The Federal government is urging Australians to be vigilant to scams this holiday season, as impersonation scams are on the rise.
Australians lost millions of dollars to online shopping scams this year. These criminals know people are on the lookout for gifts and bargains at this time of year and will take advantage of Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Brand Impersonation
Scammers impersonate well-known and trusted Australian brands by creating fake websites that look like genuine online stores. They then promote these websites on social media and pay for sponsored ads so that their sites appear at the top of search results.
The number of brands being impersonated significantly increased in 2023.
While overall losses to scams have reduced by about 16 per cent since the government established the new National Anti-Scam Centre, people should remain vigilant and take simple steps to protect themselves.
People can identify and avoid these scams by looking out for:
- Popular products are being sold at prices much lower than on other websites.
- Don’t click on links in ads – always check this information, and access websites via an independent search or secure apps from official app stores.
- Missing information such as no ‘contact us’ or ‘terms and conditions’ page on a website
- Reviews with high ratings that are vague and light on detail.
- Sellers requesting payment through direct bank transfer or cryptocurrency.
- Messages asking you to click a link to download an attachment or enter your personal details.
Other Scams
Other common scams to look out for during the holiday season include:
Parcel delivery scams: scammers will ask people to update their details or arrange parcel collection and trick people into providing bank details.
Fake classified ads: scammers use buy-swap-sell groups or online classified sites to trick people into buying products that don’t exist. Particularly common at Christmas time is puppy scams, where people pay a deposit, but no puppy ever arrives. This is why we have a strict no-selling rule on Lane Cove Chat by ITC.
Toll scams: scammers impersonate toll companies by sending links with fake pay notices.
Top Tips to Avoid Scams in Text Messages
Don’t click on blue links in text messages
Stop – don’t rush to act. Scammers often put time limits on offers so people feel they must act quickly or miss out.
Think – Ask yourself could the website or sale item be fake? Search for independent reviews or contact the retailer using contact information you source independently, so you can verify the deal is real.
Protect – Act quickly if something feels wrong. Contact your bank immediately if you think you have lost money to a scammer.
The Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, the Hon. Stephen Jones MP said, “The top tip I always say to people is: don’t click the bloody blue link.”
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has the following advice:
Scammers use fake numbers so you can’t tell who’s calling or texting. If you don’t know who’s calling your phone, don’t answer. Let the call go to voicemail if you’re unsure who it is.
Be alert if the caller:
- claims to be from your phone or bank company
- asks for your personal information
- wants to control or access your computer
Find out more on how to protect yourself from phone scams at: www.acma.gov.au/scams
Tips on How to Avoid Being Scammed Online
Scamwatch has the following tips to help you avoid scammers:
Be alert to the fact that scams exist. When dealing with uninvited contacts from people or businesses, whether it’s over the phone, by mail, email, in person or on a social networking site, always consider the possibility that the approach may be a scam. Remember, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Know who you’re dealing with. If you’ve only ever met someone online or are unsure of the legitimacy of a business, take some time to do a bit more research. Do a Google image search on photos or search the internet for others who may have had dealings with them. If a message or email comes from a friend and it seems unusual or out of character for them, contact your friend directly to check that it was really them that sent it.
Do not open suspicious texts, pop-up windows or click on links or attachments in emails – delete them: If unsure, verify the identity of the contact through an independent source such as a phone book or online search. Don’t use the contact details provided in the message sent to you.
Don’t respond to phone calls about your computer asking for remote access – hang up – even if they mention a well-known company such as Telstra. Scammers will often ask you to turn on your computer to fix a problem or install a free upgrade, which is actually a virus which will give them your passwords and personal details.
Keep your personal details secure. Put a lock on your mailbox and shred your bills and other important documents before throwing them out. Keep your passwords and pin numbers in a safe place. Be very careful about how much personal information you share on social media sites. Scammers can use your information and pictures to create a fake identity or to target you with a scam.
Keep your mobile devices and computers secure. Always use password protection, don’t share access with others (including remotely), update security software and back up content. Protect your WiFi network with a password and avoid using public computers or WiFi hotspots to access online banking or provide personal information.
Choose your passwords carefully. Choose passwords that would be difficult for others to guess and update them regularly. A strong password should include a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols. Don’t use the same password for every account/profile, and don’t share your passwords with anyone.
Review your privacy and security settings on social media. If you use social networking sites, such as Facebook, be careful who you connect with and learn how to use your privacy and security settings to ensure you stay safe. If you recognise suspicious behaviour, clicked on spam or have been scammed online, take steps to secure your account and be sure to report it.
Beware of any requests for your details or money. Never send money or give credit card details, online account details or copies of personal documents to anyone you don’t know or trust. Don’t agree to transfer money or goods for someone else: money laundering is a criminal offence.
Be wary of unusual payment requests. Scammers will often ask you to use an unusual payment method, including preloaded debit cards, gift cards, iTunes cards or virtual currency such as Bitcoin.
Be careful when shopping online. Beware of offers that seem too good to be true, and always use an online shopping service that you know and trust. Think twice before using virtual currencies (like Bitcoin) – they do not have the same protections as other transaction methods, which means you can’t get your money back once you send it. Learn more about online shopping scams.
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