Protect yourself
Find out exactly who you are dealing with. If it is an Australian retailer, you are in a much better position to sort out the problem if something goes wrong.
Check if the seller is reputable, has a refund policy and complaint handling services.
Avoid any arrangement that asks for up-front payment via money order, wire transfer, international funds transfer, pre-loaded card or electronic currency. It is rare to recover money sent this way. Never send money or give credit card or online account details to anyone you don’t know or trust and never by email.
Only pay via the website’s secure payment method—look for a web address starting with ‘https’ and a closed padlock symbol.
Never accept a cheque or money order for payment that is more than what you agreed upon or forward the money on for anyone.
Scams targeting computers and mobile devices
Remember: anything that connects to the internet is vulnerable. How the scam works
Remote access scammers call you on the phone claiming that your computer is infected by viruses. If you follow their instructions, it will allow them to access and control your computer where they can steal information or install malware. They may also try to convince you to purchase ‘anti-virus’ software, which usually turns out to be overpriced or freely available on the internet.
Protect yourself
Be wary of free downloads offering music, games, movies and access to adult sites. They may install harmful programs without you knowing.
Keep your office networks, computers, and mobile devices secure. Update your security software, change passwords and back up your data regularly. Store your backups offsite and offline.
www.staysmartonline.gov.au explains how to back-up your data and secure your mobile devices. • Do not open attachments or click on links in emails or social media messages you’ve received from strangers—just press delete.
All scams have the potential for identity theft. Protecting yourself from scams also means keeping your personal information safe. Identity theft is a threat in every scam
Most people associate scams with attempts to trick you out of your money. However, your information is also valuable to scammers.
Scammers steal your personal details to commit fraudulent activities like making unauthorised purchases on your credit card or using your identity to open bank or telephone accounts. They might take out loans or carry out other illegal business under your name.
They may even sell your information to other scammers for further illegal use.
Having your identity stolen can be both financially and emotionally devastating. It can take months to reclaim your identity, and the impact of having it stolen can last for years.
As part of any scam—Scammers often ask for personal information in other scams. In a lottery scam, scammers often ask for a driver’s licence or passport to ‘prove your identity before they can release the prize money’. In dating and romance scams, they might ask for information ‘to sponsor their visa application to visit you in Australia’.
Remember: Giving away personal information to a scammer can be just as bad as giving away money. Keep your personal details to yourself and keep them secure.
Protect yourself
Think twice about what you say and do in an online environment
Be careful sharing information about yourself online, including social media, blogs and other online forums. Stop and think before filling in surveys, entering competitions, clicking on links or attachments, or even ‘befriending’, ‘liking’ or ‘sharing’ something online.
Beware of any request for your details or money
Scammers will try to trick you into handing over your data by using the names of well-known companies or government departments.
If you think it’s a scam, don’t respond. Use the phone book or an online search to check the organisation’s contact details. Never use the contact details provided in the original request. If you have provided personal identification information to scammers, contact IDCARE on 1300 432 273. Online scams: Scammers lurk within the anonymous environment of the internet.
Email is a favoured scam delivery method, providing a cheap and straightforward way to communicate on a large scale. Phishing emails that ‘fish’ for your personal information is the most common email scam type.
Social networking platforms, dating sites and online forums allow scammers to ‘befriend’ you and enter into your personal life to access your personal details, which can then be used against you or your family and friends.
Online shopping, classifieds and auction sites are used by scammers to target buyers and sellers, with initial contact often made through reputable and trusted sites or fake websites that look like the real thing. Look for secure payment options and beware of unusual payment methods such as wire transfer, Bitcoins or pre-loaded money cards. Credit cards usually offer some protection.
Ransomware: What does ransomware do? Ransomware hijacks ur data. To free it, you need to pay a ransom. Hackers tell u to go somewhere to buy iTunes, Western Union fund transfer that can’t be traced.
