Every year, thousands of Australians are targeted by scams, whether it be online, via phone, mail or even in person.
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ACM has compiled a list of current scams identified on scamwatch.gov.au, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's website dedicated to informing people about fraudulent and dishonest activities:
COVID-19 Scams
- Scammers are adapting existing technology to play on people's fears around coronavirus and selling products claiming to prevent or cure the virus.
- Phishing scams are sent via email or text message that claim to be providing official information on coronavirus but are attempts to try and obtain personal data.
- Other scams include people receiving misinformation about cures for coronavirus and investment scams claiming coronavirus has created opportunities to make money.
- Scammers are also impersonating official organisations such as the World Health Organization and the Department of Health or legitimate businesses such as travel agents and telecommunications companies.
- For the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus, visit the Department of Health and the World Health Organization websites directly.
Remote access scams
- Scammer will phone you and pretend to be a staff member from a large telecommunications or computer company, such as Telstra, the NBN or Microsoft.
- They will tell you that your computer has been sending error messages or that it has a virus. They may mention problems with your internet connection or your phone line and say it has affected your computer's recent performance. May claim your broadband connection has been hacked.
- The caller will request remote access to your computer to 'find out what the problem is'.
- Scammer may try to talk you into buying unnecessary software to 'fix' the computer, or may ask for personal details and bank or credit card details.
The other virus ... keep your distance from corona scammers
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