Aussie victims handed over record $3.1 billion to scammers in 2022.
There’s been a massive surge in the amount of money Australians are losing to scammers, with a shocking new report revealing more than $3.1 billion was handed over in 2022, as criminals’ resort to “alarming new tactics”, the consumer watchdog said.
The news of Aussie victims handing over a record $3.1 billion to scammers in 2022 is a stark reminder of how crucial it is to be vigilant against online fraud and scams. While it is important to be aware of the risks, there are some simple steps we can all take to protect ourselves from becoming victims of fraud.
First, always be wary of unsolicited emails, phone calls or text messages. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Do not click on any links within emails or respond to any requests for personal information. Legitimate companies will never ask for your bank details or passwords.
Second, be sure to check your bank statements regularly. Look out for any suspicious transactions and report them immediately to your bank. Additionally, make sure your financial institution is aware of any large transactions you plan to make and that the payment is going to a legitimate business.
Third, if you are making a payment online, use a secure payment method. Make sure you read the terms and conditions when making any online payments and check the legitimacy of the website you are using.
Finally, if you have been a victim of fraud, it is important to act quickly. Report the incident to the police and your financial institution immediately. Contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which provides advice on how to report scams and offers assistance to victims of fraud.
The news of Aussie victims handing over a record $3.1 billion to scammers in 2022 is a sad reminder of the very real threat posed by online fraud and scams. However, by following some simple steps we can all help protect ourselves and our finances from becoming victims of fraud.