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Scam
Worldwide SCAM/FRAUD Examples in this section: Rental (Car- Room- House...), Supplier, Online purchase, Love, Cyber Extorsion, Impersonation, Inheritance, Investment, Job, Kidnap, Line, Bank, Lottery, Travel, Vacation, Paypal, Phishing, Hacking, Email...
General advice to protect yourself from scams
Scammers are getting increasingly sophisticated in their attempts to get your money or personal details. Be alert and protect yourself from being scammed by following our tips.
Scams target everyone
Scams target people of all backgrounds, ages and income levels across Australia. There's no one group of people who are more likely to become a victim of a scam. It's not only the naïve and gullible who fall victim; all of us may be vulnerable to a scam at some time.
Scams succeed because they look like the real thing and catch you off guard when you’re not expecting it. They also exploit your desire to be polite and respectful, as well as your generosity, compassion and good nature.
Protect yourself
- Be alert to the fact that scams exist. When dealing with uninvited contacts from people or businesses, whether it's over the phone, by mail, email, in person or on a social networking site, always consider the possibility that the approach may be a scam. Remember, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
- Know who you're dealing with. If you've only ever met someone online or are unsure of the legitimacy of a business, take some time to do a bit more research. Do a Google image search on photos or search the internet for others who may have had dealings with them.
- Do not open suspicious texts, pop-up windows or emails – delete them: If unsure, verify the identity of the contact through an independent source such as a phone book or online search. Don't use the contact details provided in the message sent to you.
- Keep your personal details secure. Put a lock on your mailbox and shred your bills and other important documents before throwing them out. Keep your passwords and pin numbers in a safe place. Be very careful about how much personal information you share on social media sites. Scammers can use your information and pictures to create a fake identity or to target you with a scam.
- Keep your mobile devices and computers secure. Always use password protection, don’t share access with others (including remotely), update security software and back up content. Protect your WiFi network with a password and avoid using public computers or WiFi hotspots to access online banking or provide personal information.
- Choose your passwords carefully. Choose passwords that would be difficult for others to guess and update them regularly. A strong password should include a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols. Don’t use the same password for every account/profile, and don’t share your passwords with anyone.
- Beware of any requests for your details or money. Never send money or give credit card details, online account details or copies of personal documents to anyone you don’t know or trust. Don't agree to transfer money or goods for someone else: money laundering is a criminal offence.
- Be careful when shopping online. Beware of offers that seem too good to be true, and always use an online shopping service that you know and trust. Think twice before using virtual currencies (like bitcoin) - they do not have the same protections as other transaction methods, which means you can’t get your money back once you send it. Learn more about online shopping scams.
How to spot a fake
Clues for spotting a fake document
Documents are easily faked. Some will look just like the real thing but others might have warning signs, such as:
- generic rather than personal greeting
- names of organisations that don't exist
- poorer quality presentation
- poorer quality grammar and spelling
- overly official or forced language.
Documents such as flight itineraries and bank statements have simple, uncomplicated layouts even when they are legitimate because such businesses allow their customers to print online statements. This simplicity means such documents are extremely easy to fake. Scammers can also look up real flight numbers and times online and take company logos and graphics from websites.
Clues for spotting a fake email
Scammers can easily fake an official-looking email, using the same logo and email design as the real company.
Often your guard is down when you receive an email from a company you've dealt with before, such as Australia Post or an online shopping site you use. If you're not expecting an email, always be alert to a fake before clicking on any links or opening any attachments.
Clues for spotting a fake dating profile
When looking at a new dating profile, note anything unusual about their choice of:
- photo
- location
- interests
- language skills matched to background.
Scammers often use fake photos they’ve found online.
Tip: Do an image search of your admirer to help determine if they really are who they say they are. You can use image search services such as Google or TinEye.
Follow up scams
Scammers will often try to take advantage when you’re feeling vulnerable and try to extract more money from you through a follow up scam.
Some common follow up scams include:
- offers from a law enforcement agency to investigate your scam and retrieve your money for a fee. Law enforcement agencies do not charge for their services
- a doctor calling you to alert you that the scammer urgently needs medical bills to be paid or they might die
- a woman contacting you to explain she is the scammer’s wife and wants to escape him but needs money to do so.
These are only a few of the follow up angles scammers may use try to get more money from you. New approaches could be quite different from the original scam and could come quickly or some time later. Scammers may have passed your details to other scammers with entirely different methods and the new angle may seem totally unrelated to the original scam.
» Read more
- SCAM and FRAUD BREAKING NEWS
Mother and model daughter jailed after stealing identity of a dead landlady to steal her plush £1.2m Kensington home
© Provided by Trinity Mirror Plc Credits: central news
A stunning model and her mum have been jailed for a million pound fraud that saw them steal the identity of a dead landlady - to pinch her HOUSE.
Laylah Scarlett De Cruz and her mum Diane Moorcroft were hit with lengthy sentences for the scam, which saw them assume the identity of a deceased Kensington property owner.
The 31-year-old, who emigrated to Dubai, was banged up for five years for conspiracy to commit fraud, while her 62-year-old mother, who still lived in Blackpool, was handed a three-year sentence.
The crooked pair were sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Friday.
© Provided by Trinity Mirror Plc Credits: central news
De Cruz and Moorcroft had conspired with others to rent a multi million-pound four-bed home in Kensington using fraudulent documents in 2014.
When the tenancy of property had been secured, Moorcroft changed her name by Deed Poll to that of the genuine owner of the property, who was deceased, and travelled to Dubai where she opened bank accounts in the dead woman's name.
She then came back to London where she successfully applied for a £1.2 million loan against the property.
Moorcroft then withdrew the cash from her Dubai accounts and got a new passport under her new name.
An investigation was launched in October 2014 by Fraud Detectives from the Met's Operation Falcon after HM Land Registry reported suspicious activity around the luxury Kensington property.
© Provided by Trinity Mirror Plc Credits: PA
Detective Constable Richard Kirk of the Met's Operation Falcon said: "As these women conducted this devious fraud, it is clear that it didn't occur to them that official agencies would be able to see through their scheme and this was their undoing.
"Although the wider investigation to trace additional members of the network is ongoing, it is clear that De Cruz and Moorcroft played key roles in the execution of this crime.
"It is my hope that their incarceration today has seriously disrupted the activities of any additional members of the group."
Moorcroft was arrested in February 2015 at her home in Blackpool on suspicion of fraud.
© Provided by Trinity Mirror Plc Credits: central news
De Cruz was arrested on suspicion of fraud as she entered the UK from Dubai in May 2016. Following a ten-day trial at Southwark Crown Court, the jury found the pair guilty. They were subsequently released on bail to returned on Friday for sentencing.
The proceeds of this fraud have never been recovered.
Alasdair Lewis, Director of Legal Services at HM Land Registry, said: "Property fraud causes a huge amount of distress to its victims and Friday's custodial sentences properly reflects the serious nature of the crimes.
"This case highlights the importance of taking steps to protect your property from fraud, particularly if it is tenanted or left empty.
"At HM Land Registry we have prevented frauds on registered properties worth millions of pounds, but no system can be 100 per cent fraud-proof which is why we urge people to keep their contact details up to date and to sign up for our free Property Alert service."
Source: Mirror
WhatsApp SCAM COULD LEAVE YOU LOCKED OUT OF YOUR CHAT APP
WHATSAPP users are being warned about a dangerous scam which leaves you locked out of your account after answering one phone call.
WhatsApp users have been put on alert about a new hacking attack which can lock you out of your account after picking up a single phone call. Besides hijacking an account, the attack also lets bad actors access a victim's contact list and read through their WhatsApp messages. And this nasty attack can be carried out on an unsuspecting WhatsApp user in a matter of minutes. Read more HERE.
What is an Apple Scam?
If you are superstitious, you might find yourself preyed upon by a scammer. Someone might tell you that your loved ones are about to experience misfortune, which you can prevent by performing a ritual. This involves placing money or valuables in a plastic bag which can only be reopened in a few days' time otherwise the ritual would not work. After the time has passed, you open the bag to find that the valuables have been replaced with worthless items like apples, newspapers or rock sugar.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
- Be wary of people who try and convince you to expose and part with your valuables
- Be suspicious of people who try and prey on your emotions and superstitions
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
- You should always keep your valuables safe and within easy reach
- Always be wary of people asking you to hand over cash or valuables
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
What is a Car Rental Scam?
Have you encountered an ad for a rental car that seems too cheap to be true? Be cautious when responding to such ads as it could be a car rental scam, which tricks you into paying a deposit or the rental fee beforehand. When payment is made, you find that neither the agency nor the car exists.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
- If the photo accompanying the ad is a generic one, the ad may not be a genuine one
- Be wary of a service advertised for much lower than the prevailing market price
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
- Only rent vehicles from reputable car rental companies – check with ACRA to confirm that the company exists
- Insist on documentation of the car rental details, especially of payment
- Ask to see the vehicle and its identification document to verify its ownership
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - Car buyer tried to con me to part with $2,500 instead
By Annoymous
Posted my ad to sell my car in sgcarmart, shortly after, an internet messaging came to my phone form a buyer stating he is interested in buying my vehicle. Buyer directed me to liase with him through an email he provided me. Context of email saying he is working as a petroleum engineer who is out at sea and there is no connection to his phone. he said will transfer the agreed price stated in my ad to my bank account through barclay bank. Later he said will arrange an agent for the pickup of the vehicle after funds are directed into my account. Later part, buyer claims that there is a problem when he is going to pay due to the complications with his agent at western union. Buyer requested me to pay for him $2500 fee to western union of his agent then he will top up to the amount of my vehicle. Feeling something fishy, went google to research and found several similar story worldwide that had happened. Warning to car buyer out there, beware of such scams. Lucky didnt lose any money due to this.
What is a Cold Call Supplier Scam?
If you own a trading firm, you might be susceptible to being scammed in a cold call supplier scam. A caller, often from an overseas number, offers you exclusive rights to sell a product in Singapore. You then receive a large number of orders for that product – orders which originated from the scammers themselves. You then place a huge order for that item, and once payment is made, the scammer disappears, and the items never arrive.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
- If the caller is a stranger offering an investment opportunity that sounds unusually attractive, be aware that this could be a scam
- Be especially wary if they are calling from overseas
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
- You should always check the credibility and identity of the person offering you this opportunity before making any financial commitments. Research their company and address, especially if they are from overseas
- If you have never met a supplier or business associate in person, you should research them more before continuing with the transaction
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - I paid $60 as registration to sell gifts that never arrive
By Anonymous
I saw some job offer on gumtree that is related to gift distribution but the person said we had to pay $60 as a deposit for the gifts we'll receive to distribute and then it'll be returned after 2 weeks of work. Naively believing that they won't cheat a large pool of people of small amounts and because of their well made "employment application form", I believed them and transferred it to them and haven't gotten it back ever since.
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - Lost $8,000 on non-existent shares
By Jeremy woods
Its is known as a boiler room scam I now have found out it is a HUGE worldwide scam mainly involving expatriates, some who have lost 500.000 USD in a similar situation that I lost my 8000 SGD. The scam involves cold calling people from "The Peterson. G" who profess to be genuine shares traders targeting expats on higher incomes, selling "shares" that turn out to be non existent, I have details on hundreds of people caught up in this scam, some from Singapore and lots from Asia region. These crooks operate out of Jakarta and Philippines, mainly English and american cold callers ...very persuasive and unless you do really good research hard to spot they are fakes, the websites look professional for both the Peterson.G, and the shares from the so called company you have bought into, but in fact they are all fake and the shares certificates are worth absolutely nothing. These scams need to be investigated and closed down ASAP as they are fooling and ripping more and more people off every day, I have phone recordings of these scum bags whom I have been dealing with, I understand the group I am part of who have been ripped off are engaged with Interpol and other law enforcement agencies, however our numbers in terms of people stolen from are growing by the month!! These criminals are still active today, I would like a warning to be made very public so as to STOP these people, who have stolen literally millions of dollars of peoples life savings in some cases, I even know of people who have committed suicide once they realize they have been scammed!! Please make this warning public.
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
- CONSUMER RIGHTS IN EUROPE & UK
Air travel
Cancelled flight? Long flight delay? Denied boarding?
Thanks to EU air passenger rights, you may be entitled to reimbursement, rerouting, compensation and more.
EC Regulation 261/2004 - The Air Passenger Rights Regulations
You will have rights under EC Regulation 261/2004 if your flight:
- Departs from an EU country* OR
- Arrives in an EU country* on an EU based carrier.
* this also includes Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.
Flight Cancellations
If your flight is cancelled you are entitled to the following;
Refund or re-routing
You will be given a choice between a refund of the ticket or of re-routing to your final destination. You are not entitled to reimbursement of any other components of your trip such as hotel and transfer costs.
Compensation
If there is a delay in getting to your destination due to re-routing, compensation is owed at the following levels:
Assistance at the airport
Free meals and refreshments as well as two free phone calls/emails/faxes should also be provided when waiting for the re-routed flights. In the event of re-routing when the flight is the next day free accommodation and transfer to and from that accommodation should be provided by the airline.
| Length of journey |
Delay to Destination |
Compensation |
| up to1500km |
up to 2 hours |
€125 |
| up to 1500km |
more than 2 hours |
€250 |
| 1500km to 3500km |
up to 3 hours |
€200 |
|
1500km to 3500km
|
more than 3 hours |
€400 |
| more than 3500km |
up to 4 hours |
€300 |
| more than 3500km |
more than 4 hours |
€600 |
The airline is not obliged to pay compensation if it can prove that the cancellation was caused by "extraordinary circumstances, which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken". Such extraordinary circumstances might occur "in cases of political instability, meteorological conditions incompatible with the operation of the flight concerned, security risks, unexpected flight safety shortcomings and strikes that affect the operation of an operating air carrier".
