As we head into the festive season and 2024 draws to a close, we are urging our readers to remain vigilant against fraud as it can affect any of us at any time.
Criminal activity continues even during the festive season. We want to alert you to common scams that have been prevalent this year. We all lead busy lives, and it just takes a second to get caught off guard and fall for a scam. Here is some information and ways to avoid being scammed.
Text message fraud
Fraudulent text messages claiming to be from reputable banks, delivery or utility companies and government departments such as the ATO are common. Take a moment and ask yourself does this seem legitimate? Don’t click the link in the text message or share your personal or financial information.
Often these messages are followed by a phone call claiming to be your bank or utility company, sometimes even using their actual phone number. End the call immediately. They will never call you and request security codes sent by text message, push messages or from your card reader. They will never send a taxi or courier to collect your physical card, PIN or any security details.
Read: How Banks Are Protecting You From Scams
Phone call fraud
Fraudsters often use phone calls to get your personal and financial information for their own financial gain. They may pretend to be from a legitimate company and may even display a genuine phone number. Common tricks used on these calls is to offer to fix an issue with your broadband or offer a refund.
They may try to take control of your device. Never download software or apps, that they suggest, onto your computer or mobile phone as this will allow fraudsters access to your information.
End any unexpected calls. Call the company back on a known and trusted number to verify the call.
Read: Top 10 Tips to Safeguard Yourself Against Scams
Investment fraud
Investment frauds and scams are on the rise, with criminals using social media to advertise highly profitable investments. These ads often use advanced technology to appear legitimate. Always ask yourself, is this too good to be true? Such high return investments are usually not genuine.
Before investing your money take some time to research the provider, verify their existence and that they are regulated and always seek independent financial advice.
Read: Understanding Common Scams Targeting Seniors
Purchase scams
Online shopping is convenient and popular, especially at Christmas time, but criminals can clone genuine websites to offer fake discounts to target unsuspecting customers. This can happen with any site, including clothing, homewares, or heavy goods vehicles such as diggers, campervans and boats.
These cloned sites often look and feel genuine. When shopping online, check for a padlock symbol in the address bar, research the site for negative reviews, and verify contact details. Avoid direct bank transfers. Ask yourself, is this price too good to be true?
Money mules
Being a money mule is a criminal offence.
Criminals use others’ accounts to transfer stolen money to conceal their crime. They can trick anyone into using their accounts. Without access to your account, criminals will not be successful.
They may approach you online, in person, on social media or through fake job adverts asking to move money through your accounts or to open a bank account in your name for them. They may even offer you some money as payment. This use of your account, even if you don’t know where the money has come from or is going to, means you are becoming a money mule. This may result in your bank account being closed or a criminal conviction for money laundering.
Parents should also be aware that teenagers and young adults are often targeted by criminals, with the promise of quick cash so sharing this information with family members can also be helpful.
