We’ve compiled some of the current scams in Australia below to help you stay safe from fraud. There are so many scams out there, it’s hard to list them all (and then, so many variations to the original scam). However, the following are some examples of contemporary frauds in Australia:
• Flubot Scam – It is a scam where a text message is sent containing a link that will install malware on your device which gives the fraudsters access to all information, including your passwords and banking information.
• Romance Scam – An online dating scam when someone you have been talking to online will ask you to pay for them to come to Australia to meet you, or they may request you buy a gift card to help them out. The money goes into their pocket.
• Remote Access Scam – The scammers will request to have remote access to your computer saying they are conducting offsite maintenance. They will ask you to log into your internet banking platform and steal your credentials and funds from your account. If you are unsure, hang up from the call and find a legitimate phone number on your service bill, or in the white pages, to call back and confirm.
• Phishing Emails and SMS Messages – To get your personal and banking information scammers will pretend to be a telecommunications company or financial institution. Do not respond to these messages—instead, report them immediately to the police.
• Lottery Scam – These scams often use the names of actual overseas lotteries, so may seem legitimate. The scammers may use the scam to obtain your details to extract an advance payment for the target.
• Money Mule Scam – Scammers send money to you and ask you to send it onto someone else. They often want you to send the money on using a gift card or wire transfer. You can be charged with fraud if you participate in this scam
• Emergency Response Themed Scam – Scammers will ask for an emergency response donation saying it will go to someone in need but in reality, it will go straight into the scammers pocket.
• Investment Scam – A type of scam that “allegedly” offer a wealth-growth opportunity and ask you to invest in something like Crypto Currency or Gold, but most of these promotions are too good to be true.
• Puppy Scams – Scammers will advertise a pedigree puppy online and asks for a deposit fee to cover transportation costs and the like. In this case, you’d end up paying the money and never getting the dog.
How To Avoid Being Scammed
Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, so it’s important that you know how to protect yourself against the scams that are currently in circulation.
There are some basic tips for staying safe from scams, which include:
• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. No one is going to give you a free luxury car, or offer you a million dollars for transferring money from another country.
• Never wire funds using a money order, cashier’s check or other form of payment unless you know the person well and trust them completely.
• Never give out your personal information without verifying that the site requesting this information is secure. If in doubt, contact the website with any concerns you have before providing any personal details.
• Be wary of suspicious looking emails or phone calls claiming to come from your bank or other financial institution, as these emails may contain links to fake websites which look legitimate but are actually designed to steal your personal information and/or funds.
Original source: https://www.heritage.com.au/financial-tips/security-and-scams/current-scams-in-australia