Denied Boarding
An airline may refuse to allow you to board for various reasons and one of the major reasons is that they have overbooked your flight. Overbooking is a common industry practice and airlines do this as they rely on some passengers not showing up. When an airline overbooks, they initially ask for volunteers to not fly but will sometimes 'bump' people off a flight. If you are 'bumped' off a flight, you will be entitled to compensation and refund of the flight ticket/re-routing to your destination and assistance.
To be entitled to compensation three conditions need to be satisfied:
- You must have a valid ticket;
- You must have a confirmed reservation;
- You must have checked-in by the deadline given to you by the airline.
Flight Delays
If your flight has been delayed the airline may be obliged to provide assistance under EC Regulation 261/2004. The length of delay and the distance of the flight will reflect the level of assistance provided. (Remember, these rights only apply to those passengers flying from an EU airport or from an airport outside the EU to an EU airport on an EU carrier).
| Length of Journey |
Delay to Destination |
Assistance |
| All Flights |
Overnight and more than 5 hours |
Meals and refreshments in relation to waiting time.
Two free telephone calls, emails, telexes or faxes.
Hotel accommodation and transfers.
Reimbursement of ticket (if passenger decides not to travel*) |
| All Flights |
More than 5 hours |
Meals and refreshments in relation to waiting time.
Two free telephone calls, emails, telexes or faxes.
Hotel accommodation and transfers.
Reimbursement of ticket (if passenger decides not to travel*) |
| Over 3500km |
More than 4 hours |
Meals and refreshments in relation to waiting time.
Two free telephone calls, emails, telexes or faxes. |
| 1500km to3500km |
More than 3 hours |
Meals and refreshments in relation to waiting time.
Two free telephone calls, emails, telexes or faxes. |
| Up to 1500km |
More than 2 hours |
Meals and refreshments in relation to waiting time.
Two free telephone calls, emails, telexes or faxes. |
*If you decide not to travel you are entitled to a refund, within seven days, of the parts of the tickets not used. If it is a connecting flight and you have already made part of the journey and do not want to continue with it, reimbursement of the total price of the ticket (including parts of the journey not made if the flight is no longer serving any purpose in relation to your original travel plan) within seven days and a free flight back to point of departure. You are not entitled (under Regulation 261/2004) to reimbursement of any other components of your trip such as hotel and transfer costs.
Rights for Passengers with Reduced Mobility
Under Regulation 1107/2006, if you are disabled or have difficulty moving around, you will have improved rights to assistance when you fly to, from and within Europe from 26 July 2008.
You do not need to be permanently or physically disabled to benefit from these rights. In fact, anyone who has difficulty moving around, for example, because of their disability or age, can receive help when they fly.
Key facts
The law affects the whole of the air travel process, not just the flight itself. It also covers booking your flights, arriving at the airport, checking in, getting on and off the plane and leaving the airport.
The Regulation applies to tour operators and travel agents as well as to airports and airlines. This means that tour operators and travel agents must pass on your needs to the airlines, and they in turn must inform the airports of the individual services required.
If you have a complaint or in the need for further advice we would suggest contacting the Equality and Human Rights Commission. Contact details can be found through their website www.equalityhumanrights.com.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission are responsible for dealing with complaints about UK airlines and airports in England, Scotland and Wales – in relation to the above-mentioned legislation - and can advise you of your rights and what further action you can take.
They will provide advice and example letters to send to the appropriate body - be that the travel agent, the airline, the airport or another organisation.
If you are not satisfied with the response, they can take the matter up further by liaising with colleagues in the Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority and other European Union nations to improve services to disabled and less mobile passengers.
Source: UK European Consumer Centre
Buying Digital content (Purchase after the 1st October 2015)
The Consumer Rights Act in relation to digital content
In this section you will find information on your rights when buying digital content. Digital content is data which is produced and supplied in a digital form. For this purpose data supplied on a physical product such as a dvd or memory stick is classed as a contract for goods.
A contract to supply digital content is covered if:
- it is supplied to the consumer for a price
- it is supplied free with goods, services or other digital content.
It is worth noting that the internet service provider or mobile network operator is not supplying digital content when the service they provide is to deliver the digital content.
Your consumer rights under the Act
Digital content to be of a satisfactory quality
Digital content should meet the standard that a reasonable person would expect taking into account:
- any description
- the price
- all other relevant circumstances
Satisfactory quality will not apply if:
- it is drawn to the consumers attention before it is purchased
- should have been found on examination of the content prior to purchasing
- would have been realised through a trial of the content prior to purchase
Public statements made by the trader or its representatives can be taken into account when determining if the content is of a satisfactory quality.
Digital content to be fit for a particular purpose
Digital content must be fit for any purpose which the consumer has made known to the trader prior to purchase. This applies even when the content is not usually supplied for this purpose
Digital content to be as described
Digital content must match the description.
Suitable remedies
Right to repair or replacement
The consumer has the right to which remedy they ask for in the first instance. Once this has been determined the trader must:
- carry this out within a reasonable time and without causing significant inconvenience
- bear any costs of putting it right to include materials and postage
The consumer is not able to force a repair or replacement if it is impossible for the trader. When considering what is a reasonable time the content and its intended purpose should be taken into account.
If the product becomes faulty within the first 6 months of purchase the product is considered to have been defective since the time of purchase. The trader would have to prove that this is not the case should you make a claim.
Right to price reduction
If the consumer reaches this remedy then they will be entitled to a refund up to the full amount paid. The amount should be appropriate to the problem. This remedy can be requested when:
- a repair or replacement can be requested
- a repair or replacement has been requested but not performed in a reasonable time.
Once the trader agrees to refund this should be made in 14 days.
Remedy for damage to device or other digital content
If the consumer sustains damage to a device or other digital content due to a breach of the core rights of the act the consumer may be in a position to make a claim. This applies if:
- a trader supplies digital content to a consumer
- the digital content causes damage to a device or other digital content
- the device or digital content belongs to the consumer
- the damage would not been sustained had the trader used reasonable care and skill.
Suitable remedies
The consumer is able to request a repair of the damage or compensation. If a repair is requested:
- it must be done within a reasonable time without causing significant inconvenience
- the trader must bear the cost of materials and postage
When considering what is a reasonable time the content and its intended purpose should be taken into account. If compensation is agreed it must be paid within 14 days of this.
Further assistance
This is just a small amount of information that is contained in the Act. If you have not found the answer to your query in this information please do get in touch with us.
Source: UK European Consumer Centre
Buying Goods (Purchase before the 1st October 2015)
Sale of Goods Act 1979
The Act covers the purchase of all goods by a consumer from a business.
In this section you will find information on your rights when buying goods.
Your consumer rights under the Act
Consumers can expect that goods will be:
As Described
Goods provided must conform to any description applied to them; this description can be made verbally or in writing.
Of a Satisfactory Quality
Satisfactory quality means that the product should be of a quality that a reasonable person would expect from the goods taking into account any description, the intended purpose and the price that is paid.
Fit for the Purpose Made Known
If a consumer intends to purchase goods to use for a specific purpose, other than that which it is intended then the goods should be suitable for that purpose if this is made known to the seller.
Suitable remedies
Generally a consumer can claim a repair or replacement of the goods if they become faulty or do not conform to the contract. If this is not possible or not economical the consumer can look to claim a full or partial refund. If the consumer notices the fault, misdescription or unsuitability quick enough after the purchase then they may be able to reject the goods for a full refund. If the goods are second-hand the purchaser must take into account the age, condition and price paid. Consumers get the same rights when purchasing second-hand goods unless a fault is related to reasonable wear and tear or they are made aware of any faults before purchase.
Consumers are given full rights under this Act in all circumstances, these rights cannot be restricted by the company's terms and conditions.
Further assistance
This is just a small amount of information that is contained in the Act. If you have not found the answer to your query in this information please do get in touch with us.
Source: UK European Consumer Centre
Buying Goods (Purchase on/after the 1st October 2015)
In this section you will find information on your rights when buying goods.
Consumers can expect that goods will be in conformity with the core rights:
As Described
Goods provided must conform to any description applied to them; this description can be made verbally or in writing.
Of a Satisfactory Quality
Satisfactory quality means that the product should be of a quality that a reasonable person would expect from the goods taking into account any description, the intended purpose and the price that is paid.
The quality of the goods includes their state and condition and the following:
- Fitness for all the purposes for which goods of the kind in question are commonly supplied
- Appearance and finish
- Free from minor defects
- Safety
- Durability
When considering if goods are of a satisfactory quality it is relevant to take into account any public statements made by the trader, producer or their representatives about the specific characteristics of the goods. These statements could be in the labeling or the advertising.
Fit for the Purpose Made Known
If a consumer intends to purchase goods to use for a specific purpose, other than that which it is intended then the goods should be suitable for that purpose if this is made known to the seller.
Matching a sample or Model
The goods must match any sample that has been examined prior to the purchase unless any differences have been pointed out by the company.
Suitable remedies
A consumer has the possibility to determine how they are remedied under the Act.
Short Term Right to Reject
The consumer can claim the short term right to reject the goods within the first 30 days of the purchase if any of the core rights have been broken. This rejection is active at the point the consumer makes the company aware of their intention to reject the goods. The company is obliged to provide a refund and the consumer must return the goods or make them available for collection. The company must pay any reasonable costs for returning the goods but does not have to if the consumer returns the goods to the point of purchase.
The company must refund the consumer within 14 days of agreeing that the consumer is entitled to the refund. This should be done by the original payment method unless the consumer agrees otherwise. The company cannot place any fees on the consumer in respect of the refund.
Repair or Replacement
The consumer can opt for a repair or replacement during the first 30 days rather than claiming the short term right to reject the goods. If the 30 days has passed then the right to a repair or replacement is the only option at this point. The consumer has the choice for a repair or replacement but if the chosen remedy is impossible or disproportionate then the company have the right to provide the other.
The company must perform the request within a reasonable time without causing significant inconvenience and cover any necessary costs. A consumer must give the company a reasonable time to provide the chosen remedy before requesting the alternative or claiming their short term right to reject (if still within 30 days).
Price Reduction or Final Right to Reject
This remedy becomes available when the following is experienced:
- 1 failed repair or replacement or both repair or replacement are impossible or disproportionate
- The repair or replacement has not been done within a reasonable time or without causing significant inconvenience
If this happens within the first 6 months of purchase the consumer may ask to:
- Keep the goods and have future payments reduced by an appropriate amount
- Keep the goods and receive a refund less an appropriate amount
- Reject the goods and receive a full refund.
When this occours after 6 months of purchase the only change is that if you claim your final right to reject then the trader does not have to refund in full and can claim an amount for useage. If the goods in question are motor vehicles then the company is able to refund, less an appropriate amount for use in the first 6 months.
Further assistance
This is just a small amount of information that is contained in the Act. If you have not found the answer to your query in this information please do get in touch with us.
Source: UK European Consumer Centre
Buying Services (Before the 1st October 2015)
Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982
The Act covers the purchase of services by a consumer from a business.
If your purchase was made on or after the 1 October 2015 please visit our page on the Consumer Rights Act 2015 as you will be protected by a different set of laws.
In this section you will find information on your rights when buying services.
Your consumer rights under the Act
You can expect that services will be carried out:
Using Reasonable Care and Skill
The company should have the neccessary skills to carry out the work
Within a reasonable time
The work should be completed within a reasonable time unless something is pre agreed
At a reasonable price (unless a price is fixed)
If no price is agreed then you should expect to pay the going rate for that particular service
Suitable remedies
If a problem occurs you can request for the work to be put right free of charge without being caused significant inconvenience. If the company fail to put this work right you can consider employing a third party to carry out repair work. You can then charge the original trader for any costs incurred, however this should be avoided where possible.
In Scotland consumers get the same remedies as the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 but this applies under something called common law (past cases that have set a legal precedent).
Further assistance
This is just a small amount of information that is contained in the Act. If you have not found the answer to your query in this information please do get in touch with us.
Source: UK European Consumer Centre
Buying Services (On / After the 1st October 2015)
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 in relation to the purchase of services
In this section you will find information on your rights when buying services.
Consumers can expect that the service will be in conformity with the core rights:
Service to be performed with reasonable care and skill.
Every service must be carried out by the trader using reasonable care and skill.
Supplied information about the service is binding
Everything that is said or written by the trader is treated as a term of the contract if:
- the consumer uses this information when entering the contract
- the consumer uses this information when making any decisions after the contract is agreed
Reasonable price to be paid for the service
A consumer must pay a reasonable price for the service and no more if the contract does not fix a price in the first place
Service to be performed within a reasonable time
A trader must perform the service in a reasonable time unless the contract fixes a time period in which the work will be completed.
Suitable Remedies
A consumer has the posibility to determine how they are remedied under the Act.
Right to repeat performance
The consumer can request the trader to perform the service again to make it a suitable standard of work. If the consumer requests this the trader must:
- remedy the work in a reasonable time
- bear any extra costs including materials
The consumer cannot force repeat performance if this is impossible.
Right to price reduction
The consumer can request a refund up to the full amount of the purchase price with an amount that is appropriate to the problem. The consumer can use this when:
- they cannot request repeat performance
- they have requested repeat performance but this hasnt been completed in a reasonable time
When the trader agrees to a refund it must be paid within 14 days.
