There has been a worrying increase in scams since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Australians have lost over $851 million dollars in 2020 due to scam activity. This is a record amount, that is still slightly under what is the real number due to some people not reporting scams.
With the increase in online shopping activity, scammers have been sending emails posing as Australia Post in attempts to dupe people into giving their information. It’s important to be on high alert as this is just one of many ways scammers try and get money out of you.
It can be frightening when scammers pose as official personnel, which is something that has happened before. According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), more scams are being reported relating to the impersonation of government personnel. This includes impersonating Australian Tax Office (ATO) employees and demanding payments.
The most recent one to look out for is gift card scams. Scammers pretend to be from the ATO and claim the potential victim’s tax file number has expired. Scammers then demand gift cards from large retailers. Scammers will also meet in person to collect people’s hard-earned money, threatening arrest. Since July this year, Australians have reported $116,300 lost to these methods.
It’s important to be on the lookout and not react to these situations with fear and emotion. This is what scammers are preying on. If you suspect a scam, always make sure to report it and if in doubt, hang up or ignore the message. You can always contact the company you suspect directly by finding their reputable details and confirming the legitimacy of the situation.
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