Scamwatch is warning consumers to beware of fake lotteries or competitions on social networking platforms, with scammers using popular platforms to pedal these empty wins.
With tax time in full swing, Scamwatch is again urging consumers and small businesses to be aware of scammers taking advantage of the busy nature of tax time to target you.
In February the ACCC received a spike in contacts about fake rebate schemes so we are warning people to be aware of calls from a fake government department claiming you are owed money.
SCAMwatch is encouraging Australians who are considering donating to bushfire appeals to make sure they double check whether the appeal or its organisers are legitimate so that their generosity reaches victims, not scammers.
Scammers often use the names of non-existent realistic sounding institutions like “the Federal Bank of South Africa” or “the European Consumer Protection Bureau”.
SCAMwatch has seen a steady increase in reports about lottery scams, particularly from older Australians. If you receive a lottery scam, delete or destroy it.