Nearly 6000 businesses reported being targeted by scams in 2016 according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s Targeting Scams report, with losses totalling around $3.8 million, an increase of almost 31 per cent.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is warning online shoppers to be wary of scammers masquerading as legitimate online retailers, often selling well-known brands at too-good-to-be-true prices.
The ACCC is warning people to be wary of scammers when looking for romance online with social media now the most common method scammers use to contact potential victims.
SCAMwatch is warning consumers with a disability to be on guard against scams – unfortunately, scammers target people whom they think may be vulnerable to try and take advantage of them.
SCAMwatch and Stay Smart Online are warning consumers interested in finding out more about the recent disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 to be on guard when opening video footage about this event, as scammers are sending links infected with malware.
SCAMwatch is warning people thinking about buying a franchise or small business to beware of exciting new franchise opportunities that may actually be scams.
This Valentine’s Day, SCAMwatch is warning Australians looking for a romantic connection online to beware of scammers seeking to steal their hearts and money.