What is an example of a social media or text message scam?“Hi, I just found some funny photos of us. Click here: ”When you clicked the link from pretend friend." The software or website will ask u for information to enter your personal or bank details. The next day, your money is gone. Or when you go to the site, it auto-installs a key logger on your device to record your bank website login details.
When you ask your friend about the message, he will say he didn’t send it. Friend will tell untruths or not that his computer has been hacked and all contacts have been taken.
Internet Extortion Scam > These are Internet love scams where Internet users are propositioned by online perpetrators whom they befriended through online dating or social networking sites. The victims would be enticed to perform sexual acts in front of their perpetrators. The perpetrators would record the acts without the victims' knowledge and subsequently threaten to circulate compromising photos and videos of the victims to extort money from them. Internet users are to take the following measures to avoid becoming a victim to such crime: > Exercise caution when dealing with unknown persons befriended through the internet. > Never put yourself in a vulnerable position or give personal details about yourself when interacting with other internet users. > Do not remit or transfer money to unknown persons. > Inform the Police immediately if anyone attempts to extort money from you.
Internet Love Scams > In love scams, victims are befriended by criminals at match-making, dating or social networking websites. The criminals mislead the victim with his false promise of transferring a large sum of money to her. The victim would be instructed to remit payment to a bank account before the promised amount can be transferred to her. After the victim has paid the money, the culprit would cease contact. In other cases, the perpetrators may claim to be in financial difficulty and request for help. Criminals may also claim to be detained by the authorities and demand for financial assistance. Members of the public are advised to adopt the following crime prevention measures: > Be wary of messages from strangers who want to befriend you. > Do not remit or transfer money to people whom you do not know well enough. Criminals may spend months building rapport with you online before asking for money. > Victims of online scams should report the matter to the Police immediately.
Is this real or a scam?"I've had so much fun talking to you over the last 2 months. I really want to start a life together, I'm totally in love with you. Unfortunately, I was fired from my job yesterday. It was horrible, I really want to fly to meet you, but I can't afford the flights right now. I need you to send $2000, so I can pay for flights. Please, can you do this? I really want to see you, once were together things will be perfect!!!!"This is a romance scam. Here’s how you can tell: You meet someone online, who professes strong feelings for you after only a few contacts. The scammer will often reference information on your profile, claiming to have similar interests. They can also use a variety of tricks to make them seem more trustworthy – for example, pretending that they are a friend of a friend. Scammers may send photos, emails and call you on the phone. They often wait for weeks, months, or even years to gain your trust. Eventually, they tell you an elaborate story and ask for money, gifts or bank/credit card details.
Protect yourself. Confirm their identity. Do an image search of your admirer to determine if they really are who they say they are. You can use image search services, such as Google or TinEye. Refuse requests for money. Never send money or give credit card details, online account details, or copies of important personal documents to anyone you don’t know or trust. Limit the personal information you share. Scammers may use your information to create a fake identity. You should also be very cautious when sharing personal pictures or videos with prospective partners, especially if you’ve never met them before. In essence, scammers are known to blackmail their targets using compromising material.
Is this real or a scam?" Candy Higgins February 17, 2017, at 7:36 pm Hey, Check out this video I found of you - it’s hilarious! http://short.ly/fCSSjk "You're right - this is a scam! This is a keylogger scam. Here’s how you can tell: The scammer has hacked into your friend’s social network account. You receive a message appearing to be from your friend, which entices you to click on a link. The link takes you to a copycat YouTube page, where you are prompted to ‘upgrade your Flash player now’. This installs the keylogger, which is a form of ‘malware’ (malicious software) on your computer. Once on the computer, the keylogger logs your keystrokes to capture and transmit your passwords and credit card numbers to the scammer. With your information, the scammer can access your money, and contact your friends in an attempt to scam them. Protect yourself. Does the message look legitimate? Think before you click on links sent to you in an email or posted on your social network account. Need to update software? It’s best to upgrade it directly through the software company’s website. Protect your device. Keep your anti-virus software up-to-date.
