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Get started2024’s most alarming scams
In this post, we’re going to break down some of the trickiest scams making the rounds this year. More importantly, we’ll arm you with the know-how to spot these scams from a mile away. Think of it as your shield against digital tricksters.
Tech scams following recent CrowdStrike outage
Following recent disruptions to major tech services like CrowdStrike and Microsoft, a new type of scammer has emerged. These tricksters are reaching out to unsuspecting individuals, claiming to offer fixes or updates related to these outages.
Red flags to watch for:
- Unexpected calls or messages about software patches
- Requests for remote access to your devices
- Pressure to act quickly to “secure” your accounts
Remember, legitimate companies won’t cold-call you about these issues. If unsure, contact them directly using their official phone number or email address to verify information.
Non-bank impersonation scams
Fraudsters often pose as reputable organisations like government bodies or well-known companies, including utility providers. They might reach out via phone or message, claiming there’s an urgent issue that needs your immediate attention.
A common tactic is to assert that you have an overdue payment or a problem with your account. They’ll try to create a sense of panic, possibly threatening to cut off your service if you don’t act quickly. The scammer may push for unusual payment methods, such as gift cards or cryptocurrencies, under the guise of resolving the issue faster.
Throughout this process, they’ll attempt to extract personal information from you, which could be used for identity theft. They may also walk you through specific steps, all while gathering sensitive data.
Source: ATO Scam Alerts
To safeguard yourself:
- Be extremely wary of requests for payment via gift cards or crypto – these are red flags.
- Never disclose personal or financial details to unexpected callers. Legitimate businesses don’t ask for this information out of the blue.
- Treat unsolicited contact with scepticism, especially if it’s about surprise refunds, unpaid bills, or account issues.
- If you receive an unexpected communication, end it and contact the company directly using their official contact information from their website or a recent bill.
The Remote Access Trap
There’s been an increase in the amount of scammers trying to gain remote access to victims’ devices or trick them into downloading malicious software.
Typical scenario:
An impersonator may contact you, pretending to represent your internet service provider. They might invent issues like network problems, security threats, or unpaid bills. Their goal is to gain remote access to your device and trick you into logging into your online banking.
The fraudster will pressure you to make urgent payments through your bank’s website. More dangerously, they can capture your keystrokes, recording sensitive information like passwords and account numbers as you type them. This gives them the ability to later access your accounts and transfer funds without your knowledge.
To safeguard yourself:
- Never give remote access to unsolicited callers
- Avoid downloading software from unknown sources
- Be cautious about sharing your screen, even if the caller seems legitimate
- Review your social media privacy settings regularly
- Being mindful of the personal details you share online
- Verify identities, even when callers seem to know you
Today’s scammers are masters of social engineering, often using personal information gleaned from social media to appear more credible. Plus, with many feeling the pinch of rising living costs, some scammers are tailoring their approaches to exploit these vulnerabilities.
Tips for protecting yourself and staying vigilant
- Stay informed: Regularly check your financial statements and credit reports for suspicious activity.
- Question everything: Be sceptical of unexpected messages and too-good-to-be-true offers.
- Verify independently: Always contact organisations through their official channels.
- Guard your info: Never share personal or financial details, such as your account number, with unsolicited contacts.
- Trust your gut: If something feels off, it probably is. Be confident to end suspicious interactions.
- Shop smart: When online, stick to secure websites (look for “https” in the URL).
- Keep your devices updated and use trusted anti-virus software to stay safe from phishing scams.
To reduce the risk of being tricked by fraudsters, you should stay aware of new scams and practice safe online habits. If you think someone is trying to scam you, contact your bank immediately. Report the scams to the National Anti Scam Centre or your local government agency.
In this digital age, knowledge is your best defence. Stay informed, stay cautious, and keep your hard-earned money and personal information safe from these ever-evolving threats. Your vigilance is your strongest weapon against scammers in 2024 and beyond.
Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of scammers pretending to be from real organisations. Avoid clicking on links in emails or messages you didn’t ask for. By staying alert and reporting scams, we can all contribute to making the digital world a safer place.
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About the author
Dan is a content marketing specialist at pay.com.au who transforms complex rewards programs into compelling stories. Drawing from his Kiwi roots and global adventures, he brings a unique perspective to finding value in points redemptions. With experience in startups and scale-ups, he helps readers unlock the potential of their rewards. Outside of work, you'll find Dan producing music, mixing on the decks, and immersing himself in Melbourne's sports and music culture.
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