Common Scams Targeting Australians: What You Need to Know

In recent years, Australians have faced a surge in various scams, with fraudsters becoming increasingly sophisticated in their tactics. From fake job offers to ticket scams, it’s crucial to stay informed about the most common scams that have emerged. Here’s a closer look at some of the prevalent scams targeting Australians today.

‘Side Hustle’ Job Ad Scam

One of the fastest-growing types of scams in 2023 has been the ‘side hustle’ job ad scam, with losses amounting to a staggering $24.7 million. These scams typically advertise enticing work-from-home opportunities that promise extra income. However, the catch is that potential victims are often required to pay upfront fees to access these so-called job opportunities.

These fraudulent job ads frequently appear on social media platforms or are circulated through messaging apps like WhatsApp. They are designed to mimic established brands, including well-known department stores, hotels, and streaming services, making them seem legitimate. The jobs usually involve tasks like boosting product ratings or reviews through an online platform, with payment promised in cryptocurrency.

A major red flag is the request for an initial investment to start working. Scamwatch advises that individuals should never send money or make upfront payments, regardless of the enticing promises made.

Sporting and Concert Ticket Scams

The excitement surrounding popular events can create a breeding ground for scammers. In 2023, the success of the Matildas during the FIFA Women’s World Cup led to a spike in scams targeting sports fans. The National Anti-Scam Centre issued warnings as reports of scams targeting Matilda’s fans surfaced on social media.

As we move into 2024, Taylor Swift fans have also become prime targets as they seek tickets for her Australian Eras Tour. Scamwatch reported that over 270 individuals fell victim to scams while trying to purchase fake tickets through social media channels.

Scammers often post fake ticket sales on fan pages or respond to individuals looking for tickets. They may even hijack accounts of people you know to send direct messages, making the scam appear more credible. To avoid falling victim, it’s essential to stick to trusted resale sites like Ticketmaster and Tixel, rather than relying on social media groups or direct messages.

Optus Outage Scam

In mid-November 2023, Optus experienced a significant outage, leaving customers without service for 13 hours. In the aftermath, scammers seized the opportunity to exploit customers hoping for compensation. The National Anti-Scam Centre warned of a fraudulent text message that pretended to be from Optus, instructing recipients to click a link to claim compensation.

The message read, “Hi there, we apologise for yesterday’s network outage. We are offering compensation for all customers impacted. Apply here.” Scamwatch strongly advised against clicking any links in such messages, urging recipients to ignore and delete them.

Loyalty Point Scams

Another alarming trend involves scams targeting customers of loyalty point programs from well-known Australian companies like Qantas, Coles, and Telstra. Between March and July 2023, Scamwatch recorded 209 reports related to loyalty point scams.

In these scams, customers receive text messages or emails claiming their loyalty points are about to expire, accompanied by a link to a fake website. The site encourages users to log in or provide credit card details to access their points. Unfortunately, this allows scammers to steal not only the loyalty points but also personal information that can be used for identity fraud.

Bank Impersonation Scam

Perhaps one of the most concerning scams reported recently is the bank impersonation scam. Scammers have developed sophisticated methods to make calls appear as if they are coming from legitimate bank numbers. They may also send text messages that appear in the same thread as previous genuine correspondence from a bank.

According to Scamwatch, these scams have resulted in devastating financial losses for victims, with averages reaching $22,000. Reports indicate losses ranging from $40,000 to $800,000, causing significant emotional and financial distress.

Catriona Lowe, Deputy Chair of the ACCC, expressed deep concern over the effectiveness of these scams, emphasizing that they can be incredibly convincing. She advised consumers to remember that legitimate banks will never ask for urgent fund transfers. If contacted, individuals should hang up and call their bank directly using a verified number to confirm any requests. Additionally, it’s crucial to avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages.

Staying Safe

As scams continue to evolve, staying informed and vigilant is key to protecting yourself and your finances. Always be cautious of unsolicited messages, verify the legitimacy of job offers, and use trusted platforms for purchasing tickets or managing loyalty points. By being aware of these common scams, Australians can better safeguard themselves against fraud.