Yahoo Finance 10 ways to stop online scammers this Christmas
Scammers are getting smarter. They’re taking advantage of new technology, new products or services and they're getting smarter about how to get hold of your money and personal information.
In 2020 alone, Australians have lost over $150 million to scams and amid the flurry of the festive season, we’re even more at risk.
The ACCC’s Scamwatch warns Australians not to get complacent as scammers continue to target people of all backgrounds, ages and income levels and suggests how to protect yourself from becoming a victim.
Here are 10 tips to protect yourself against scams this holiday season
1. Make yourself aware of the scams which are doing the rounds
The key tip to protecting yourself against scams is to make sure you're aware of where and who scammers are reportedly targeting.
It doesn’t mean that if someone calls or emails you outside of this that it’s legitimate but it will help to alert you to something which seems familiar.
2. Be suspicious
When dealing with new personal or business contacts, whether on the phone, via email or social media, it doesn’t hurt to always consider the possibility that it may be a scam.
3. Do your research
If you’ve only ever met someone online or are unsure about whether the business is legitimate, always do your research.
A quick google search for business info and reviews will help put your mind at rest.
Equally if you have a suspicious email, check where the email has been sent from, and if it’s from a personal contact you could contact them directly via another method to double check its legitimacy.
4. Never open anything suspicious
Emails, texts, pop-up browser, links or even phone calls.
Do not open anything suspicious.
Delete them and/or verify the contact’s identity through another source. Never use the contact details provided.
Scam alert: Aussies were warned last month of a new Australia Post scam doing the rounds. Scammers attempting to trick Australians into handing over money have been sending dangerous text messages.
The text message reads: “We have attempted to deliver ur package AU26466A1, but there is an unpaid customs charge. Follow the instructions here:”
The scam text then includes a link for victims to click.
However, the text is not legitimate, as the Australia Post has confirmed on Facebook.
5. Do not engage with suspicious phone calls
Similarly, for phone calls. Never engage, reveal information or confirm any personal details.
If the caller is legitimate they know who they have contacted and are able to safely confirm their legitimacy via another method (for example, your bank may confirm via a message through your online banking).
Scam alert: Aussies were recently made aware of a new scam in which victims are tricked into handing over sensitive personal details to scammers posing as the Australian Energy Regulator (AER).
The Australian Energy Regulator (AER), which works to monitor the country’s wholesale energy and gas markets, said it has received reports of a phone scam which sees a scammer pretend it is calling from the AER to offer the victim a Government rebate for power.
The scammer says the rebate is on offer due to the coronavirus pandemic, but then asks for bank details to deposit the funds.
6. Never allow remote computer access
It seems obvious but easily done. Aussies should never respond to phone calls asking for remote access to your computer, even if it seems legitimate or they are offering a free upgrade or fix.
It could be a scam and the installation could actually be a virus which will give away all your personal details and passwords.
Scam alert: Just last month aussies were warned against inadvertently downloading “malicious” software that could lead to their personal devices being remotely hacked.
The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) issued an alert about scammers purporting to be calling from them and attempting to trick unsuspecting people into downloading the software.
The scammer, pretending to be an ASCS employee, claims the victim’s computer has been compromised.
7. Keep your details and mobile devices secure
Put a lock on your mailbox, shred your important documents before putting them in the bin and never write down your pin numbers or passwords.
Also remain wary about how much information you post about yourself on social media and never give information out to someone you don’t know.
Avoid signing into your sensitive apps and accounts using a public wifi.
Scam alert: Commonwealth Bank customers were targeted by scammers after Yahoo Finance received reports of a phishing text scam that pretended to be from Australia’s biggest bank.
Some of the major bank’s 16 million customers may have received a text that asks to “verify your account”.
“CommBank Confirmation,” the text began.
“Be sure to verify your account info to avert service stoppage.”
Recipients are encouraged to “fill out a form” by clicking a link.
But the text is a scam set up to steal your personal details.
8. Regularly update your passwords
Choose passwords which are difficult to guess. Update them regularly and don’t use the same password for every account or profile or give it to others for them to gain access.
9. Review your social media privacy and security settings
Be careful who you connect with and what setting your profile privacy is on. Do not engage with anyone or any message which you find suspicious.
10. Beware of money requests
Whether it’s a request for your bank details, cash transfer or even a gift card or goods, never send any money or goods to anyone who requests it or give out your financial details.
If you or someone you know thinks they have been contacted or affected by scammers, report it to ASIC here.
Want to hear Australian influencers reveal their best finance tips? Join the Broke Millennials Club on Facebook, and receive one hot tip per day in December.
And if you want 2021 to be your best (financial) year yet, follow Yahoo Finance on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter. Subscribe to the free Fully Briefed daily newsletter here.