Further assistance
This is just a small amount of information that is contained in the Act. If you have not found the answer to your query in this information please do get in touch with us.
Source: UK European Consumer Centre
Shopping Online
Cross-border shopping is growing in popularity thanks to the internet. What can you do when there is a problem with goods or services purchased online and what should you be aware of?
Your Rights - and what to look out for
The rights provided by European legislation (E-commerce Directive and Consumer Contracts Regulations) are the minimum level of protection you can expect from all across the EU. If the web trader is based within the EU, their website is expected to provide you with all the information about what it is you want to buy, and their contact details should be easily available for you to find.
"Cooling off" period
You have the right to expect a 14 calendar day cooling-off period in most online transactions, although there are exceptions including package travel and timeshare contracts. This 14 calendar day cooling-off period will begin the day after the goods are delivered and means that you can cancel for any reason - unlike when you buy from a shop you cannot take an item back if you have changed your mind.
Your cancellation does not need to be in writing, but needs to be a clear statement of your wish to cancel. Unless otherwise stated in the terms and conditions, you will have to pay the return postage costs . The trader must then provide a refund to you with 14 days but is entitled to deduct money if the goods show signs of unreasonable use.
If you cancel, any ancillary contracts such as warranties or finance are automatically cancelled.
Delivery
When you place an order you are normally given an indication of when the item will be delivered. The goods should be delivered within 30 days of placing the order, unless you have agreed on an alternative delivery date.
Company location
When shopping online it is always important to know who you are dealing with and just because a website has a .co.uk address does not automatically mean the trader is based in the UK. Neither does a UK call centre telephone number mean that the trader is necessarily based in the UK. When you are using a trader's website, try looking for their address before completing your order - it may not be in the 'contact us' page, but possibly in their 'terms and conditions'. If the address is difficult to find, ask yourself why? What is the trader trying to hide?
Pre contract information
You will find that all online order buttons must now be labelled with 'obligation to pay' or similar unambiguous words. You should no longer be caught by any extra payments, as pre-ticked boxes for payments such as insurance or gift-wrapping are illegal.
If you are asked to acknowledge that you have read through and understood the trader's terms and conditions - normally by the ticking of a box - don't just tick the box and move on! Make sure you read through them and if there is something you're not happy with or do not understand, seek further advice or clarification.
Consumers must be given details of cancellation rights, return costs, complaints procedures and redress.
This information is intended as guidance only - to provide you with an idea of what protection consumers have when shopping online. If you do find yourself in dispute with a web trader or want to know more, please get in touch with us!
Source: UK European Consumer Centre
What is a Credit-For-Sex Scam?
If a stranger befriends you online or through social messaging applications such as WeChat and talks you into buying them purchase/gift cards (e.g. Alipay Purchase Cards, iTunes) in exchange for a meet-up, date or the promise of sexual favours, this is likely a Credit-for-Sex scam.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
- Watch out for strangers trying to befriend you on Facebook, WeChat, and iAround, especially if they offer escort, massage or sexual services
- Be wary of people who profess to have strong feelings for you after just a short period of time and want to chat with you privately
- Poorly written messages – they might even refer to you by the wrong name
- Be suspicious of repeated requests for favours or money
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
- Do an image search for the person's photo – they might have used a generic photo to grab your attention
- Do not give out personal details to strangers on the Internet
- Do not provide payment receipts containing details such as PINs to anyone
- If you have encountered such a scam, call the Police at 1800-255-0000 or dial 999 for urgent assistance
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - I paid over $6000 but didn't get to see the girl
By Anonymous
I was browsing through a dating website and saw a very pretty woman. She did not put her phone number, instead she just put her WeChat Id. I decided to contact her through WeChat. After which, she and her 'brothers' started asking me to transfer $6,791 of cash to her so that she can meet me at an area in Bishan. After transferring the money, she asked me to wait for her at that same area at around 10pm through an unknown number but she did not turn up in the end and blocked me.
Scammer's contact: 糖糖
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - Scammer threatened to expose my picture if I didn't pay up
By Anonymous
Arranged a meet up Taiwanese girl. Didn't manage to meet her. B4 meeting she said cox it's a first time, so can't deal in cash just in case I m police . Asked to go axs n buy alipay credits $1k RMB(200sgd).After which a guy called me. He shared that many girls got caught and bail was S$5, he need me to put a deposit of $600. the Taiwanese girl will come n picked me. I refused and he threatened that he have my pic. I hung up. The girl line sent me my pic n asked me what handphone. I replied nothing.
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
What is a Cyber Extortion Scam?
When you are coaxed by a stranger over the Internet to perform an indecent act for them, the video footage or pictures can be used to extort money from you later on.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
- Be careful when making friends online; scammers often prey on emotions to convince victims to do things they would not otherwise do
- Remember that whatever goes on the Internet is likely to remain online indefinitely
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
- Do not trust strangers with photos or videos of yourself, especially ones that could be used to blackmail you later on
- Do not agree to requests that might put you in a compromising position, such as by performing indecent acts in front of a webcam. The scammer might be recording you
- Do not provide personal details to strangers online
- Contact the Police if someone tries to extort money from you
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Hitman scams
Hitman scams involve a scammer threatening your life unless you give in to their demands and pay thousands of dollars to be spared.
How this scam works
A scammer pretending to be a hitman contacts you out of the blue telling you that they have been hired to kill you, but they will spare you if you pay them money. You may be contacted through various methods, but by email and text message are the most commonly used approaches. Text messages may look like they are from an international phone number, or the number may be blocked.
A typical message reads: 'Someone paid me to kill you. If you want me to spare you, I'll give you two days to pay $5000. If you inform the police or anybody, you will die. I am monitoring you.'
The scammer will provide you with bank account details to pay the ransom and an email address to confirm the ransom, and they may ask you to provide personal information, including your banking details.
The messages often warn you against seeking legal advice or contacting the police.
The scam is designed to scare you into handing over your money without seeking any further assistance or information.
Warning signs
- You receive an email or text from a stranger claiming they have been hired to kill you.
- The message claims you can be spared by paying the hitman money. The amount requested can vary between $1000 to $50 000.
- The message may be in complete sentences or use text speak and slang.
- The scammer will typically ask you to pay them via money transfer.
Protect yourself
- Delete the text or email immediately. These messages are sent at random, so they won’t know if they have reached a live email address or number unless you respond.
- Do not respond to texts or emails. If you do, the scammers will escalate their intimidation and attempts to get your money.
- Never send money or give credit card details, online account details or personal information to anyone you don’t know or trust and never by email or over the phone.
- If you have transferred any money, or have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank and the police immediately.
- If you are concerned for your safety, contact the police.
Have you been scammed?
If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
We encourage you to report scams to the ACCC via the report a scam page. This helps us to warn people about current scams, monitor trends and disrupt scams where possible. Please include details of the scam contact you received, for example, email or screenshot.
We also provide guidance on protecting yourself from scams and where to get help.
Spread the word to your friends and family to protect them.
» Read more
Story - A Skype call became an extortion call
By Thanh Truong
I saw this girl named Patria.W messaged me on Facebook and asked me to Skype her. So,she give me her Skype and I added her. After she accepted my request, she told me to call her. When she picked up my call,she started telling me to strip. I was a fool that I listen to her to do that bad action. Also,she want me to pay her $1,000 after that, but I did not pay her and then she told me that she upload the video on YouTube. She live in Singapore too.I want you guys to arrest her because I don't want that happen to my friends.
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - Beware of accepting friend's request on Facebook
By Anonymous
This person befriended me on FB and I accepted the friend request. After chatting with this person, she told me that she had compromising pictures and videos of me. She threatened to upload the videos on YouTube.
For not doing that she ask me to transfer $500 so she will delete the video and pictures.
Scammer's details: Angelina Dupo??
Email: angelionadupo??@hotmail.com
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Threats & Extorsion methods : Malware & ransomware
Malware tricks you into installing software that allows scammers to access your files and track what you are doing, while ransomware demands payment to ‘unlock’ your computer or files.
How this scam works
Malware scammers send emails and social media messages at random with links purporting to be videos on something topical—news, an event or something 'interesting'.
If you click on the link you may be taken to a fake website that looks like the real deal, complete with logos and branding of legitimate sites. In order to view the video, you will be asked to install some software, such as a ‘codec’, to be able to access the video format. If you download the software, your computer will be infected with malware (malicious software).
Another way of delivering a malware scam is through websites and pop-ups that offer 'free' file downloads, including music, movies and games, or free access to content, such as adult sites.
Malware scams work by installing software on your computer that allows scammers to access your files or watch what you are doing on your computer. Scammers use this information to steal your personal details and commit fraudulent activities. They may make unauthorised purchases on your credit card, or use your identity to open accounts such as banking, telephone or energy services. They might take out loans or carry out other illegal business under your name, or even sell your information to other scammers for further illegal use.
Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malware that blocks or limits access to your computer or files, and demands a ransom be paid to the scammer for them to be unlocked.
Infected computers often display messages to convince you into paying the ransom. Scammers may pretend to be from the police and claim you have committed an illegal activity and must pay a fine, or they may simply demand payment for a 'key' to unlock your computer.
If you pay the ransom, there is no guarantee your computer will be unlocked.
Warning signs
- You receive an email or social media message out of the blue that claims to contain links to a video on a topical news item or something ‘interesting’, and you are asked to download software in order to view the video.
- Music files, games, or access to adult sites are offered free of charge if you download a particular program or agree to a pop-up box.
- Pop-up boxes start appearing on your computer screen. These may have simple questions or a button that says ‘close’.
- You notice new icons on your computer screen, or your computer is not as fast as it normally is.
- You are approached by scammers or become a victim of another scam where your personal or financial details are already known.
Protect yourself
- Do not open attachments or click on links in emails or social media messages you’ve received from strangers – just press delete.
- If you want to access footage or information about major or breaking news, use a reliable news source rather than an unknown web link.
- Be wary of free downloads and website access, such as music, games, movies and adult sites. They may install harmful programs without you knowing.
- Always keep your computer security up to date with anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a good firewall. Only buy computer and anti-virus software from a reputable source.
- Use your security software to run a virus check if you think your computer’s security has been compromised. If you still have doubts, contact your anti-virus software provider or a computer specialist.
- Keep your office networks , computers, and mobile devices secure. Update your security software, change passwords and back up your data regularly. Store your backups offsite and offline. Stay Smart Online explains how to back-up your data(link is external) and secure your mobile devices(link is external).
Have you been scammed?
If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
We encourage you to report scams to the ACCC via the report a scam page. This helps us to warn people about current scams, monitor trends and disrupt scams where possible. Please include details of the scam contact you received, for example, a screenshot.
We also provide guidance on protecting yourself from scams and where to get help.
Spread the word to your friends and family to protect them.
» Read more
What is a Home/Room Rental Scam?
Someone might offer you room or home for rent, and use high-pressure tactics to get you to pay them rent in advance. In such a scam, the scammer usually does not have the authority to rent out the property – if indeed the property even exists.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
- If a deal spotted online appears too good to be true, it probably is. Even if a listing appears legitimate, it could also be a scam
- Look out for photos of a property that do not closely match the description of the unit
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
- Visit the property to verify that it exists
- Ensure that the person you deal with is the rightful owner of the unit, or confirm that they are an accredited real estate agent
- Search for identical ads placed elsewhere; you could find out that the listing is a well-known scam
- Do not pay rental deposits or rent to the salesperson; payments should be made directly to the owner of the property and only after all parties have signed the tenancy agreement
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
What is an Impersonation Scam?
If you receive an unexpected phone call from someone purporting to be a government official, such as a police officer, immigration officer or court official, be wary as this could be a scam call.
In another variant of this scam, the caller might claim to be an employee or representative of a Chinese bank or courier companies. They claim that your identity was used to send parcels containing fake passports or weapons, or to apply for overseas credit cards. They then refer you to another caller claiming to be a Chinese official, who then asks – and even threatens – you to give them personal particulars such as passport or bank account number, internet banking credentials or One-Time Password (OTP).
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
- Be wary of calls from people claiming to be officials, especially those of foreign countries
- Know that official agencies would not ask you to make payments over the phone
- Be suspicious of callers who don't give you enough information about themselves to verify their identity
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
- Do not follow the caller's instructions
- Refrain from giving bank details, credit card numbers, OTP codes from tokens or passport numbers to strangers over the phone
- If you have any information related to such crime, please call the Police hotline at 1800-255-0000, or submit the information online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness.
- Call '999' if you require further Police assistance
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
A false appeal to your sense of charity
If you get a call asking you to give to a charity, you might be tempted to say yes without a second thought. But as with any call you get from someone asking for money out of the blue, pause and do some research to avoid fraudsters who try to take advantage of your generosity.
Unfortunately, there are for-profit companies — like American Handicapped and Disadvantaged Workers, Inc. (AHDW) — that pretend to be charitable organizations and lie about how they use donations. The FTC sued AHDW for deceiving people.
Here’s the story: AHDW’s telemarketers called and asked people to donate — either by giving money or buying overpriced household products from them. These telemarketers, often falsely claiming to be disabled themselves, implied that most of the money raised would be used to pay wages to disabled employees at the company. And as a bonus, people were told they’d get a free gift in the mail for donating.
In reality, most of the telemarketers weren’t disabled, and only a small portion of the company’s earnings were paid to AHDW’s few disabled employees. And those free gifts people got in the mail? They came with invoices, followed by harassing calls demanding payment for products people never ordered.
