Scams reported to the ACCC involving identity theft or the loss of personal/banking information have cost Australians at least $16 million this year, and this figure is likely to be just the tip of the iceberg.
Australian businesses reported more than 5800 scams with losses exceeding $7.2 million in 2018, a 53 per cent increase compared to 2017, according to the ACCC’s Targeting scams report.
The ACCC is warning the public to be alert to scams offering fake gift cards or vouchers in return for disclosing credit card and other personal information.
Consumers have reported receiving emails from the 'Australian Office of Fair Trading'. There is no such organisation, and the email's attachment contains a virus.
Australians who use the internet to buy goods from overseas should be wary of fake emails asking them to pay 'Customs' a range of fees, duty or taxes before their goods are released to them.
Scams target you—Protect your identity is the latest message from the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce. Treat your personal details like you would treat money—don't leave them lying around for others to take!
Scams target you - Protect your computer is the latest message from the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce. Your computer can be attacked by phishing scams, spam, dodgy 'pop-ups' or malware – and you may not even realise it!
Scams target you - Protect your phone is the latest message from the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce. Phone scams can happen without you even knowing.
Scams target you - protect your money is the latest message from the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true - it probably is.
