good to be true, it probably is.
If it sounds too good to be true, it is
- Scammers are once again impersonating myGov representatives to target Australians.
- The scammer will claim that the person is eligible for a $106.95 refund.
- This scam may be via email or phone.
- The targeted victim will be asked to provide personal information over the phone or via a form or link.
- Scammers may also attempt to get the target to download a link.
- The scam may also purport to have important information that tells the victim their refund won’t be processed unless they confirm their identity. It may also threaten to cancel their account if one or more attempts are unsuccessful
Bold NSW police call scam
If it sounds too good to be true, it is
- Scam callers pretending to be from the NSW Police Force are threatening call recipients with fines or arrest
- The scammer states that the person receiving the call has an outstanding fine or warrant. They then demand a form of payment to prevent arrest or further court action. Reports also indicate that the scammers ask for a copy of a driver’s licence and photo for ‘identification purposes’
- The NSW Police Force will never call members of the public and demand payment over the phone in order to avoid going to court or being arrested
- If you receive an unexpected call from someone who states they’re from the police, and starts asking for personal details or threatens you, don’t pay any money or provide personal details. Hang up
- If you’re concerned, verify by contacting your local police or the Police Assistance Line on 131 444
If it sounds too good to be true, it is
- Scamwatch.gov.au has warned of Australia Post scams doing the rounds again.
- Fraudulent emails that are circulating advising customers of an update for a shipment and prompting them to click on a link to pay a fee.
- The link will lead to a fraudulent website which is designed to steal your personal and financial information.
- Australia Post will never email, call or text you asking for personal or financial information or a payment.
- Australia Post’s advice is to report a suspicious email or text message that appears to be from Australia Post to scams@auspost.com.au and delete it immediately.
Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Scams
If it sounds too good to be true, it is
- Scammers pretend to be from the ATO tell people their tax file number (TFN) has either been suspended due to illegal activity or compromised by a scammer.
- They request the call recipient to either pay a fine to release their TFN or transfer all bank funds into a holding account to protect it from future misuse.
- The ATO does not suspend TFNs and will never request you pay a fine or transfer money in order to protect your TFN pending legal action.
- Phone calls from the ATO do not project a number on caller ID and we will never send unsolicited pre-recorded messages to your phone.
- If you receive a phone call like this, hang up and do not provide the information requested.
- If you’re unsure whether an ATO contact is genuine, phone 1800 008 540 to check.
If it sounds too good to be true, it is
Romance baiting scams on the rise
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, love is in the air and scammers are, unfortunately, active.
Last year Australians reported a record-breaking $37 million lost to dating and romance scams and with Valentine’s Day on Sunday, Scamwatch is urging the public to be wary.
Scammers are now using dating apps to lure victims into investment scams.
Called romance baiting, this technique involves scammers meeting people on dating apps and then moving the conversation to an encrypted chat site. After a few weeks of developing a relationship, the scammer will begin asking about the victim’s finances and encourage them to participate in an investment opportunity.
“These scams prey on people seeking connection and can leave victims with significant financial losses and emotional distress,” Australian Competition and Consumer Commission deputy chair, Delia Rickard, said.
“While traditional dating and romance scams tend to target older Australians, almost half of all losses to romance baiting scams come from people under the age of 35.”
Last year Scamwatch received over 400 reports of romance baiting scams.
Scammers often encourage victims to initially transfer a small amount of money to prove how easy the investment is. Victims will be told to top up their accounts to increase their profits but when they run out of money to transfer, the scammer will cease all communication.
Scammers may also use a technique called ‘love bombing’, where they contact the victim several times a day professing their feelings for them. The victim starts to develop feelings in return, making them more likely to participate in the investment scam.
“Remember that you are in control and if you start to feel pressured by someone, stop communicating with them,” Ms Rickard said. “You can also do an internet search with the name or photo of your love interest or some of the phrases they have used to help identify if it is a scam.”
If you have been the victim of a scam, contact your bank as soon as possible and contact the platform on which you were scammed to inform them of the circumstances.
If it sounds too good to be true, it is
- Scamwatch is urging the public to be aware of text message phishing scams impersonating PayPal, ANZ bank and Westpac.
- More than 180 people have reported the Westpac scam. Scammers send a text impersonating the bank stating “to avoid service restrictions” to click on the supplied hyperlink. The number comes from from various Australian domestic mobile numbers.
- The PayPal and ANZ scams prompts the message recipient to click on a link to review suspicious activity on their accounts.
- Do not click on hyperlinks to sign into your online banking. Securely type the homepage of the financial service into your browser or use their official mobile app.
- Remote access scams try to convince you that you have a computer or internet problem and that you need to buy new software to fix the problem.
- Scammers are cold-calling Australians pretending to be eBay or Amazon, claiming their account is about to be billed for a purchase they did not make. Just hang up. Do not provide identity documents or allow them to access your devices.
If it sounds too good to be true, it is
- Scmwatch is reporting that in the last week it has received 80 reports of phishing messages in an ongoing campaign impersonating myGov.
- If you receive a text message claiming you are eligible for a ‘myGOV Refund’ do not click on it. Texts claiming to offer a myGov refund are a scam.
- The message will tell the recipient that after an annual calculation, they are eligible for a refund.
- It will include a monetary figure with AUD after it, and a link to complete an eForm.
- Don’t click on links in emails or text messages claiming to be from myGov. myGov will never send you a text, email or attachment with hyperlinks or web addresses.
If it sounds too good to be true, it is
Scam targets Amazon Prime customers
- People are being reminded of a scam continuing to circulate that involves people impersonating staff from Amazon Prime.
- People should always be wary of callers claiming you owe money to Amazon or other companies and that funds will be taken from your bank account if you do not act immediately.
- Scammers may also ask you to go online to confirm your personal details or Amazon account information.
- Amazon does not ask customers to disclose or verify personal or account information over the phone.
- If a call sounds suspicious, hang up immediately.
- Never give personal information over the phone unless you can independently confirm who is calling.
- Find out more about phone scams, or visit the Scamwatch website for information about phishing scams.
- Scamwatch is warning of a scam that impersonates Woolworths through a chat bot. A chat appears welcoming the user to a “Woolworths interactive prize universe” and asks to confirm their name to check a prize claim of a $250 gift voucher. This is a scam.
- Do not provide your address or credit card details, or click on the prize option buttons. You will not receive the prize or gift voucher.
- Scamwatch is warning the public of a wave of scam texts impersonating JB Hi-Fi.
- The text states “you made a purchase in our JB-stores in 2020 and entered our draw by doing this”. The text includes a hyperlink. This link takes the person to a website that looks similar to JB Hi-Fi’s official site, but is not. It prompts the user to click a link to claim their prize. This is a scam.
- Do not provide your personal or financial details to these scammers.
- JB Hi-Fi’s official website is jbhifi.com.au. Any JB Hi-Fi special offers or competitions can be found on this website.
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