Is this real or a scam? Dear XYZ bank customer, Recently our customers have been the target of a large number of identity theft attempts. To safeguard your account, we require you to confirm your online account details. This process is mandatory - if you do^^no? Confirm your details within 5 days, we will suspend your online account as a safety measure. To securely confirm your account details, please follow the link: https://www.xyzank.net.au/confirmdetails/login.html Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter, and for using the XYZ bank. Sincerely, XYZ bank Online Services Team. This is a phishing scam. Here’s how you can tell: The email prompts you to click on the link, which directs you to a fake version of the bank’s website set up by the scammer. If you enter your online account, credit card details or passwords into the copycat site, the scammer will gain access to your personal information and your funds. Protect yourself. Read the email carefully. Be sceptical of emails asking you to visit a website to ‘update’, ‘validate’ or ‘confirm’ your account details and passwords. Is the link legitimate? Check carefully that the URL provided in the email is a perfect match for the bank’s real website. If in doubt, navigate to the bank’s website independently without clicking any links in the email. Don’t send your account information. Genuine organisations such as banks, PayPal and eBay will never ask you to provide your account details via email. Don’t offer account details over the phone to someone who contacts you, either. Only provide this information if you initiated the phone call and are sure you’re dealing with a genuine bank representative. Need to phone your bank? Navigate to their website independently and use the phone number listed there. Alternatively, you can use the phone number listed on your account statement, or on the back of your ATM or credit card. Be wary of links or phone numbers in emails. Don’t perform online banking from public computers. Scammers can install spyware software on public computers to collect your account details.
Is this real or a scam? Hi, I'm CALLING FROM PC CONSUMER CARE. YOUR COMPUTER APPEARS TO HAVE A SERIOUS ISSUE...YOU TO DOWNLOAD SOME SOFTWARE IMMEDIATELY TO FIX THE ERROR. OTHERWISE, YOU CAN GIVE ME REMOTE ACCESS TO YOUR PC AND fix it for you. This is a computer repair scam. Here’s how you can tell: The scammer says they are phoning from a major computer company and have detected an error or virus on your PC. They may provide fake ‘error reports’ as evidence that your computer is infected. The scammer may either: direct you to install software to fix the error. The program they direct you to will capture sensitive data on your PC, such as online banking user names and passwords. They might then also charge you to remove that program.
Push for you to provide them with remote access to your computer, or trick you into downloading software that provides access. Once they have it, they can install malicious software, and then demand payment to remove it. Protect yourself. Hang up. None of the major technology companies will make unsolicited phone calls to charge you for computer security. Verify their identity. Never give control of your computer to a third party unless you can confirm that it is a legitimate representative of a computer support team with whom you are already a customer. You can do this by checking that they know relevant information about you – your customer ID number, for example.
The person with the counterfeit notes would counter-argument the to cashier: I took it from the bank
Example of an investment scam call: Scammer > Hi, my name is Brad. I'm calling from the spirit of wealth investments. I hope you've been having a good day! We have some fantastic investment opportunities that I'd love to discuss - All guaranteed to give a high return. We're also offering a special discount if you sign up today. This is an investment scam. Here’s how you can tell: You are contacted unexpectedly with an investment offer. The scammer typically claims that the investment opportunities will guarantee you a high return. You are pressured into signing up immediately, often with the promise of a discount. Protect yourself. Don’t engage with them. If you receive a phone call or email from someone trying to sell you an investment opportunity – hang up/delete it. Be wary of high pressure and slick sales tactics. This includes `limited-time’ offers or professional-looking websites which contain reports and graphs on past performance. Don’t let them pressure you into financial decisions. Always get independent legal or financial advice.
