Fraud and scams can strike a business at any time, and Fraud Week served as an opportunity for everyone to review personal and business financial security procedures. An initiative of the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce (ACFT), it also raises awareness on new types of fraud and scams which have recently surfaced.
Slam scams! Press delete, throw it out, shut the door or just hang up was the 2012 theme and highlights the many ways scams are delivered. A phone call, SMS, mobile app, letter, email, fax, or blog – scammers will use any of these means to target victims.
You can protect yourself from scams by following these tips:
- Don’t respond
Ignore suspicious emails, letters, house visits, phone calls or SMS – press ‘delete’, throw them out, shut the door or just hang up. - Watch out for slick tricks
Scammers use sophisticated tricks to fool you such as fake websites, glossy brochures, technical jargon or posing as someone that you know and trust – don’t fall for them! - Don’t let scammers push your buttons
Scammers will play on your hopes and dreams to get what they want. Romance scams hurt emotionally as well as financially – protect yourself. - Protect your identity
Your personal details are private and invaluable – keep them that way and away from scammers.
If you have spotted a scam, or unfortunately been a victim, you can report it on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s ScamWatch website – http://www.scamwatch.gov.au. Information on how to protect your business from scams is available at http://www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au/business-scams.htm.
