Scamwatch
Every year, thousands of Australians are targeted by scams, whether it be online, via phone, mail or even in person.
Australian Community Media has compiled a list of current scams identified on sites such as scamwatch.gov.au, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's website dedicated to informing people about fraudulent and dishonest activities:
Inheritance scams
- Scammer may contact you to tell you that you can claim a large inheritance from a distant relative or wealthy benefactor.
- Scammer usually poses as a lawyer, banker or other foreign official, and claims that the deceased left no other beneficiaries.
- They may say you are legally entitled to claim the inheritance or that an unrelated wealthy person has died without a will, and that you can inherit their fortune through some legal trickery because you share the same last name.
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 targeting super fund members with offers to assist taking up the new early release measures announced as part of the government's COVID-19 economic support package. The ATO is managing the early release process through the MyGov website. No third party is needed.
- 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.
- Visit the Department of Health and World Health Organization websites directly.