If you get a call about buying overpriced products to support a charity:
- Do some research. Confirm an organization is really a charity before committing to spend extra money. That “charity” might be a for-profit company trying to trick you into overpaying for things you routinely buy. You can search for names on this list of tax-exempt organizations from the IRS, or check with the BBB or your state Attorney General.
- Don’t pay for unordered merchandise. You can keep any gifts you get in the mail from a charitable organization that asks for contributions. If you didn’t order it, you don’t have to pay for it — even if someone sends a bill or calls you saying otherwise.
It’s legal for charities to call and ask for donations, even if your number is on the Do Not Call Registry. But it’s against the law for telemarketers to imply they’re from a charitable organization when they’re not. For more tips on spotting a charity scam, check out our article Before Giving to a Charity.
» Read more
Attempts to gain your personal information : Identity theft
Identity theft is a type of fraud that involves using someone else's identity to steal money or gain other benefits.
Common examples of identity theft methods
- Phishing - the scammer tricks you into handing over your personal information.
- Hacking - the scammer gains access to your information by exploiting security weaknesses on your computer, mobile device or network.
- Remote access scams - the scammer tricks you into giving access to your computer and paying for a service you don't need.
- Malware & ransomware - the scammer installs software on your computer that allows them to access your files or watch what you are doing on your computer.
- Fake online profiles - the scammer sets up a fake profile on a social media or dating site and sends you a ‘friend’ or ‘connection’ request
- Document theft - the scammer get access to your private information through unlocked mailboxes or discarded personal documents such as utility bills, insurance renewals or health care records.
Warning signs
- You receive an email, text or a phone call out of the blue asking you to ‘validate’ or ‘confirm’ your personal details by clicking on a link or opening an attachment. The message contains grammatical errors and is poorly written.
- There are unexpected pop-ups on your computer or mobile device asking if you want to allow software to run.
- You receive a friend request from someone you don’t know on social media.
- You are unable to log into your social media or email account, or your profile has been logged into from an unusual location.
- You notice that amounts of money go missing from your bank account without any explanation or an application for a loan or credit card has been declined.
Protect yourself
- Do not open suspicious texts or emails – delete them.
- Verify the identity of the contact by calling the relevant organisation directly – find them through an independent source such as a phone book or online search. Do not use the contact details provided in the message sent to you.
- Never send money or give credit card, online account details or copies of personal documents to anyone you don’t know or trust and never by email.
- Choose passwords that would be difficult for others to guess, and update them regularly. Don't use the same password for every account, and don't share them with anyone.
- Secure your networks and devices with anti-virus software and a good firewall. Avoid using public computers or WiFi hotspots to access or provide personal information.
- Be very careful about how much personal information you share on social network sites. Scammers can use your information and pictures to create a fake identity or to target you with a scam.
- Put a lock on your mailbox and shred or destroy any documents containing personal information before disposing of them.
- Find out how to get a free copy of your credit report from the ASIC MoneySmart(link is external)website. Your credit report contains important information on your credit history and is useful for checking that no one is using your name to borrow money or run up debts.
Have you been scammed?
If you think you have provided your account details, passport, tax file number, licence, Medicare or other personal identification details to a scammer, contact your bank, financial institution, or other relevant agencies immediately.
You can also contact iDcare - a free government-funded service which will work with you to develop a specific response plan to your situation and support you through the process. Visit the iDcare website(link is external) or call 1300 IDCARE (432273).
We encourage you to report scams to the ACCC via the report a scam page. This helps us to warn people about current scams, monitor trends and disrupt scams where possible. Please include details of the scam contact you received, for example, email or screenshot.
We also provide guidance on protecting yourself from scams and where to get help.
Spread the word to your friends and family to protect them.
More information
Stay Smart Online(link is external). Practical tips on how to stay safe online.
Protecting your identity guide(link is external). Also available in languages other than English.
» Read more
Bank account fraud
Bank account fraud has occurred if transactions you haven’t made show up on your bank statement.
Bank account fraud could happen as a result of identity theft, when cards or bank account information has been stolen.
Protect yourself against identity fraud
- Don’t throw out anything with your name, address or financial details without shredding it first.
- If you receive an unsolicited email or phone call from what appears to be your bank or building society asking for your security details, never reveal your full password, login details or account numbers. Most banks will not approach their customers in this manner.
- If you are concerned about the source of a call, ask the caller to give you a main switchboard number for you to be routed back to them. Alternatively, hang up and call your bank back on the legitimate phone number printed on your bank statements.
- Check your statements carefully and report anything suspicious to the financial institution concerned.
- If you’re expecting a bank or credit card statement and it doesn’t arrive, tell your bank or credit card company.
- Don’t leave things like bills lying around for others to look at.
- If you move house, always get Royal Mail to redirect your post.
- Get regular copies of your credit report from a credit reference agency.
Notify your bank immediately if you see any unusual activity on your account.
If fraud has been committed, contact Action Fraud.
Source: Action Fraud UK
Fake charities
Scammers impersonate genuine charities and ask for donations or contact you claiming to collect money for relief efforts after natural disasters.
How this scam works
Fake charities try to take advantage of your generosity and compassion for others in need. Scammers will steal your money by posing as a genuine charity. Not only do these scams cost you money, they also divert much needed donations away from legitimate charities and causes.
Fake charity approaches occur all year round and often take the form of a response to real disasters or emergencies, such as floods, cyclones, earthquakes and bushfires. Scammers will pose as either agents of legitimate well-known charities or create their own charity name. This can include charities that conduct medical research or support disease sufferers and their families. Scammers may also play on your emotions by claiming to help children who are ill.
Fake charities operate in a number of different ways. You may be approached on the street or at your front door by people collecting money. Scammers may also set up fake websites which look similar to those operated by real charities. Some scammers will call or email you requesting a donation.
Warning signs
- You've never heard of the charity before, or it is well-known but you suspect the website, email or letter may be fake. A fake website may look almost identical to a legitimate charity site, changing only the details of where to send donations.
- The person collecting donations on behalf of the charity does not have any identification. Remember, even if they do have identification, it could be forged or meaningless.
- You are put under pressure or made to feel guilty or selfish if you don’t want to donate.
- You are asked to provide a cash donation as they don't accept cheques. Or, they want the cheque to be made out to them rather than to the charity.
- You are not given a receipt. Or, they give you a receipt that does not have the charity’s details on it.
Protect yourself
- Approach charity organisations directly to make a donation or offer support.
- Check the organisation's name and look them up.
- Legitimate charities are registered – you check an organisation’s credentials on the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission(link is external) (ACNC) website to see if they are a genuine charity.
- Never send money or give personal information, credit card details or online account details to anyone you don’t know or trust and never by email.
- If you are approached by a street collector, ask to see their identification. If you have any doubts about who they are, do not pay.
- If you are approached in person, ask the collector for details about the charity such as its full name, address and how the proceeds will be used. If they become defensive and cannot answer your questions, close the door or hang up.
- Avoid any arrangement with a stranger that asks for up-front payment via money order, wire transfer, international funds transfer, pre-loaded card or electronic currency. It is rare to recover money sent this way.
- Don't open suspicious or unsolicited emails (spam) – delete them. If you click on a link or open an attachment, you may install a harmful program without knowing it.
Have you been scammed?
If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
We encourage you to report scams to the ACCC via the report a scam page. This helps us to warn people about current scams, monitor trends and disrupt scams where possible. Please include details of the scam contact you received, for example, email or screenshot.
We also provide guidance on protecting yourself from scams and where to get help.
Spread the word to your friends and family to protect them.
If you have a concern about a registered charity, you can contact the ACNC on 13 2262 or email advice@acnc.gov.au.
» Read more
Government imposters bring bad business to small businesses
You’ve started a new business and want to ensure you’re doing everything right. So, when people claiming to be with the government call you to say you’re violating the law, you may be inclined to do whatever they say to fix it…right?
Slow down. Government imposters are counting on that reaction — because that’s their business.
Today, the FTC asked a judge to stop D&S Marketing Solutions from allegedly tricking and intimidating small businesses into paying up to $200 for government regulation posters that are actually free from the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). The FTC says D&S telemarketers called newly registered small businesses, claiming to be with OSHA or another government agency. Using official-sounding names like the “Occupational Compliance and Safety Administration,” D&S allegedly told businesses they were violating federal law because they hadn’t purchased posters about occupational safety, first aid, labor law, or other topics. In fact, says the FTC’s complaint, D&S threatened businesses with fines or a shut-down unless they bought posters immediately. Many unsuspecting businesses complied, paying as much as $200 for the otherwise free posters. The FTC says D&S raked in more than $1.3 million from this scheme.
A few tips for avoiding government imposter scams:
- Get it in writing. Government agencies typically contact you first via postal mail, rarely by phone or email.
- Don’t trust caller ID. Scammers can make a call seem like it’s coming from any area code and number on your caller ID.
- If someone calls asking for money or personal information, hang up. If you think the caller might be telling the truth, call back to a number you know is genuine.
Learn more about government imposters and file a complaint with the FTC if someone posing as the government tries to steal from your business.
» Read more
Mandate Fraud
Mandate fraud is when someone gets you to change a direct debit, standing order or bank transfer mandate, by purporting to be an organisation you make regular payments to, for example a subscription or membership organisation or your business supplier.
Notify your bank immediately if you see any unusual activity on your account or suspect mandate fraud has occurred.
How can Mandate fraud occur?
- You receive a letter in the post that appears to come from the company supplying a monthly magazine to you. It provides details of a new bank account and asks you to change the payment details to reflect this. The direct debit bank mandate is amended as instructed. The following month your magazine does not arrive and when you contact the publisher told that because your payment was cancelled you no longer have a subscription for the magazine.
- Your online bank account has been hacked into by a fraudster and monthly payment details are altered so that the money is transferred to the fraudsters account.
- you are contacted by someone pretending to be from an organisation you have a standing order with and request you change the order to reflect a change in their banking. The standing order mandate is changed accordingly but next month the actual organisation fails to deliver your products or a membership has been cancelled as they did not receive their payment.
- As a business you are contacted by someone pretending to be one of your suppliers and told they have changed their bank and could you amend the direct debit to reflect this. As a result the bank mandate is amended to the account that was provided. The next month you are contacted by your genuine supplier asking what has happened with the monthly payment.
Advice to avoid Mandate fraud
- Don’t leave things like bills lying around for others to look at and record details of standing orders and direct debits.
- Always verify changes to financial arrangements with the organisation directly using established contact details you have on file.
- If you are concerned about the source of a call, ask the caller to give you a main switchboard number for you to be routed back to them. Alternatively, hang up and call them back using established contact details you have on file.
- Check your bank statements carefully and report anything suspicious to your financial institution.
If fraud has been committed, report it to Action Fraud.
Source: Action Fraud UK
Scammers offering to help with disability applications
Scammers are trying to get personal information from people by pretending to help with applications for disability benefits and claims. A recent alert from the Social Security Inspector General warns of this phishing scam, and — whether or not you’ve started an application for benefits — these scammers could contact you. They’re taking a shot in the dark, hoping that you have started an application, and hoping you’ll give them a little more info over the phone. To “complete the process,” they might ask you to give, or confirm, your Social Security number or bank account numbers.
If scammers get your information, you could face identity theft and benefit theft. So here are a few things you can do to help protect yourself:
- Never give your Social Security number or account numbers to someone who calls you.
- Don’t wire money or send money using a prepaid debit card. In fact, never pay someone who calls out of the blue.
- If you have disability benefits, regularly check their status, and review your statements to make sure they’re right.
- Pressured to provide your information? That’s a sure sign of a scam. Hang up immediately and report it to the Social Security Fraud Hotline and the FTC.
If you have questions about disability benefits, or get calls offering help with them, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. And read up on more ways to combat phishing and identity theft.
» Read more
Story - Don't fall for Police Impersonation Scam!
2 Nov 2016
By Anonymous
Received a call this morning from +65 68261999. It was a recorded message in mandarin saying this is a call from China police force.
Knowing it's a scam I hung up the phone.
When I returned call to the same number there was no one on the line to answer.
Beware of calls received from this number.
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - I lost $5,000 in 3 hours!
24 Nov 2016
By Anonymous
i added them via LINE from locanto and they replied me in 1 to 3 mins. The girl texted me again and asking whether m i free a not for a meetup and i agreed to meet her up .So when i reached there, the girl asked me for my mobile and I gave her. She called me and ask me make transactions to Alipay for our first meeting and claimed their boss will call and check m I a policeman. However, they will ask for many little transactions to add up to big amounts that u won't notice. $5000 was gone in 3hrs
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - I noticed that something was amiss and decided to share my story here
24 Nov 2016
By Anonymous
+6583297488, just now got this scam number asked to press "9" for further enquiry and asking that I have delivered a box of 250 ID cards? and have been found in Changi airport. Mentioned themselves from Changi Airport DHL HQ, I've been waiting my delivery this week. Unfortunately, I told him my full name and one of my friend name as well.
Thought, I missed my delivery but after 5mins conversation realized that it might be a scam and decided to share here.
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - I tried calling back a number that claimed to be from the Police, but it went to an engaged tone
24 Nov 2016
By Anonymous
My boss just received a recorded phone call in Mandarin that claimed to be from police HQ. Talked very fast, tried to call back few times but the phone is under disconnect tones.
Scammer's Contact: +65 61990999
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - Scammer requested for my personal details
16 Nov 2016
By Anonymous
An automated voice machine called my mobile and said that I have a SingPost parcel unclaimed. Was asked to press "9" to speak to customer service officer. After redirecting, a man speaks in PRC mandarin spoke and ask for personal details. I said that I don't have the details and will check online for missed parcel. Hang up the call and hope they did not capture any data or voice recognition through the spam call.
