Scams

Scammers actively target Australian parents by impersonating their distressed children, exploiting their emotions and soliciting money. Initially appearing as a text or WhatsApp message, the 'Hi mum' trend has now evolved to include voice and audio messages. Typically, the message begins with a brief explanation for using an alternative communication method, such as claiming to have lost or damaged their phone. The conversation then shifts towards a demand for cash to repair or replace the phone, as well as requesting new banking information for a transfer because they claim they don't have access to their accounts. 

For warning signs to look out for, go to Scamwatch.

This loyalty points scam aims to steal customers' personal information. It operates by sending customers a message or email, often impersonating reputable companies like Coles, Qantas, or Telstra, warning them about expiring loyalty points and urging them to click on a link to a fake website. Once on the fake site, customers are tricked into providing their credit card and personal details, which scammers later use for fraudulent activities.

For warning signs to look out for, go to Scamwatch.

At the end of each financial year, there's a noticeable rise in scams involving the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). These scams often come in the form of prerecorded messages and text messages, falsely claiming that you have unpaid tax debts. It's crucial to spot and avoid falling victim to these scams.

For warning signs to look out for, go to Scamwatch.

A romance scam typically works by deceiving the victim into thinking they're in a romantic relationship with the scammer. The scammer often creates a fake dating profile and uses it to make the victim feel unique and emotionally connected. Once a level of trust is established, the scammer manipulates the victim into sending money or engaging in fraudulent activities.

These scams can unfold swiftly or span several years, exploiting people who are emotionally vulnerable while seeking love online.

For warning signs to look out for, go to Scamwatch.

These scams can involve fake news stories or celebrity endorsements to promote unbelievable money-making opportunities. These can be get-rich quick scemes, multi-level marketing schemes or even modest investments with 'guaranteed' results. They promise high returns with low risk but also use pressure tactics in their ploy to steal your money.

For warning signs to look out for, go to Scamwatch. 

Phishing is a type of online scam that targets victims by sending an email from what appears to be a well-known source e.g. a bank or telephone company. The scammer will ask you to provide or confirm your personal information for the purposes of 'verifying your identity' or to complete a survey. These emails often look genuine, and it can be hard to spot a fake from a real one.

For warning signs to look out for, go to Scamwatch.

These online scams involve false job advertisements or a scammer pretending to be hiring on behalf of a well-known company. They will be well-paid with little effort. The goal of an employment scam is to steal your money and identity information. Sometimes they will ask for an upfront 'recruitment fee' so you can start the role and start earning money. Often the jobs don't exist with the scammer being the only person making money.

For warning signs to look out for, go to Scamwatch. 

An unexpected money scam is a deceptive scheme where scammers contact individuals, claiming they've unexpectedly come into money, like a lottery win or inheritance. They then demand upfront fees or taxes to access this supposed windfall. Victims who pay or share personal information are left financially and emotionally harmed when scammers vanish.

For warning signs to look out for, go to Scamwatch.

Smishing, which stands for "SMS phishing," is a strick scammers use through text messages to steal your personal and financial information. These scammers pretend to be from trusted sources like your bank or a government agency, and they'll send you deceptive texts. These messages might say there's a problem with your account or offer a too-good-to-be-true deal. They'll usually include a link or phone number for you to contact.

For warning signs to look out for, go to Scamwatch. 

Business Email Compromise (BEC) is a clever scam where fraudsters gain access to your company's email accounts and trick employees into sending money or sensitive information to them. These scammers might pose as a high-ranking executive within your organization or even someone from a trusted business partner. They often send convincing emails that seem legitimate, asking for payments, sensitive data, or financial transfers.

For warning signs to look out for, go to Scamwatch. 

A pyramid scheme scam is a deceptive scheme where people are promised big profits for recruiting others into the scheme rather than selling actual products or services. In a pyramid scheme, you're encouraged to invest money upfront, and then you're supposed to recruit others who also invest. The catch is that the people at the top make money from those at the bottom, and those at the bottom struggle to recruit enough people to make a profit. Pyramid schemes are illegal in many places because they are unsustainable and often leave many people financially worse off.

For warning signs to look out for, go to Scamwatch. 

Vishing, or "voice phishing," is when scammers use phone calls to trick people into giving away their personal or financial information. These scammers pretend to be trustworthy organisations like banks or government agencies and use different tactics to manipulate victims. They might say there's a problem with your account, threaten you with legal trouble, or promise rewards to get you to share sensitive information like credit card numbers or passwords.

For warning signs to look out for, go to Scamwatch.