As we pass the halfway mark of 2024, it's crucial to be aware of the various scams that continue to target everyday people. Here’s a round-up of some of the most prevalent scams we're seeing right now, along with tips on how to spot them and protect yourself.
1. National Anti-Scam Centre impersonation scam
What it is:
Scammers are pretending to be from the National Anti-Scam Centre, claiming your phone number is being used in a scam in China and offer to help ‘clear your record’.
They will work hard to get your trust and ask questions to 'confirm you're not involved' in the scam, but will ultimately attempt to steal your financial and personal information.
This scam can be hard to spot because scammers can make a call look like it’s from a trusted organisation. It’s important to remember however, the National Anti-Scam Centre will never threaten you or ask for information that could compromise your identity.
How to spot it:
- Be wary of unsolicited calls, emails, or messages claiming to be from the National Anti-Scam Centre.
- Scammers often create a sense of urgency to make you act quickly without thinking.
- Genuine organisations will never ask for your bank details, passwords, or other sensitive information out of the blue.
- Always verify by contacting the organisation directly using contact information from their official website, not the contact details provided by the caller or email.
2. Reward points scam
What it is:
Pay careful attention to text messages claiming you have unused rewards points that are about to expire. They will include a link to log in and ‘redeem’ you points, but in fact will direct you to a fake website where they steal your personal information. A common one currently circulating claims to be from ‘Coles Rewards’.
How to spot it:
- Be suspicious of notifications about reward points you weren't expecting and that you may not actually be signed up to.
- Check your rewards points by accessing the website or app independently. Never click the link provided in the email or text message.
- Legitimate reward programs will never ask for sensitive information or bank details just to redeem points.
3. Toll bill scam
What it is:
Similar to the rewards points scam, be aware of text messages warning of unpaid or overdue toll bills. The message may include threats of further fines or penalties if not paid immediately and include a link to a fake payment site.
How to spot it:
- If you don’t regularly use toll roads, be cautious of any toll bill notification.
- The message may claim to come from ‘Linkt’ making it seem legitimate. Do not click the links, call the number, or reply to the sender.
- If you think you may have an unpaid toll invoice, navigate to the Linkt website or download the Linkt app, and search for toll invoices using your licence plate number.
4. Fake invoice scams
What it is:
Scammers are posing as real business you may have recently dealt with. The scammer will hack the business' email system or impersonate their email address, sending fake invoices with changed payment details, so your money ends up with the scammer. If you reply to the email to ask about the payment details, the scammer will respond, 'explaining' the change.
How to spot it:
- Fake invoice scams are hard to spot, often looking real and including the business logo and ABN. The email might look just like other emails from the business, and may appear in the same email or conversation history.
- Check the fake invoice against a real business email or invoice. A fake invoice has different payment or banking details, or a different BSB and account number to the real business.
- You may also want to contact the business directly to discuss any payments before paying an invoice you have received via email.
5. Remote access scams
What it is:
If you are contacted unexpectedly from someone offering to help 'fix problems' with your account, phone or computer – hang up immediately!
Scammers claiming to be from a legitimate business will ask you to download a screen-sharing software which will let them remotely control your computer or mobile phone. They then use this software to steal from you.
How to spot it:
- Legitimate companies will not call unexpectedly to fix a problem.
- They may pretend they're calling from a well-known organisation such as a bank, internet, phone, software or web security business.
- Once you have installed the software and they have control of your device, they will ask for your banking passwords or one-time security codes. Never grant remote access to anyone you haven’t contacted first and verified.
How to Protect Yourself
- Stay skeptical: Always question unsolicited messages, calls, or emails, especially those asking for personal information or payment.
- Verify independently: Use official contact details like the website, app or phone number to verify any suspicious communication.
- Educate yourself: Keep updated on common scams and share this knowledge with family and friends.
- Report scams: If you encounter a scam, report it to Scamwatch to help prevent others from falling victim.
- Update your passwords: Aim for a password that is at least 12 characters long with a mix of upper-case and lower-case letters, symbols and numbers. You should avoid using the same password across multiple accounts in the event you do fall victim to a scam.
Auswide Bank Ltd AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 239686. This information provides general advice only. We do not provide advice based on any consideration of your personal objectives, needs or circumstances.