Please highlight such spam callers to prevent anyone from being cheated. Thanks.
Scammer's contact: +6576859048
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - Scammer threatened to freeze my bank account if I didn't follow her instructions
21 Nov 2016
By Anonymous
Received a call with an automatic voice recorder. A lady speaking in Chinese saying that she is from the Singapore Police HQ.
All my $ will be frozen if I don't follow the instructions and asking me to Press 2 for Chinese, the only option they provided. I hung up after that.
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
What is an Inheritance Scam?
You might receive a call, letter or email stating that you have been left a large fortune – but to have the funds released to you, you must transfer money to cover administrative fees and taxes. This is an inheritance scam.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
- Be wary of unexpected 'fortunes' as these appeals to greed are likely to be a scam
- Look out for official-looking letters or emails; if you receive these out of the blue, be sure to research the identity of the sender first
- Be especially suspicious if the correspondence requests bank account details or further personal information
- Bad grammar in a supposedly official email is a tell-tale sign of a scam
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
- You should ignore such communications. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is
- Do not send money to strangers, even if they claim the money will be used to unlock a greater fortune
- Do not transfer any money to anyone requesting it this way
- Call the Police immediately at '999' to report the case
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
What is an Internet Love Scam?
If you have been befriended online by an attractive person – usually foreign – who then tells a tale of falling into trouble or on hard times, this is probably an Internet love scam. The scammer persists with their story to gain their victim's adoration and trust, then asks for money as proof of love. Once the money is transferred, the scammer disappears.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
- Be careful when befriending strangers online. Know the the tell-tale signs of a fake dating profile: poor grammar that doesn't gel with their level of education, or using a fake photo sourced from the Internet are just a couple of warning signs
- Scammers prey on emotions to lull victims into believing their friendship is genuine; be wary of people who shower you with loving words and profess strong feelings for you even before you have even met
- Do not respond hastily to any requests of money, even if they sound desperate or troubled
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
- Do not send money to people you do not know well, especially if you have not met in person
- Be in control of your emotions and meet all requests for money with a cool head, knowing that it could be a scam
- Do not reveal too much about yourself, particularly in the form of photos or videos, to prevent you from being blackmailed later on
- Contact the Police immediately if you receive any message or call from someone claiming to be in trouble overseas and urgently needs you to send money
- Inform the Police is anyone tries to extort money from you
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Dating & romance
Scammers take advantage of people looking for romantic partners, often via dating websites, apps or social media by pretending to be prospective companions. They play on emotional triggers to get you to provide money, gifts or personal details.
How this scam works
Dating and romance scams often take place through online dating websites, but scammers may also use social media or email to make contact. They have even been known to telephone their victims as a first introduction. These scams are also known as ‘catfishing’.
Scammers typically create fake online profiles designed to lure you in. They may use a fictional name, or falsely take on the identities of real, trusted people such as military personnel, aid workers or professionals working abroad.
Dating and romance scammers will express strong emotions for you in a relatively short period of time, and will suggest you move the relationship away from the website to a more private channel, such as phone, email or instant messaging. They often claim to be from Australia or another western country, but travelling or working overseas.
Scammers will go to great lengths to gain your interest and trust, such as showering you with loving words, sharing ‘personal information’ and even sending you gifts. They may take months to build what may feel like the romance of a lifetime and may even pretend to book flights to visit you, but never actually come.
Once they have gained your trust and your defences are down, they will ask you (either subtly or directly) for money, gifts or your banking/credit card details. They may also ask you to send pictures or videos of yourself, possibly of an intimate nature.
Often the scammer will pretend to need the money for some sort of personal emergency. For example, they may claim to have a severely ill family member who requires immediate medical attention such as an expensive operation, or they may claim financial hardship due to an unfortunate run of bad luck such as a failed business or mugging in the street. The scammer may also claim they want to travel to visit you, but cannot afford it unless you are able to lend them money to cover flights or other travel expenses.
Sometimes the scammer will send you valuable items such as laptop computers and mobile phones, and ask you to resend them somewhere. They will invent some reason why they need you to send the goods but this is just a way for them to cover up their criminal activity. Alternatively they may ask you to buy the goods yourself and send them somewhere. You might even be asked to accept money into your bank account and then transfer it to someone else.
Warning - the above scenarios are very likely to be forms of money laundering which is a criminal offence. Never agree to transfer money for someone else.
Sometimes the scammer will tell you about a large amount of money or gold they need to transfer out of their country, and offer you a share of it. They will tell you they need your money to cover administrative fees or taxes.
Dating and romance scammers can also pose a risk to your personal safety as they are often part of international criminal networks. Scammers may attempt to lure their victims overseas, putting you in dangerous situations that can have tragic consequences.
Regardless of how you are scammed, you could end up losing a lot of money. Online dating and romance scams cheat Australians out of millions every year. The money you send to scammers is almost always impossible to recover and, in addition, you may feel long-lasting emotional betrayal at the hands of someone you thought loved you.
Warning signs
- You meet someone online and after just a few contacts they profess strong feelings for you, and ask to chat with you privately. If you met on an dating site they will try and move you away from the site and communicate via chat or email.
- Their profile on the internet dating website or their Facebook page is not consistent with what they tell you. For example, their profile picture looks different to their description of themselves, or they say they are university educated but their English is poor.
- After gaining your trust – often waiting weeks, months or even years – they tell you an elaborate story and ask for money, gifts or your bank account/credit card details.
- Their messages are often poorly written, vague and may even address you by the wrong name.
- If you don’t send money straight away, their messages and calls become more desperate, persistent or direct. If you do send money, they continue to ask you to send more.
- They don’t keep their promises and always have an excuse for why they can't travel to meet you and why they always need more money.
Protect yourself
- Always consider the possibility that the approach may be a scam, particularly if the warning signs listed above appear. Try to remove the emotion from your decision making no matter how caring or persistent the ‘prospective partner’ is.
- Do an image search of your admirer to help determine if they really are who they say they are. You can use image search services such as Google(link is external) or TinEye (link is external).
- Be alert to things like spelling and grammar mistakes, inconsistencies in their stories and others signs that it’s a scam like their camera never working if you want to Skype each other.
- Be cautious when sharing personal pictures or videos with prospective partners, especially if you’ve never met them before. Scammers are known to blackmail their targets using compromising material.
- If you agree to meet a prospective partner in person, tell family and friends where you are going. Scamwatch strongly recommends you do not travel overseas to meet someone you have never met before. Consider carefully the advice onwww.smarttraveller.gov.au(link is external) before making any plans.
- Be wary of requests for money. Never send money or give credit card details, online account details, or copies of important personal documents to anyone you don’t know or trust.
- Avoid any arrangement with a stranger that asks for up-front payment via money order, wire transfer, international funds transfer, pre-loaded card or electronic currency. It is rare to recover money sent this way.
- Do not agree to transfer money for someone else: money laundering is a criminal offence.
- Be very careful about how much personal information you share on social network sites. Scammers can use your information and pictures to create a fake identity or to target you with a scam.
Have you been scammed?
If you think you have been scammed, report it to the website, app, or social media site where the scammer first approached you. Let them know the scammer’s profile name and any other details that may help them to stop others being scammed.
If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
We encourage you to report scams to the ACCC via the report a scam page. This helps us to warn people about current scams, monitor trends and disrupt scams where possible. Please include details of the scam contact you received, for example, email or screenshot.
We also provide guidance on protecting yourself from scams and where to get help.
Spread the word to your friends and family to protect them.
» Read more
Story - Alert: Scammers are looking for victims on social media
Scammer's Contact and Identity:: johnwilliam46?@yahoo.com/ Isjsay?@gmail.com
30 Aug 2016
By Anonymous
Please be aware of these guys who try to get to know girls from social network like Okcupid or Tinder. These guys have some good looking photos. But after get to know you for 2-3 weeks , he started to ask you for financial support for his business, or send some gifts to you by inserting cash (pounds) inside the bag. The address provided by the courier services provided are also fake.
The on-hold parcel need to pay a sum to clear the customs. Please ignore!! DO NOT give your full name, address, or hp no to these chaps.
Scammer's Moniker: Qstopper/Raymond Johnsox/Johnthecat450x/John. Frank. Williamx/ DSL Security Post Express
Scammer's contact: johnwilliam46?@yahoo.com/ Isjsay?@gmail.com
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - Beware of scammers on dating apps
Scammer's Contact and Identity:: Ibrahim Yusuf. N
5 Sept 2016
By Anonymous
I think the scammers are getting smarter. I got to know this guy through a dating app 7 months ago, and we chatted daily. His English was good, I googled out the pics he sent me (nothing came out) and his stories were consistent. But when I asked for his address, he was evasive. Recently, he claimed he was in Denmark, but when I asked for a room pic, he gave me a fake one. I wrote to his former FB contact, a M'sian girl, who replied me that he was a scammer & that she had already lodged a report. I've blocked him.
Be cautious when trying to make friends on the Internet.
Scammer's contact: Ibrahim Yusuf. N
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - I lost $8,500 to a man I met on Okcupid
Money Lost: $8,500
8 Jan 2017
By Anonymous
I met this person on OKCupid. Started chatting and exchanged mobile numbers. He pointed how love should be committed (not about trying) and both must stand strong for the relationship. So, making me as committed too.
He asked for money when he had car accident (need to pay repair both cars), so $5k was loaned and the amount was to be returned by month end. Lost his mobile, so applied line for him and his parents (whom he claimed can use my corporate plan to save.). After all that I've done for him, he went missing.
Total:$8.5k due to cash and termination of 3 lines.
Scammer's details:
Josh Lim. K. C/JovialJosh??/
Number: +65966111??
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - Not all friends you meet online are genuine. Pls be alert!
21 Dec 2016
By Anonymous
I met this person by the name of James Cole on Tinder. He wanted me to help him view apartment on his behalf before he relocates to SG. He supposed to send original contract to authorise me, but he also included cash in the courier. I received a fake email informing package got delayed at the custom because of the cash. So, I was asked to transfer money to the landlady as he needed the paper for transfer. I lost nothing, but pls be careful as he can provide air ticket & passport photocopy.
Scammer's details:
Name: James Cole Levine
Email: jamescole191?@gmail.com
Landlord: Lani Chen Indonesian account: BNI 049541301?/ Singapore account DBS 0480035??
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - Online friend went missing after I transferred money to him
Money Lost: USD3,000
Scammer's Contact and Identity:: Mark.L
24 Oct 2016
By Anonymous
A Mark. L approached me by sending me a message through Meetup.com. However, he deleted his account as soon as I added him on Facebook. He claimed he was a divorcee age 49 years old with a 6 years old daughter. His work profession is an Independent Construction Engineer. However, there were times that he said he does not have enough money even though his awarded contract was over a million of dollars. Being ignorant and gullible I wired him some money via Western Union around 7 times.
Scammer's Contact:
Contact number: +185996506??/
email: mark110l??@gmail.com/
Vocation: Independent Construction Engineer
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
What is an Investment Scam?
When you receive unsolicited messages from persons claiming to be stock brokers, employees of banks or financial companies on your social networking sites such as Facebook, WeChat or Line, be wary.
Responding to such messages may leave you vulnerable to an Investment Scam. Fraudsters will ask for your personal details such as NRIC and passport number, supposedly for an investment form. Scammers will then ask you to transfer monies to banks in Hong Kong and China, and pay administrative fees, security fees and taxes in order to receive the profits and returns.
You may also receive phone calls from persons claiming to be from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority or Hong Kong Overseas Control Centre asking for a deposit before your profits can be released to you.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
- Be wary of people offering investment returns that are unreasonably high
- Be cautious when the unfamiliar entity is based out of Singapore
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
- Be cautious when befriending strangers through social media platforms
- Be cautious of promise of high returns. Investments with high returns usually come with high risks. Always check with a licensed financial advisor before engaging in any investment
- Be wary when asked to send money overseas
- Do not provide your name, identification number, passport details, contact details, bank account or credit card details to someone whom you do not know well
- Be careful when dealing with unregulated entities. If the entity is based outside of Singapore, check with the respective overseas authority if the entity is regulated
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Betting & sports investment schemes
Betting and sports investment scams try to convince you to invest in foolproof systems and software that can 'guarantee' a profit on sporting events.
Common examples of sports investment scams
These scams are simply a form of gambling camouflaged as legitimate investments. Most of the schemes or programs do not work as promised and buyers cannot get their money back. In many cases the supplier simply disappears.
Computer prediction software
The scammer will try to sell you a software program that promises to accurately predict sporting results, usually of team sports or horse racing. They will promise high returns or profits as a result of the program's use.
Team sports betting programs claim to identify opportunities based on historical trends and the different odds offered by various bookmakers. Horse racing software will often claim that predictions are based on weather conditions, the state of the horse, the draw, or the condition of the jockey. They may also claim to track the money that has been placed on a race by professional betters.
Often the information used in these programs can be obtained from the betting pages of your local newspaper at very little cost.
Betting syndicates
The scammer will try and convince you to become a member of a betting syndicate. You will need to pay a compulsory fee (often in excess of $15 000) to join and open a sports betting account. You will be required to make ongoing deposits to maintain the balance of the account.
The scammer tells you that they will use funds in the account to place bets on behalf of the syndicate. You, and other 'syndicate members' are promised a percentage of the profits.