Property Scam Email: Hi Jim, Thanks for your interest in moving into our rental property. It really is a lovely apartment, isn't it? I'd love to show you around the place, but unfortunately, I'm currently overseas. As you can imagine, we're getting a lot of interest in the property. If you'd like to secure it. I'll need you to pay your bond and first month's rent upfront via an online money transfer ($3,100 total), and then I'll get the process started. I've attached my account details and some more beautiful images Of the property. 🙂 Thanks, Michelle Smith This is a rental scam. Here’s how you can tell: Scammers advertise rental properties on well-known property websites. When you express interest, they say they are overseas or interstate and that you must conduct the transaction online. The scammers may try to appear genuine by providing photos, real addresses of properties, land title deeds and even scans of stolen passports. They scam you by asking for an up-front payment to secure the property. If you pay by money transfer, there is very little chance of recovering your money. Protect yourself. Have you inspected the property? Inspect the property in person before sending any money. Is the owner evasive? If the owner offers ongoing excuses about why you cannot view the property in person - such as them being away overseas – be wary. Avoid paying via money transfer. Payments made by money transfers are often impossible to recover. You should be very suspicious when this is the only method of payment available. Know what you are signing up (the fine print) for in newsletters, tick boxes and competitions - give a separate non-personal phone number and email dedicated to newsletters and competition ONLY.
Hotlines & Defense Resources: Australia National Security 1800 123 400 or if you are overseas: +61 1300 1234 01, Mail: Department of Home Affairs, PO Box 25, Belconnen ACT 2616, Email: [hotline@nationalsecurity.gov.au](mailto:hotline@nationalsecurity.gov.au) \ https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/our-portfolios/national-security/security-coordination/national-security-hotline Australia Police Emergency >> 000 Victoria Police Non-Emergency >> 131 444 Victoria Police Online Reporting >> Theft, Lost Property, Property Damage, Register your Party, Register your Absence from Residence https://onlinereporting.police.vic.gov.au/ Australia Ministry of Defence https://www.defence.gov.au/Contacts/ Australia Federal Police https://www.afp.gov.au/contact-us Australia Secret Intelligence http://www.asis.gov.au/About-Us/Contact-us.html Australia Cybersecurity Centre https://www.cyber.gov.au/ Agency Cybercrime Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network (ACORN) www.acorn.gov.au Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) www.acma.gov.au or call the ACMA Customer Service Centre on 1300 850 115 Google "Your suburb name" council hotline to contact your Mayor for assistance Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 Google "Snap Send Solve" app to report local issues. Neighbourhood Watch www.nhw.com.au Join the local Neighbourhood Watch Facebook/newsletters to learn about personal safety, home security and local crime trends. Consumer Fraud Reporting https://www.consumerfraudreporting.org/current_top_10_scam_list.php Stay Smart Online Service—www.staysmartonline.gov.au • CyberSmart website—www.cybersmart.gov.au • Stay Smart Online guides—available at www.staysmartonline.gov.au/get-involved/guides Where to find help or support If you’ve lost money to a scam or given out your personal details to a scammer, you’re unlikely to get your money back. However, there are steps you can take straight away to limit the damage and protect yourself from further loss.
Contact your bank or credit union If you’ve sent money or personal banking information to a scammer, contact your bank or credit union immediately. They may be able to stop a money transfer or cheque, or close your account if the scammer has your account details. Your credit card provider may be able to perform a ‘chargeback’ (reverse the transaction) if your credit card was billed fraudulently. Recover your stolen identity. If you suspect you are a victim of identity theft, you must act quickly to reduce your risk of financial loss or other damages.
Contact IDCARE—a free, government-funded service that provides support to victims of identity crime. IDCARE can help you to develop a response plan to take the appropriate steps for repairing damage to your reputation, credit history and identity. Visit the IDCARE website at www.idcare.org or call 1300 432 273.
Apply for a Commonwealth Victims’ Certificate—a certificate helps support your claim that you’ve been the victim of identity crime and can be used to help re-establish your credentials with government or financial institutions. Visit the Attorney-General’s Department at www.ag.gov.au (or call 02 6141 6666) to learn more about protecting and recovering your identity.
