Aussies lose $45 million to scams in 2015

Australians have reportedly lost out on $45 million from scams this year and have filed more than 45,000 complaints, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

The consumer watchdog this week launched a new website, ‘Scamwatch’, which contains the latest news and tips to help people identify and avoid scams.

The ACCC is urging the public not to send money or any of their personal details to strangers.

People who think they have been scammed can make a report via the website’s report a scam page or get help by finding out the steps to take to immediately reduce the damage and prevent further loss.

“Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their attempts to get your money or personal details,” said ACCC Acting Chair Delia Rickard.

“Scams succeed because they look like the real thing and catch you off guard when you’re not expecting it.

“For the first time, the ACCC has published data on common scams that are causing the most harm in Australia, which will be updated every month on Scamwatch. This tool will help you keep one step ahead of the scammers.”

Rickard said scams target people of all backgrounds, ages and income levels across Australia.

“There’s no one group of people who are more likely to become a victim of a scam and all of us may be vulnerable to a scam at some time,” she said.

The ACCC has listed the following tips to avoid scams, particularly, online scams:

• Be alert that scams exist. When dealing with uninvited contacts from people or businesses — whether it’s over the phone, by mail, by 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 more research, like a Google image search for photos or a search for others who may have had dealings with them.
• Do not open suspicious texts, pop-up windows or emails — delete them. If unsure, verify the identity of the contact through an independent source such as a phone book or online search. Don’t use the contact details provided in the message sent to you.
• Keep your personal details secure. Put a lock on your mailbox and shred your bills and other important documents before throwing them out. Keep your passwords and PINs in a safe place. Be very careful about how much personal information you share on social media sites. Scammers can use your information and pictures to create a fake identity or to target you with a scam.
• Keep your mobile devices and computers secure. Always use password protection, don’t share access with others (including remotely), update security software and back up content. Protect your Wi-Fi network with a password and avoid using public computers or Wi-Fi hotspots to access online banking or provide personal information.
• Choose your passwords carefully. Choose passwords that would be difficult for others to guess and update them regularly. A strong password should include a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols. Don’t use the same password for every account/profile and don’t share your passwords with anyone.
• Beware of any requests for your details or money. Never send money or give credit card details, online account details or copies of personal documents to anyone you don’t know or trust. Don't agree to transfer money or goods for someone else: money laundering is a criminal offence.

For more information, visit Scamwatch or sign up to receive Scamwatch radar alerts.

Image courtesy of Don Hankins under CC