Sports investment
The scammer targets small business operators, professionals, retirees or others with funds to ‘invest’. These schemes are usually promoted as business opportunities or investments at trade fairs, shows or via the internet. People may also be contacted via an unsolicited phone call, email or letter.
The scammer will use technical or financial terms such as 'sports arbitrage',' sports betting', 'sports wagering', 'sports tipping' or 'sports trading' to make these scams look like legitimate investments. Promotional material often takes the form of glossy and sophisticated brochures or websites that contain graphs or diagrams promising large returns for little or no effort.
The scammer may also claim that their company is registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
Warning signs
- You approached to invest in a money-making opportunity that promises huge returns and risk-free profits.
- The sales pitch is accompanied by glossy promotional material showing extraordinary returns.
- The seller uses financial or technical terms to try and sell their product or scheme.
- You are told places are strictly limited and you need to buy now in order to secure the software package, or your spot in the scheme.
- You are frequently called by salespeople trying to pressure you into buying the product or joining the scheme.
Protect yourself
- If you receive a call from someone trying to sell you a sports investment opportunity or prediction software - just hang up.
- Be wary of high pressure and slick sales tactics, such as reports on past performance and graphs showing high returns.
- Do not let anyone pressure you into making decisions about money or investments - get independent legal or financial advice.
- Conduct an independent check on the company selling the scheme or service - often their postal address will turn out to be a car park and no real office exists.
- Look out for any ongoing costs associated with the scheme or system.
- Make sure you know how to cancel any subscription service that you sign up to.
Have you been scammed?
If you think you have provided your account details, passport, or other personal identification details to a scammer, contact your bank, financial institution, or other relevant agencies immediately.
We encourage you to report scams to the ACCC via the report a scam page. This helps us to warn people about current scams, monitor trends and disrupt scams where possible. Please include details of the scam contact you received, for example, email or screenshot.
We also provide guidance on protecting yourself from scams and where to get help.
Spread the word to your friends and family to protect them.
More information
Investment schemes involve getting you or your business to part with money on the promise of a questionable financial opportunity.
» Read more
Investment schemes
Investment schemes involve getting you or your business to part with money on the promise of a questionable financial opportunity.
Common types of investment scams
Investment cold calls
A scammer claiming to be a stock broker or portfolio manager calls you and offers financial or investments advice. They will claim what they are offering is low-risk and will provide you with quick and high returns, or encourage you to invest in overseas companies. The scammer's offer will sound legitimate and they may have resources to back up their claims. They will be persistent, and may keep calling you back.
The scammer may claim that they do not need an Australian Financial Services licence, or that that they are approved by a real government regulator or affiliated with a genuine company.
The investments offered in these type of cold calls are usually share, mortgage, or real estate high-return schemes, options trading or foreign currency trading. The scammer is operating from overseas, and will not have an Australian Financial Services licence.
Share promotions and hot tips
The scammer encourages you to buy shares in a company that they predict is about to increase in value. You may be contacted by email or the message will be posted in a forum. The message will seem like an inside tip and stress that you need to act quickly. The scammer is trying to boost the price of stock so they can sell shares they have already bought, and make a huge profit. The share value will then go down dramatically.
If you invest you will be left with large losses or shares that are virtually worthless.
Investment seminars
Investment seminars are promoted by promising motivational speakers, investment experts, or self-made millionaires who will give you expert advice on investing. They are designed to convince you into following high risk investment strategies such as borrowing large sums of money to buy property, or investments that involve lending money on a no security basis or other risky terms.
Promoters make money by charging you an attendance fee, selling overpriced reports or books, and by selling investments and property without letting you get independent advice. The investments on offer are generally overvalued and you may end up having to pay fees and commissions that the promoters did not tell you about. High pressure sales tactics or false and misleading claims are often used to pressure you into investing, such as guaranteed rent or discounts for buying off the plan.
If you invest there is a high chance you will lose money.
Visit ASIC's MoneySmart for more information about investment seminar scams(link is external).
Superannuation
Superannuation scams offer to give you early access to your super fund, often through a self-managed super fund or for a fee. The offer may come from a financial adviser, or a scammer posing as one. The scammer may ask you to agree to a story to ensure the early release of your money and then, acting as your financial adviser, they will deceive your superannuation company into paying out your super benefits directly to them. Once they have your money, the scammer may take large 'fees' out of the released fund or leave you with nothing at all.
You cannot legally access the preserved part of your super until you are between 55 and 60, depending what year you were born. There are certain exceptions such as severe financial hardship or compassionate grounds - but anyone who otherwise offers early access to your super is acting illegally.
Visit ASIC's MoneySmart for more information about how super works(link is external).
Warning signs
- You receive a call, or repeated calls, from someone offering unsolicited advice on investments. They may try to keep you on the phone for a long time, or try and transfer you to a more senior person. You are told that you need to act quickly and invest or you will miss out.
- You receive an email from a stranger offering advice on the share price of a particular company. It may not be addressed to you personally, and may even give the impression it was sent to you by mistake.
- An advertisement or seminar makes claims such as 'risk-free investment', 'be a millionaire in three years', or 'get-rich quick'.
- You are invited to attend a free seminar, but there are high fees to attend any further sessions. The scammer, posing as the promoter, may offer you a loan to cover both the cost of your attendance at the additional seminars and investments.
- You see an advertisement promising a quick and easy way to 'unlock' your superannuation early.
Protect yourself
- Do not give your details to an unsolicited caller or reply to emails offering financial advice or investment opportunities - just hang up or delete the email.
- Be suspicious of investment opportunities that promise a high return with little or no risk.
- Check if a financial advisor is registered via the ASIC website. Any business or person that offers or advises you about financial products must be an Australian Financial Services (AFS) licence holder.
- Check ASIC's list of companies you should not deal with(link is external). If the company that called you is on the list - do not deal with them.
- Do not let anyone pressure you into making decisions about your money or investments and never commit to any investment at a seminar - always get independent legal or financial advice.
- Do not respond to emails from strangers offering predictions on shares, investment tips, or investment advice.
- If you feel an offer to buy shares might be legitimate, always check the company's listing on the stock exchange for its current value and recent shares performance. Some offers to buy your shares may be well below market value.
- Never commit to any investment at a seminar - always take time to consider the opportunity and seek independent financial advice.
- If you are under 55, watch out for offers promoting easy access to your preserved superannuation benefits. If you illegally access your super early, you may face penalties under taxation law.
Have you been scammed?
If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
We encourage you to report scams to the ACCC via the report a scam page. This helps us to warn people about current scams, monitor trends and disrupt scams where possible. Please include details of the scam contact you received, for example, email or screenshot.
Scams that relate to financial services can also be reported to ASIC(link is external).
We also provide guidance on protecting yourself from scams and where to get help.
Spread the word to your friends and family to protect them.
» Read more
Jobs & investment : Pyramid schemes
Pyramid schemes are illegal and very risky ‘get-rich-quick’ schemes that can end up costing you a lot of money.
How does this scam work?
You may hear about a pyramid scheme from friends, family or neighbours. Usually, pyramid schemes recruit members at seminars, home meetings, over the phone, and by email or postal mail.
In a typical pyramid scheme, you pay to join. The scheme relies on you convincing other people to join up and to part with their money as well. In order for everyone in the scheme to make a profit there needs to be an endless supply of new members. In reality, the number of people willing to join the scheme, and therefore the amount of money coming into the scheme, will dry up very quickly.
Some pyramid scheme promoters disguise their true purpose by introducing products that are overpriced, of poor quality, difficult to sell or of little value. Making money out of recruitment is still their main aim.
The promoters at the top of the pyramid make their money by having people join the scheme. They pocket the fees and other payments made by those who join under them. When the scheme collapses, relationships, friendships and even marriages can be damaged over money lost in the scam.
It is against the law to promote or participate in a pyramid scheme.
Warning signs
- You are offered a chance to join a group, scheme, program or team where you need to recruit new members to make money.
- The scheme involves offering goods or services of little or doubtful value that serve only to promote the scheme, such as information sheets.
- There are big up-front costs.
- The promoter makes claims like ‘this is not a pyramid scheme’ or ‘this is totally legal’.
Protect yourself
- Do not let anyone pressure you into making decisions about money or investments - always get independent financial advice.
- Be wary of schemes or products that claim a guaranteed income.
- Consider whether the rewards you have been promised are dependent on product sales. If so, are the products of real value, sold at a reasonable price and something that there is actually consumer demand for?
- Remember that family members and friends may try to involve you in a pyramid scheme without realising that it is one.
- It is against the law not only to promote a pyramid scheme, but to participate in one.
Have you been scammed?
If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
We encourage you to report scams to the ACCC via the report a scam page. This helps us to warn people about current scams, monitor trends and disrupt scams where possible. Please include details of the scam contact you received, for example, email or screenshot.
We also provide guidance on protecting yourself from scams and where to get help.
Spread the word to your friends and family to protect them.
» Read more
Story - Beware of dubious online advertisements
Scammer's Contact and Identity:: The Singapoxx Method
28 Aug 2016
By Anonymous
Being a teenager i will usually use the internet to search for movies or videos on youtube. Sometimes going to other outside sources has popup ads that brings me to a website called"the Singapoxx Method" which claims to give a lot of profit if you create an account to invest there. I researched the web and i found out that the image of the fake owner"jake shen" is used on every "the (country) method" and the name is identical too.I did not lose anything as i was not tricked into the programme.
Don't click on any of these dubious online advertisements. They could be infected with malware. If they are not, they might be out there to scam you.
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - Beware of people who befriend you on social media
16 Aug 2016
By Anonymous
There is a syndicate going around using false identity, pictures of men and pretending to be stock brokers, stock analysts in Hongkong. They will befriend women on social platforms like Facebook, etc. and gain their trust and emotions by talking to them daily, even calling BUT never using face time or face to face chats. They will use a month or so to gain your total trust before striking and telling you that their VIP has withdrawn and they really need to get another name to invest USD$10K.
Scammer's contact: +8526158654x
Source: Scam Alert Singapor
Story - Do background checks before investing in a company!
Money Lost: USD700
15 Jan 2017
By Anonymous
I paid over 700 USD worth of bitcoin hoping to invest with their company but after 2nd day, they didnt give me any returns and no reply to my emails, they are a scam site, don't pay or invest with them again, big time scammer!!!
Scammer's details: lightbitco??.com
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - I've lost USD2,000 to an Investment scam
Money Lost: USD2000
15 Jan 2017
By Anonymous
I am a Forex Trader and wanted to multi trade with 2 more companies. I saw the advertisement on Investment.com with the Name "FxHotst??s", having a web address as "http://www.fxhotsta??.com/". I registered for a call back.
I received a call from a Singapore number during the month of August. After frequent follow-ups from them, I informed that I will start an account during the month of November. I deposited an amount of USD2000 Via Skrill to the details given to me. Thereafter, no response from them.
Scammer's details: http://www.fxhotsta??.com
Emails: kk365b??@gmail.com, ditya@fxhotsta??.com, support@fxhotsta??.com
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
What is a Job Scam?
Have you seen online job ads seeking would-be male social escorts? In this type of job scam, victims responding to these ads are told they would be introduced to rich female clients – but only after they pay a registration fee. However, after paying up, the scammers tell the victims that they need to pay other fees such as insurance and membership, before disappearing with the money.
In this latest variation of a job scam, scammers put up online job ads for assistant purchasers, stock takers or participants for a system trial on popular classified websites like Gumtree. Participants are asked to reveal their personal details such as name, I/C, handphone number, handphone's security code or one-time password (OTP). Such information allows scammers to access the victims' mobile lines to purchase online credits.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
- Be suspicious of employers that require upfront payment before you start work
- Be wary of job offers that promise high returns for little effort
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
- Ignore job advertisements of a dubious nature
- Be wary of job off ers that promise high returns for very little eff ort
- Do not share personal information including One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your mobile phone or transfer money to any stranger whom you have not met before.
- Contact the Police if you are a victim
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Jobs & employment
Jobs and employment scams trick you into handing over your money by offering you a ‘guaranteed’ way to make fast money or a high-paying job for little effort.
How does this scam work?
The scammer contacts you by email, letter or phone and offers you a job that requires very little effort for high returns, or a guaranteed way to make money quickly. You may even come across false job opportunities on classified ad websites.
The job on offer may require you to do something simple such as stuffing envelopes or assembling a product using materials that you have to buy from the ‘employer’. To accept the job you will be asked to pay for a starter kit or materials relevant to the job or scheme.
If you pay the fee you may not receive anything or what you do receive is not what you expected or were promised. For example, instead of a ‘business plan’, you may be sent instructions for how to get other people to join the same scheme.
On completion of your work, the scammer will refuse to pay you for some or all of your work, using excuses such as the work not being up to the required standard.
Another type of job opportunity scam asks you to use your bank account to receive and pass on payments for a foreign company. The scammers promise you a percentage commission for each payment you pass on.
If you provide your account details the scammer may use them to steal your money or commit other fraudulent activities.
Warning signs
- You come across an advertisement or receive an email, letter or phone call offering you a guaranteed income or job.
- The message may claim lots of money can be made with little effort using your personal computer, or guarantee large returns.
- The message is not addressed to you personally.
- The message asks you to provide personal details or a fee for more information about the job or start-up materials.
- The message does not have a street address, only a post office box or an email address.
- You are asked to transfer money on behalf of someone else.
Protect yourself
- Be suspicious of unsolicited 'work from home' opportunities or job offers, particularly those that offer a 'guaranteed income' or require you to pay an upfront fee.
- If the job involves making or selling a certain type of product or service, find out if there is really a market for it.
