Online Scams
While the internet has opened up a whole new world for consumers, it has also been a boon for fraudsters, thieves, cheats and scammers.
Remember the saying “if it looks too good to be true, it is probably a scam”!
Here are the most common online scams that you should watch out for:
Any “free” offers: Any offers of ‘free’ holidays, shares, product trials, website access or downloads usually need you to supply your credit card or other personal details…… and here comes identity theft and unexpected credit card debts.
Auction and shopping scams: Online auctions can be rigged or used to defraud you outside of the auction site. You could end up with nothing at all or a copy product that does not work.
Bank Alerts: You may receive a “Bank Alert” email from your bank (even with the logo) telling you that there is a problem with your account. The scammers ask for your account details to protect your money, but use these details to steal your money.
Bank ‘phishing’: Phishing emails are fake emails usually pretending to be from financial institutions such as your bank or superannuation fund. They make up some reason for you to give your account details and then use these details to steal your money.
Domain name renewals: These companies send you a fake renewal notice for your actual domain name, or a misleading invoice for a domain name that is very similar to your own. Or they try to sell you other results for your domain name (.net or .biz for example), which are of no value…… and they have your credit card details!
Modem hijacking: This is a scam where fraudsters secretly change the phone number dial-up modems use to access the internet to an overseas or premium rate phone number. You could pay hundreds of dollars extra.
'Nigerian 419' scams: This can be online or by mail, but victims are promised huge rewards if you help someone transfer money out of their country by paying fees or giving them your bank account details.
Ring tone scams: These are misleading offers for ‘free’ or cheap ring tones that end up being a subscription or premium rate service.
Spam (junk mail) offers: Spam emails, SMS or MMS usually offer free goods or ‘prizes’, very cheap products or promises of wealth. Delete such spam immediately – even opening such emails for a look can also open your computer and your bank account to the scammers.
Spyware & key-loggers: Spyware is a type of software that spies on what you do on your computer. Key-loggers record what keys you press on your keyboard. Scammers can use them to steal your online banking passwords or other personal information.
Transferring money for someone else: If you agree to transfer money for someone you don’t know, you let scammers use your bank account to ‘launder’ their dirty money. This puts you and your money in the firing line.
Up-front payments: Scammers ask you to send money upfront for a product or ‘reward’. Usually you get nothing, or what you do get is worthless.
If you find yourself a victim of any of these scams, contact your local police. The Australian Federal Police only become involved with scams against Commonwealth government departments or agencies.
For more detailed information about different types of scams, go to www.scamwatch.gov.au
Remember the saying “if it looks too good to be true, it is probably a scam”!
Here are the most common online scams that you should watch out for:
Any “free” offers: Any offers of ‘free’ holidays, shares, product trials, website access or downloads usually need you to supply your credit card or other personal details…… and here comes identity theft and unexpected credit card debts.
Auction and shopping scams: Online auctions can be rigged or used to defraud you outside of the auction site. You could end up with nothing at all or a copy product that does not work.
Bank Alerts: You may receive a “Bank Alert” email from your bank (even with the logo) telling you that there is a problem with your account. The scammers ask for your account details to protect your money, but use these details to steal your money.
Bank ‘phishing’: Phishing emails are fake emails usually pretending to be from financial institutions such as your bank or superannuation fund. They make up some reason for you to give your account details and then use these details to steal your money.
Domain name renewals: These companies send you a fake renewal notice for your actual domain name, or a misleading invoice for a domain name that is very similar to your own. Or they try to sell you other results for your domain name (.net or .biz for example), which are of no value…… and they have your credit card details!
Modem hijacking: This is a scam where fraudsters secretly change the phone number dial-up modems use to access the internet to an overseas or premium rate phone number. You could pay hundreds of dollars extra.
'Nigerian 419' scams: This can be online or by mail, but victims are promised huge rewards if you help someone transfer money out of their country by paying fees or giving them your bank account details.
Ring tone scams: These are misleading offers for ‘free’ or cheap ring tones that end up being a subscription or premium rate service.
Spam (junk mail) offers: Spam emails, SMS or MMS usually offer free goods or ‘prizes’, very cheap products or promises of wealth. Delete such spam immediately – even opening such emails for a look can also open your computer and your bank account to the scammers.
Spyware & key-loggers: Spyware is a type of software that spies on what you do on your computer. Key-loggers record what keys you press on your keyboard. Scammers can use them to steal your online banking passwords or other personal information.
Transferring money for someone else: If you agree to transfer money for someone you don’t know, you let scammers use your bank account to ‘launder’ their dirty money. This puts you and your money in the firing line.
Up-front payments: Scammers ask you to send money upfront for a product or ‘reward’. Usually you get nothing, or what you do get is worthless.
If you find yourself a victim of any of these scams, contact your local police. The Australian Federal Police only become involved with scams against Commonwealth government departments or agencies.
For more detailed information about different types of scams, go to www.scamwatch.gov.au
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