Contact a counselling or support service If you or someone you know has been scammed and may be suffering from emotional stress or depression, please talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust. You may also consider contacting counselling or support services, such as Lifeline—when you need support in a crisis, contact Lifeline on 13 1114 (24/7) or visit www.lifeline.org.au Beyondblue—for information about depression or anxiety, contact beyondblue on 1300 224 636 or visit www.beyondblue.org.au Kids helpline—telephone and online counselling and support service for young people aged between five and 25 years. Contact Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 or visit www.kidshelpline.com.au Financial Counselling Australia—if you are in financial distress call 1800 007 007 to talk to a free financial counsellor or visit www.financialcounsellingaustralia.org.au. Where to report a scam, you can help others by reporting fraud to the appropriate authorities. Your information will help these organisations build a better picture of the latest scams and warn other people about what to look out for. The following organisations take reports about particular types of scams. The Little Black Book of Scams is available free online at www.accc.gov.au/littleblackbookofscams. Protect yourself—sign up to Scamwatch www.scamwatch.gov.au —where you can sign up for free email alerts on new scams targeting consumers and small businesses. You can also follow Scamwatch on Twitter at @scamwatch_gov or http://twitter.com/scamwatch_gov. How Scam savvy are you? >Take the quiz at consumer.vic.gov.au/scams Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) www.moneysmart.gov.au or call the ASIC infoline on 1300 300 630 For Tax related scams >> Australian Taxation Office (ATO)—to report a tax scam or verify whether a person contacting you from the ATO is legitimate: • call 1800 008 540 or forward your email tax scam to [ReportEmailFraud@ato.gov.au](mailto:ReportEmailFraud@ato.gov.au) Consumer Protection Agencies >> Consumer Affairs Victoria provide information to business, consumers, landlords and tenants about their rights and responsibilities >> https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/about-us 1300 558 181 Dispute Settlement centre www.disputes.vic.gov.au >> DSCV can help you resolve all sorts of disputes, including common neighbourhood disputes involving fences, trees, animals, noise and drainage, difficult or anti-social behaviour, workplace disputes, disputes within committees, clubs or Incorporated Associations, matters referred to mediation by a magistrate Australian Capital Territory Office of Regulatory Services www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au 13 2281 New South Wales Fair Trading www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au 13 3220 Northern Territory Consumer Affairs www.consumeraffairs.nt.gov.au 1800 019 319 Queensland Office of Fair Trading www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au 13 7468 South Australia Consumer and Business Services www.cbs.sa.gov.au/ 13 1882 Tasmania Consumer, Building and Occupational Services www.cbos.tas.gov.au/ 1300 654 499 Western Australia Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety www.consumerprotection. wa.gov.au/ 1300 304 054
What resources can you learn more about the latest local scams?
- Watch current affairs news segment.
- Visit website that watches scams (google it)
- Subscribe to scam watch newsletters to get the latest scam that is going around details.
- Talk to people and your family and friends.
The golden rules to protect yourself 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.
Learn examples of Cyber scams so you can protect yourself - Part 1
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How you recognize male scammers. - DelphiFAQ. http://www.delphifaq.com/faq/male_scammers/f6250_31.htm
Bukit Panjang NPC, No 1 Segar Road #01-05, Singapore (2020). https://www.govserv.org/SG/Singapore/444366035649595/Bukit-Panjang-NPC
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Dating And Romance Scam – WASPADA SCAMMER CINTA. https://waspadascammercinta.wordpress.com/2016/01/23/dating-and-romance-scam/
Tech support scams and how to avoid them - Stay Safe Online. https://staysafeonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Tech-support-scams-and-how-to-avoid-them.pdf
The Henry Ford Blog - The Latest on American History .... https://www.thehenryford.org/explore/blog/tag/civil-rights/
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Someone accessed my imessage and made a group. They then .... https://www.reddit.com/r/cybersecurity/comments/fslzf4/someone_accessed_my_imessage_and_made_a_group/
Learn examples of Cyber scams so you can protect yourself - Part 1
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