- Ask for references from other people who have done the work or used the product, and make the effort to speak to these people.
- Do not deal with an employer or company that does not have a street address, they can be difficult to contact or trace later on
- Avoid any arrangement with a stranger that asks for up-front payment via money order, wire transfer, international funds transfer, pre-loaded card or electronic currency. It is rare to recover money sent this way.
- Never agree to transfer money for someone else - this is money laundering and it is illegal.
Have you been scammed?
If you think you have provided your account details, passport, tax file number, licence, Medicare or other personal identification details to a scammer, contact your bank, financial institution, or other relevant agencies immediately.
We encourage you to report scams to the ACCC via the report a scam page. This helps us to warn people about current scams, monitor trends and disrupt scams where possible. Please include details of the scam contact you received, for example, email or screenshot.
We also provide guidance on protecting yourself from scams and where to get help.
Spread the word to your friends and family to protect them.
Contact the relevant website to let them know the scammer’s profile name and any other details that may help them to stop others being scammed.
» Read more
What is a Kidnap Scam?
You might get a call from someone claiming that a loved one of yours has been kidnapped. During such kidnap scam calls, you might hear someone screaming or crying in the background for effect.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
- If you know that your loved one is in an very unlikely position to have been kidnapped, this is likely to be a scam
- Scammers might claim to know your loved ones' names, but they may refuse to give descriptive details
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
- Remain calm and ask the caller to identify the kidnapped person
- Do not transfer money to the caller
- Contact your loved one immediately to confirm their safety and whereabouts; this can be done while still on the phone with the 'kidnapper'
- Call the Police at '999' immediately to report the case
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - Caller asked for money in exchange for my son
By Anonymous
I received a call from a person crying and asking me to tell the "uncle" to stop beating him. The "uncle" then spoke to me telling me that he and a group of friends went drinking the night before and got into a fight and killing somebody. They were on the run and ran out of money so they kidnapped my son. They demanded that I was to 'lend" them the money. I immediately cut off the line. I then ignored all the calls from that unknown number.I also contacted my son in malaysia and found out that he was alright.
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - Calmness saved me from callers claiming to have kidnapped my daughter
By Anonymous
This happened to me yesterday morning at 10.21am from a telephone number +65234xxxx . A person voice is so similar to my daughter crying for help in mandarin " Mommy Mommy help me help me I am in trouble now " at that moment I was so frightened and ask her what happen to you , please don't scare me , what can I help ? She told me she was being caught by a bad guy now and want me to talk to him .
She passed the call to the Chinese Guy Scammer. The Scammer asked me where am I , am I at home or work or outside, I told him at work he then asked me to walk to a side where no one around to talk to him. Scammer told me he involved in a fight recently and accidentally killed a man and police is looking for him everywhere and now need money to ran away, he demand $30K from me if not my child will be killed . I was frightened at that moment but I still asked him for my child name , he never replied me immediately and scold me #@#@ and threatened me wanted to kill my child .
I remain calm and keep asking for the name he then replied me " You has talked to her just now and she also told you her name is Ah Ying" At this time I know it may be a scammed call and I never held up the phone bcos I cannot confirm if it is really a scam so I continue to talk to him and negotiate with him I need time to find money if he want $30K from me. He told me he don't want me to borrow and ask from anyone else the money , he want to know how much I have now in my bank and cash in hand. At first I told him 1k he very unhappy and said no need to talk anymore can wait to collect your child body and a while later he still ask again how much I have again in all my bank ac and how fast I can reach my bank to withdraw, this time I told him 10k , and told him I need 1 hour travel time from work to bank to take a bus there as I do not drive.
He sound very angry and scolded me again "#@X#@" and told me he going to pass the phone to "my child" to say the last word to her. "The Child" take over the call and cried to me for help again, I remain calm to insist her for the full name , immediately the voice change to a man voice and scolded me "#@X#@X" and put down the phone. After he cut off his line , I contacted my children to make sure they are safe and sound . My conversation with the scammer took 9mins 20 secs . scammer phone number +65234 xxxx. Please ignore or reject any call from this number. Thank you.
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - My parents received a call of a woman crying for help
By Anonymous
My parents received a call from +65 2348 3275 this morning. They heard a female crying for help, sounded like my sister. My parents asked who is she, and the caller hanged up. The call lasted for approx a min. We did a quick check with my sister and were assured that she is fine.
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - Picked up a call of a crying boy asking for help.
By Candace Lim
I received a phone call while at work from the number +65 2348 3xxx. When I picked up, a little boy cried repeatedly "Mummy! Save me!" I replied that he had gotten the wrong number, and he hung up immediately. I've since reported the case to the police, who have confirmed that this was a potential kidnap scam. They were likely just dialing numbers randomly.
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
What is a Line Scam?
Has your LINE account been hacked? In this LINE scam, hackers take your identity and use it to ask your contacts to buy iTunes or other gift cards for them. Likewise, you might have been asked by a friend to buy the cards urgently.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
- Check that you are able to log into your account; if you have trouble logging in, your account might have been compromised
- Your phone data bill is larger than usual
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
- Never agree to an unexpected request from a friend without first verifying with them over the phone that they indeed want you to buy them the gift
- Be extra careful with dealings over mobile messaging platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Skype or LINE
- If your own account has been compromised, immediately report this to the operator of the messaging app, and deactivate your account – simply uninstalling the app is insufficient
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Scammers push people to pay with iTunes gift cards
One thing we know about scammers — they want money, and they want it fast. That’s why, whatever the con they’re running, they usually ask people to pay a certain way. They want to make it easy for themselves to get the money — and nearly impossible for you to get it back.
Their latest method? iTunes gift cards. To convince you to pay, they might pretend to be with the IRS and say you’ll be arrested if you don’t pay back taxes right now. Or pose as a family member oronline love interest who needs your help fast. But as soon as you put money on a card and share the code with them, the money’s gone for good.
If you’re not shopping at the iTunes store, you shouldn’t be paying with an iTunes gift card. Other payment methods scammers might ask for include Amazon gift cards, PayPal, reloadable cards like MoneyPak, Reloadit, or Vanilla, or by wiring money through services like Western Union or MoneyGram. Government offices won’t require you to use these payment methods.
If you get targeted by a scam like this, report it to the FTC atftc.gov/complaint.
Want to know more about avoiding scams? Read 10 Ways to Avoid Fraud
» Read more
What is a Lottery Scam?
Scratch-and-win scam
In a scratch-and-win scam, you might be approached by someone while shopping in Johor Bahru and invited to participate in a simple scratch-and-win promotion. You will then “win” a prize, but the scammer would tell you to follow them to their main office. Once there, you will have to pay administration charges or tax on your prize, which doesn't exist. You might even be asked to pay more money to join a grand draw with prizes such as cars or holidays, and the scammer would accompany you to an ATM in Singapore to collect money from you. Once they take your money, they say the prize is delayed and ask you to return another time.
Lottery/lucky draw scam
In a lottery/lucky draw scam, you receive a phone call or SMS notifying you that you have won a prize in a lucky draw – sometimes even a car or a condominium overseas. To claim the prize, you have to pay administrative fees or taxes; or to convert the prize into cash, you must make a payment to a foreign bank account. Or, in another type of lucky draw scam, you get a call to take part in a survey, which qualifies you to entry into a lucky draw. You then subsequently “win” the draw, but once again, have to pay administration fees to claim the prize.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
- Correspondence from out of the blue stating you have won a prize that you are not expecting are likely to be an invitation for you to be scammed
- If the email or letter or text message state that you simply need to pay a small “administration fee” to unlock your prize, this is likely to be a scam
- Be especially wary if you are told that you have been randomly selected to win
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
- Never make an up-front payment in order to claim a prize, as winning a draw should not require advance payment
- Never take up an offer to be ferried back to Singapore to withdraw money for someone else in order to claim a prize
- Ignore such calls and correspondences, especially if you have not entered any lucky draw
- Do not give in to greed; approach all unexpected 'windfalls' with scepticism
- Be wary of get-rich-quick offers – if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is
- Call the Police at '999' immediately to report the case
Source: Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - Beware of lucky draw scams!
Scammer's Contact and Identity:: Name: Miss Lee/manager of beauty company Number: +8523050694?
21 Oct 2016
By Anonymous
On Wednesday 19 October, i received a phone call from Hong Kong on my house phone. It was a Mandarin speaking woman from a beauty company telling me i have won 2nd prize in a lucky draw which has picked my number from computer from 2 million telephone nos. The prize was $150k worth of gift card or something to be used for their beauty products, treatments or massages. I didnt fall for the scam in the end but I did give some of my info, which worried me now.
Scammer's details:
Name: Miss Lee/manager of beauty company
Number: +8523050694?
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - Boyfriend asked to pay $250 for a $7,000 prize money
By Cayla
My boyfriend took a class survey at his school and got a call saying that from the survey taken he was picked out of everyone who took it and he won $7000. Although, when he told us to go to cvs to get the money the guy said we had to pay a $250 fee. We gave cvs the fee them the guy says we have to pay off the taxes which is $810. We were a little hesitant but considering that it involved the school we thought it could be legit. The guy said he would get a confirmation code sent to his phone and to take it to the bank to receive the cash but unfortunately he never got the confirmation code, and we've called the guy several times and got no answer! Its very sad how people will scam you out your money but it's even sadder how we fell for it. We should've known better.
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - I lost over $44K to a Lottery Scam
21 Aug 2016
By Anonymous
Towards end July, I received an overseas call from Hong Kong asking for my personal details before stating that I've been picked as a second prize winner for a lucky draw. They made a lot of follow-up contact and even made themselves seemed like belonging to different companies. They provided similar companies that really existed in the web, making me unable to tell whether it is a scam or not. I realized that all this was a scam when they sent me a bogus document which made me to confirm that it was a scam but its already too late as $44,700 is already lost.
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - My aunt was told she won $1 million and asked to appear in person to collect
By Sejal
On Tuesday, my aunt recieved a call from a Indian Party and they said that she had won $1 milloin dollar from the daily lottery party. She was asked to come to a particular place to recieve the amt. She immediately informed my mother about the call & when we called back there was no reply. I understood that it was a scam and so told her to delete the number and not to go that place. Please be safe and secure,
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Unexpected Money : Inheritance scams
These scams offer you the false promise of an inheritance to trick you into parting with your money or sharing your bank or credit card details.
How this scam works
A scammer may contact you out of the blue to tell you that you can claim a large inheritance from a distant relative or wealthy benefactor. You may be contacted by letter, phone call, text message, email or social networking message.
The scammer usually poses as a lawyer, banker or other foreign official, and claims that the deceased left no other beneficiaries.
Sometimes the scammer will say you are legally entitled to claim the inheritance. Alternatively, they might say 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.
You will be told that your supposed inheritance is difficult to access due to government and bank restrictions or taxes in the country where the money is held, and that you will need to pay money and provide personal details to claim it.
See: Typical inheritance scam letter [ 
pdf (108.12 KB) ] .
Scammers will go to great lengths to convince you that a fortune awaits if you follow their instructions. They may even send you a large number of seemingly legitimate legal documents to sign, such as power of attorney documents. In some cases you may be invited overseas to examine documents and the money.
You may be introduced to a second or even third scammer – posing as a banker, lawyer or tax agent – to 'help facilitate the legal and financial aspects of the transaction'.
If you make a payment, you won’t receive the sum of 'inheritance' money promised to you, and you won't get your money back. You may also leave yourself open to identity theft.
Warning signs
- You are contacted out of the blue by a scammer posing as a lawyer or banker and offering you a large inheritance from a distant relative or wealthy individual.
- The offer looks convincing and may use official-looking letterhead and/or logos, but will usually contain spelling mistakes and grammatical errors.
- The size of the supposed inheritance may be very large, sometimes many millions of dollars, and may be quoted in foreign currency.
- You are provided with fake bank statements, birth certificates and other documents if you question the legitimacy.
- You are asked to provide your bank account details, copies of identity documents as verification, and to pay a series of fees, charges or taxes to help release or transfer the money out of the country through your bank.
- Fees may initially be for small amounts but you will be asked to make further larger payments.
- The scammer offers to meet you in person to verify the proposal, but this rarely eventuates.
Protect yourself
- Never send money or give credit card, online account details or copies of personal documents to anyone you don’t know or trust and never by email.
- Avoid any arrangement with a stranger that asks for up-front payment via money order, wire transfer, international funds transfer, pre-loaded card or electronic currency. It is rare to recover money sent this way.
- Seek advice from an independent professional such as a lawyer, accountant or financial planner if in doubt.
- Do an internet search using the names or exact wording of the letter/email to check for any references to a scam – many scams can be identified this way.
- If you think it’s a scam, don't respond — scammers will use a personal touch to play on your emotions to get what they want.
- Remember there are no get-rich-quick schemes: if it sounds too good to be true it probably is.
Have you been scammed?
If you think you have provided your account details, passport, or other personal identification details to a scammer, contact your bank, financial institution, or other relevant agencies immediately.
We encourage you to report scams to the ACCC via the report a scam page. This helps us to warn people about current scams, monitor trends and disrupt scams where possible. Please include details of the scam contact you received, for example, email or screenshot.
We also provide guidance on protecting yourself from scams and where to get help.
Spread the word to your friends and family to protect them.
» Read more
Unexpected Money : Nigerian scams
Nigerian scams involve offering you a share in a large sum of money on the condition you help them to transfer it out of their country.
