In 2023, Australians fell victim to scams, resulting in a staggering loss exceeding $2.7 billion. Individuals aged 65 and over reported the highest financial losses. Beyond the monetary impact, scams can inflict severe emotional distress on those targeted.
Be cautious – scammers are posting as representatives of government agencies and reputable companies
This information can be conveyed through suspicious emails, messages, and phone calls. Cybercriminals may attempt to contact you and request that you provide your private information or grant access to your computer.
Imagine receiving an unexpected call from the Tax Office claiming you owe a tax debt that must be paid immediately or face arrest. How would you react? Or, if Telstra contacted you, stating there were internet issues in your area and they required remote access to your computer to resolve the problem, threatening to disconnect your service if you refused. What action would you take?
While it is natural to feel fear or panic initially, Australians are encouraged to pause and verify the legitimacy of such requests by asking themselves, “Is this genuine?”
In these fraudulent schemes, scammers pose as representatives from government agencies or reputable businesses, utilizing intimidation tactics to coerce individuals into providing money, divulging personal information, or installing remote access software. These scammers may issue threats of fines, additional charges, internet disconnection, police intervention, debt collection, legal action, arrest, or deportation.
The scammers and their menacing tactics can appear authentic and alarming, instilling a sense of guilt or urgency in their victims, and compelling them to comply immediately or face dire consequences.
Historically, older Australians have been particularly susceptible to falling victim to these scams. Therefore, if you receive an unexpected communication from someone claiming to represent a government agency or reputable business and are threatened, it is crucial to entertain the possibility that it could be a scam – take a moment to pause and verify the legitimacy of the situation before proceeding.
Safeguard your personal information and online presence
It is crucial to exercise caution when disclosing personal information online or via email. Before sharing any personal or payment details, ensure to verify the legitimacy of websites and email recipients. For further guidance and tips, visit the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner website.
It is crucial to prioritize the security of your online accounts by utilizing strong and unique passwords, as well as implementing multi-factor authentication. This extra layer of protection can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
In addition, it is essential to regularly monitor your accounts and devices for any signs of unusual activity or unexpected communication. Being proactive in detecting potential security threats can help prevent data breaches and identity theft.
Avoid opening suspicious texts, pop-up windows, or clicking on links or attachments in emails. These could potentially contain malware that can compromise the security of your computer and personal information. It is best to delete any suspicious messages immediately to avoid any potential risks.
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from a telecommunications company, technical support service provider, or online marketplace, exercise caution. Hang up the call and verify the identity of the caller through an independent source, such as a phone book or online search. Once you have confirmed their identity, reach out to them directly to inquire if they contacted you. Avoid using the contact details provided by the caller or in the message to ensure your safety and security.
It is crucial to never disclose personal information, such as banking or credit card details, to individuals whom you do not know or trust. This includes refraining from sending money or providing any sensitive information via email or over the phone.
It is important to be aware that reputable government agencies or businesses will never request payment in the form of gift cards, store cards, iTunes cards, wire transfers, or Bitcoin.
Additionally, it is advised to never grant remote access to your computer to individuals who have contacted you unexpectedly, whether it be through a phone call, pop-up window, or email. This precaution should be taken even if the individual claims to represent a well-known company, such as Telstra.
Should you find yourself in a situation where you have lost money or disclosed personal information to a scammer, it is essential to take prompt measures to minimize the damage and shield yourself from further financial harm.
If you have sent money or shared your banking or credit card details, it is crucial to contact your financial institution immediately. They can potentially stop or reverse a transaction, or even close your account if necessary.
If you suspect you have been affected by a data breach, there are additional steps you can take to safeguard yourself from any potentially fraudulent activity. These steps include:
- Changing your online account passwords regularly as a best practice for security. Ensure that your passwords are strong and unique and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.
- Refraining from opening unsolicited attachments, as they may contain harmful malware or phishing attempts.
- Never disclose your password or financial information to anyone, even if they seem trustworthy or legitimate.
By following these precautions, you can better protect yourself from falling victim to financial fraud or identity theft. Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to safeguarding your personal and financial information.
If you have provided your personal information to a scammer or suspect that a scammer has gained access to your information, IDCARE offers free support to assist you.
IDCARE is a not-for-profit national identity and cyber support service serving Australia and New Zealand. Our team can collaborate with you to create a tailored response plan for your situation and guide you through the process. For assistance, please visit:
* IDCARE.org Website
* call us at 1800 585 160
Scammers are often located overseas, making it challenging for government agencies to locate them or for law enforcement to take legal action against them. Therefore, it is crucial to inform your friends and family about these scams to prevent further victims.
For additional insights into these scams, including resources for assistance or avenues for reporting a scam, kindly refer to the Scamwatch website.
Scammers employ various methods to entice individuals. The following are some examples to remain vigilant about:
- The scammer posting as a representative of Centrelink
- The scammer purporting to have information related to COVID-19 / Scamwatch or the Coronavirus.
- The scammer faking from the charitable organization / ACNC
- The scammer alleging that you have an outstanding fine or infringement / Vic Police
- The scammer asserting affiliation with Telstra
- The scammer claiming you have an outstanding debt to the tax office / Australian Taxation Office
- The scammer using your NBN illegally
- The scammer claiming that there is an issue with your immigration paperwork / Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- The scammer posing as a representative of Coles and Woolworths offering free vouchers
- The scammer involving iTunes Gift Card / Official Apple Support
- The scammer sending an email to announce that a gift care / Coles has been successfully won
- The scammer sending texts regarding missed deliveries /Australia Post, phone calls, or voicemail messages.
Scammers are adept at deceiving individuals and swindling them out of their hard-earned money. Recognizing the telltale signs of a scam can empower you to discern when a situation seems suspicious or fraudulent.
Scamwatch, run by the National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC) says:
- Stop – don’t give money or personal information to anyone if unsure
- Think – Ask yourself could the message or call be fake?
- Protect – act quickly if something feels wrong