Scams, and the con artists behind them, are forever evolving and becoming more sophisticated and harder to spot.
ACM has compiled a list of current scams identified on sites such as scamwatch.gov.au, cyber.gov.au and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s website dedicated to informing people about fraudulent and dishonest activities.
DON’T FALL FOR IT: Scammers are using sophisticated methods to fool unsupecting parents into parting with money.
- Scamwatch is urging people to beware of “mum and dad” scams targeting unsuspecting parents.
- Scammers are posing as family members using a different number and asking for money.
- Often they will start a conversation using evasive language by telling the parent that they are the “youngest and cutest” of the siblings in an effort to build trust and avoid giving actual proof of the relationship.
- The scammer will likely say they had to get a new phone number or messaging device.
- They might even ask you to block or delete their ‘old’ number.
- The motive behind the scam is to convince the parent that they should transfer money to the scammer.
- Once the unsuspecting parent is engaged in the in conversation, the scammer will likely ask to borrow money or have a payment made on their behalf.
- The scammer may say that online banking is unavailable on the new device – and an offer to pay it back.
- If you get a message like this, always call your relative on their usual number to confirm.
- Do not transfer money without confirming the identity of…
