The year has seen a fresh start for fraudsters and scam artists, seeing another spike in COVID-19 scams and text-based cons. Australian Community Media has compiled a list of current scams identified on sites such as scamwatch.gov.au, cyber.gov.au and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s website dedicated to informing people about fraudulent and dishonest activities.
Let your head lead your heart
- In a dating and romance scam, scammers build trust over time before asking for money or gifts. They will often claim they need money to come and visit, or to pay for bills or debts. Even if you think you can trust them, don’t send money to someone you have only met online. Scammers also love using gift cards as a payment method as it’s easy for them to sell the cards on for cash. If someone asks for payment in gift cards it is a scam.
MyGov refund scam
- Beware of a new refund scam now making the rounds, and any other emails promising money if you provide your personal details. An email claiming to be from MyGov states ‘your refund is ready’ and asks the recipient to complete the ‘identity verification process’. This is not a legitimate email from MyGov. The from ‘do not reply’ email address is a giveaway that the email is a fake.
Beware rental fraud
- Looking for a new home? Beware of private rental scammers on classifieds sites who claim to have a property available. Search the address to make sure it isn’t listed elsewhere, and always view the property in person before…
