We’ve all heard about the
Nigerian Prince who needs to transfer money out of the country and has selected
us to send it to. Haven’t we? Phone and internet scams are all around us, in
fact, they're so common that the ACCC recorded more than 105,000 scams a year, which
resulted in losses of more than $84 million. That's only the ones that were
reported: many more went unreported, often because the victim was too
embarrassed to do so.
So to help you be on the lookout
for, and hopefully avoid falling into their blackening pit of online deceit,
we've put together a list of 8 most common scams.
1. The Urgent Transfer
What it looks
like: You receive an
email from a friend, family member or senior staff member telling you they need
urgent access to funds. The story adds up (they're probably overseas and short
on time). Besides, it comes from their email address and looks authentic.
What's really
happening: Their email
account has been compromised and you're transferring your money
straight into the scammer's bank account.
What can you do to avoid it: Do not reply to that email.
Create a new email to that friend and ask them if they are ok, or if you can,
privately message them on social media to confirm their status.
2. The Mail That Never Came
What it looks
like: That credit
card you applied for never seemed to arrive.
What's really
happening: Scammers
accessed your letterbox and intercepted the card before you had a chance to
receive it. They've changed the PIN and are now using it for themselves. In the
process, they're racking up a significant debt in your name. And its not just
your credit card mail they will take.
What can you do to avoid it: Put a lock on your letterbox, or
use a PO Box, or at least check your mailbox regularly.
3. The Parcel Pickup
What it looks
like: A postal delivery
company sends you an email telling you that you have a parcel that can't be
delivered. If you can't collect it within 7 days it will be destroyed. But
first, you need to print off a label to redeem your package.
What's really
happening: Rather than
printing a label, you're actually downloading dangerous ransomware. Once it's
installed, scammers can use it to lock files and even destroy them. The only
way you can take back control is to pay them. Making sure your computer is
regularly backed up can also help counter-effect the impact of ransomware.
What can you do to avoid it: This one is really scary as all
you can do to get back control of your computer, and files, is to pay them.
Think before you click on anything you aren’t sure of: Are you expecting a
parcel? Why would it not have been delivered? Pick up the phone and call before
clicking.
4. The 'Free' WiFi
What it looks
like: You're at the
airport or hotel and need to connect your laptop or mobile to the internet.
When you search for a connection, you're in luck. There's a free hotspot right
nearby.
What's really
happening: You've actually
just connected to a fake network. This allows a scammer to intercept all
network traffic and steal your personal information. And the pain doesn't stop
there. From now on, every time you turn on your device, you could be
transmitting the same 'free' wifi to other unsuspecting users.
What can you do to avoid it: You should only connect to wifi
that you know is legitimate and, if in doubt, pay to access a secure network.
You should also make sure your anti-virus software is up to date and your
firewall is turned on.
5. The Unrealistic Job Offer
What it looks
like: You respond to
an advertisement that promises you'll earn good money from the comfort of your
home as an 'accounts processor'. All you need to do is set up a bank account
and forward any money that comes into it, onto another account. You even get a
cut of each transaction for your troubles.
What's really
happening: You're being
used by fraudsters as a “money mule”: an everyday person with no criminal
history through whose bank account they'll move the proceeds of crime.
What can you do to avoid it: This is money laundering, done
by organized crime, and you can be implicated and go to jail. Easy money
doesn’t exist. Check, research, and qualify before you go the easy route.
6. The Speeding Fine
What it looks
like: A
government body/law enforcement agency, emails you to tell you that your
vehicle has been caught speeding. You need to download the photo they've taken
to confirm you were driving.
What's really
happening: The link you
click on downloads ransomware to your computer. You'll have to pay the scammers
to get back the files they encrypt.
What can you do to avoid it: Same as #3, this is hard to back
out of and will end up costing you a lot of money. Do your research before you
click on things you are not sure of.
7. The Computer Problem
What it looks
like: You receive a
call from your internet service provider. They've detected a virus on your
computer and it's sending error messages. The good news is that they can fix
it, so long as you give them remote access.
What's really
happening: You've
handed control of your computer to a scammer. They'll probably try to steal
your personal data or hold your computer to ransom until you pay.
What can you do to avoid it: Never hand over remote access to
anyone! If it’s that bad, take it to the service providers storefront and ask
them about it.
8. The Store Voucher
What it looks
like: A well-known brand uses its social media account to post that
it's giving away gift vouchers or free flights or another very attractive perk.
To claim your prize, all you need to do is like the post. Like this photo, or
share it if it tugs on your heartstrings, or type Amen then share, or type the
solution then like.
What's really
happening: You've fallen
victim to a 'like farming' scam. The page isn't authentic but has been set up
by a scammer who's trying to get as many likes as possible. They'll on-sell
these likes - and your profile - to other fraudsters, who will start pushing
spam posts in an effort to get hold of your credit card data.
What can you do to avoid it: Oh this is so common! If it’s not a
friends post or a known source, stay away, don’t get sucked in by emotions or
because you think you are clever enough to know the answer.
AND THAT’S JUST THE BEGINNING . .
.
As the world becomes alert to the
prevalence of scams, scammers are responding by becoming more creative. So, as
these 9 scams start to become less effective, it's likely that newer and more
sophisticated ones will take their place.
RULE OF THUMB
Email: Don’t open or download any links or attachments that you are unsure
of. Research them prior to doing so. Get on the phone and check the source.
Some emails may seem to come from
a reputable name, EG: YourFriend, but when you right-click on that ‘from name’
you will find the real source, EG: YourFriend <dodgysource@evendodgiercompany.com>
Social Media: Only respond to known posts – friends and businesses
that are familiar to you.
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This list was prepared by Your
Wealth Vault, an online financial education program where you’ll learn
how to take control of your finances, step-by-step, identifying where your
money is coming from and where it is going. It’s called cash-flow budgeting.
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