How this scam works
The scammer will tell you an elaborate fake story about large amounts of money 'trapped' in central banks during civil wars or coups, often in countries currently in the news. Or they may tell you about a large inheritance that is 'difficult to access' because of government restrictions or taxes in their country.
The scammer may contact you by email, letter, text message or social networking message. They will offer you a large sum of money to help them transfer their personal fortune out of their country.
These scams are often known as 'Nigerian 419' scams because the first wave of them came from Nigeria. The '419' part of the name comes from the section of Nigeria’s Criminal Code which outlaws the practice. These scams now come from anywhere in the world.
Scammers may ask for your bank account details to 'help them transfer the money' and use this information to later steal your funds.
Or they may ask you to pay fees, charges or taxes to 'help release or transfer the money out of the country' through your bank. These fees may even start out as quite small amounts. If paid, the scammer may make up new fees that require payment before you can receive your reward. They will keep asking for more money as long as you are willing to part with it.
You will never be sent the money that was promised.
Warning signs
- You receive a contact out of the blue asking you to 'help' someone from another country transfer money out of their country (e.g. Nigeria, Sierra Leone or Iraq).
- The request includes a long and often sad story about why the money cannot be transferred by the rightful owner.
- You are offered a financial reward for helping them access their 'trapped' funds. The amount of money to be transferred, and the payment that the scammer promises to you if you help, is usually very large.
- The writing in the message is in very polite but broken English.
- The scammer will often ask you to send money via a money transfer service.
Protect yourself
- Never send money or give credit card details, online account details or copies of personal documents to anyone you don’t know or trust and never by email.
- Avoid any arrangement with a stranger that asks for up-front payment via money order, wire transfer, international funds transfer, pre-loaded card or electronic currency. It is rare to recover money sent this way.
- Do not agree to transfer money for someone else. Money laundering is a criminal offence.
- Seek independent advice from someone you know and trust if in doubt.
- Verify the identity of the contact by calling the relevant organisation directly – find them through an independent source such as a phone book or online search. Do not use the contact details provided in the message sent to you.
- Do an internet search using the names or exact wording of the letter/email to check for any references to a scam – many scams can be identified this way.
- If you think it’s a scam, don't respond — scammers will use a personal touch to play on your emotions to get what they want.
- Remember there are no get-rich-quick schemes: if it sounds too good to be true it probably is.
Have you been scammed?
If you think you have provided your account details, passport, tax file number, licence, Medicare or other personal identification details to a scammer, contact your bank, financial institution, or other relevant agencies immediately.
We encourage you to report scams to the ACCC via the report a scam page. This helps us to warn people about current scams, monitor trends and disrupt scams where possible. Please include details of the scam contact you received, for example, email or screenshot.
We also provide guidance on protecting yourself from scams and where to get help.
Spread the word to your friends and family to protect them.
» Read more
Unexpected Money : Reclaim scams
Reclaim scams try to convince you that you are entitled to a rebate or reimbursement from the government, a bank or trusted organisation.
How this scam works
The scammer approaches you with a false claim that you are entitled to a reimbursement or rebate, such as for overpaid taxes, bank fees or some sort of compensation. The contact may come by mail, telephone, email, text message or social media.
They will pretend to be from the government, a bank or trusted organisation, and will ask you to make a small initial payment to cover 'administration fees' or taxes, in order to claim the amount owed to you.
If you hand over your money, you will lose it and not receive any rebate.
Warning signs
- You receive a contact out of the blue that claims you are eligible to reclaim money.
- The caller or sender pretends to be from a government department, financial institution or trusted organisation.
- In order to receive your money, you are asked to pay an upfront fee to cover 'administration fees' or taxes.
- The scammer will typically ask you to send the money via a money transfer service.
- You may also be asked to provide personal or financial details.
Protect yourself
- Verify the identity of the contact by calling the relevant organisation directly – find them through an independent source such as a phone book or online search. Do not use the contact details provided in the message sent to you.
- Do an internet search using the names or exact wording of the letter/email to check for any references to a scam – many scams can be identified this way.
- Remember, government departments will never contact you asking you to pay money upfront in order to claim a fee or rebate.
- If you think it's a scam, don't respond — scammers will use a personal touch to play on your emotions to get what they want.
- Never send money or give credit card details, online account details or copies of personal documents to anyone you don’t know or trust and never by email.
- Avoid any arrangement with a stranger that asks for up-front payment via money order, wire transfer or international funds transfer. It is rare to recover money sent this way.
- Protect your identity — your personal details are private and invaluable; keep them away from scammers. For example, don’t complete online forms attached to the reclaim offer.
Have you been scammed?
If you think you have provided your bank account or credit card details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
We encourage you to report scams to the ACCC via the report a scam page. This helps us to warn people about current scams, monitor trends and disrupt scams where possible. Please include details of the scam contact you received, for example, email or screenshot.
We also provide guidance on protecting yourself from scams and where to get help.
Spread the word to your friends and family to protect them.
» Read more
Unexpected Money : Up-front payment & advanced fee frauds
Up-front payment and advanced fee frauds ask you to send money up-front in order to later receive some sort of 'reward', such as a prize, discounted holiday, or pre-approved loan.
Common examples of up-front payment scams
- Reclaim scams – the scammer claims that you are entitled to some sort of reimbursement or rebate, but have to pay a fee to receive it.
- Inheritance scams – the scammer claims you have inherited a large sum of money but have to pay a fee to access it.
- Unexpected prize and lottery scams – the scammer tells you that you have won a prize or a competition but you have to pay a fee to receive it.
- Travel prize scams – the scammer offers you a free or discounted holiday on the condition that you buy 'travel vouchers' before booking.
- Native language scams – the scammer targets households that speak languages other than English and makes phone calls in that language pretending to be a friend or relative asking for emergency financial aid. Similar scams also target English speakers.
- Rental scams – the scammer advertises cheap rental properties online, asking you to pay a booking fee, but fails to deliver the service.
- Promises of goods or profits from commodities such as gold, gemstones and oil – the scammer makes false promises of free goods or a share in the profitable business, but asks you to pay a fee in order to take part.
The scammer will ask you to pay a fee or provide your bank account details in order to gain access to the offer. If you send money you may find that you receive nothing in return, or that you don’t get what you were promised. If you provide your credit card or banking details, you may find that more than the requested fee was taken.
Warning signs
- You receive an unsolicited email, letter, telephone call or visit from a 'salesperson' promising you something exciting or valuable for a small upfront payment or fee.
- You are offered an impressive 'reward' such as a prize, a holiday, a discount on a car repair service, a pre-approved loan or credit card application or even a sum of money.
- You are told that you need to pay an up-front cost such as an administration fee, taxes or postage and shipping costs.
- The 'reward' is much greater than the amount that you are asked to pay up-front.
Protect yourself
- Never send money or give credit card details, online account details, or copies of important personal documents to anyone you don’t know or trust and never by email.
- Avoid any arrangement with a stranger that asks for up-front payment via money order, wire transfer, international funds transfer, pre-loaded card or electronic currency. It is rare to recover money sent this way.
- Note that government departments will never contact you asking you to pay money upfront in order to claim a fee or rebate.
- Legitimate credit card or loan providers will not ask you to pay a fee to guarantee approval, and banks and credit unions will only allow you to have a credit card if you meet their criteria. No one can guarantee these approvals in exchange for a fee.
- Seek advice from an independent professional such as a lawyer, accountant or financial planner if in doubt.
- Verify the identity of the contact by calling the relevant organisation directly – find them through an independent source such as a phone book or online search. Do not use the contact details provided in the message sent to you.
- Do an internet search using the names or exact wording of the letter/email to check for any references to a scam – many scams can be identified this way.
- Remember there are no get-rich-quick schemes: if it sounds too good to be true it probably is.
Have you been scammed?
If you've been scammed there are steps you can take to minimise the damage and prevent further loss.
If you've disclosed your credit card, banking account details or other personal details, contact your financial institution and other relevant agencies.
We encourage you to report scams to the ACCC via the report a scam page. This helps us to warn people about current scams, monitor trends and disrupt scams where possible. Please include details of the scam contact you received, for example, email or screenshot.
We also provide guidance on protecting yourself from scams and where to get help.
Spread the word to your friends and family to protect them.
If the scammer made contact on a shopping, dating or social media site please contact the relevant website to let them know the scammer’s profile name and any other details that may help them to stop others being scammed.
» Read more
Unexpected prize & lottery scams
Unexpected prize and lottery scams work by asking you to pay some sort of fee in order to claim your prize or winnings from a competition or lottery you never entered.
How this scam works
You will receive notification that you have won a lot of money or a fantastic prize in a competition, lottery or sweepstake that you don’t remember entering. The contact may come by mail, telephone, email, text message or social media.
The prize you have ‘won’ could be anything from a tropical holiday to electronic equipment such as a laptop or a smartphone, or even money from an international lottery.
To claim your prize, you will be asked to pay a fee. Scammers will often say these fees are for insurance costs, government taxes, bank fees or courier charges. The scammers make money by continually collecting these fees from you and stalling the payment of your winnings.
Alternatively the scammer will collect a premium rate on the phone number you are asked to dial (usually starting with 190). They will try to keep you on the line for a long time in order to clock up a hefty charge, and may even ask you to call a second premium rate number.
The email, letter or text message you receive will ask you to respond quickly or risk missing out. It may also urge you to keep your winnings private or confidential, to ‘maintain security’ or stop other people from getting your prize by mistake. Scammers do this to prevent you from seeking further information or advice from independent sources.
Lottery scams may use the names of legitimate overseas lotteries (often Spanish lotteries), so that if you do some superficial research, the scam will seem real. Some examples of the real Spanish lotteries that the scammers falsely use are Loteria Primitiva and El Gordo.
Real examples of lottery scams:
You may also be asked to provide personal details to prove that you are the correct winner and to give your bank account details so the prize can be sent to you. Scammers use these details to try to misuse your identity and steal any money you have in your bank account.
Sometimes the scammers actually do send a cheque for part of your winnings, such as a few thousand dollars of winnings, to trick you into thinking the offer is legitimate. However this cheque will eventually bounce and you will not receive any real payments.
The scammer will take your payment and fail to deliver the prize, or send you something that falls short of the promised prize.
Warning signs
- You receive a letter, email or text message saying you have won a guaranteed prize in a lottery or competition that you did not enter.
- The sender claims they have identified you as a winner by randomly choosing your email address. They may say the offer is 'legal' or 'legitimate', and has 'government approval'.
- To claim your prize you are asked to buy a ticket, pay a fee or call a premium rate phone number (usually starting with 190).
- You may be asked to provide your bank account details, or to send the fee to a PO box number or via a money transfer service.
Protect yourself
- If someone asks you to pay money up-front in order to receive a prize or winnings, it’s almost always a scam. Legitimate lotteries do not require you to pay a fee to collect winnings.
- Be careful of phone numbers beginning with 190. These are charged at a premium rate (sometimes even for receiving a message) and can be very expensive.
- Read all the terms and conditions of any offer very carefully – claims of free or very cheap offers often have hidden costs.
- If you think the prize offer might be genuine, contact your local consumer protection agency – they may be able to tell you more about the offer and if it is likely to be a scam.
- Verify the identity of the contact by calling the relevant organisation directly – find them through an independent source such as a phone book or online search. Do not use the contact details provided in the message sent to you.
- Do an internet search using the names or exact wording of the letter/email to check for any references to a scam – many scams can be identified this way.
- If you think it’s a scam, don't respond — scammers will use a personal touch to play on your emotions to get what they want.
- Never send money or give credit card, online account details, or copies of important personal documents to anyone you don’t know or trust and never by email.
- Avoid any arrangement with a stranger that asks for up-front payment via money order, wire transfer, international funds transfer, pre-loaded card or electronic currency. It is rare to recover money sent this way.
Have you been scammed?
If you think you have provided your bank account or credit card details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
We encourage you to report scams to the ACCC via the report a scam page. This helps us to warn people about current scams, monitor trends and disrupt scams where possible. Please include details of the scam contact you received, for example, email or screenshot.
We also provide guidance on protecting yourself from scams and where to get help.
Spread the word to your friends and family to protect them.
» Read more
Unexpected scratchie winning scams
Scratchie scams take the form of fake scratchie cards that promise some sort of prize, on the condition that the ‘winner’ pays a collection fee.
How this scam works
Scratchie cards are sometimes used in promotions, lotteries or competitions, beckoning users to ‘scratch and win an instant prize’, for example travel or holidays. While some scratchie cards may represent legitimate lotteries or competitions, you should be extremely suspicious of any scratchie card that requires a payment to claim a prize.
Scratchie scams will offer you an instant prize, but when you contact the trader to claim it, you will be asked to provide payment for various ‘fees’ via wire transfer or preloaded money card. The scammer may request bank details and photo identification. In some rare cases you may be asked to travel overseas to collect your winnings.
The scam package may include professional-looking brochures, which are designed to trick you into thinking the competition is legitimate. It may include contact details for a business overseas and a web address for a fraudulent but professional-looking website.
The up-front payment requested can be as high as a few thousand dollars. If you pay, you will not receive the prize, and you will never see your money again. If you provide your personal details, they may be used for further fraudulent activity such as identity crime.
Warning signs
- You receive a letter or brochure in your mailbox which includes scratchie cards.
- You are asked to send a fee or bank account details to collect your prize.
- The trader offering the prize claims the offer is legitimate.
- The trader offering the prize claims the offer has government approval.
Protect yourself
- If someone asks you to pay money up-front in order to receive a prize or winnings, it’s almost always a scam.
- Avoid any arrangement with a stranger that asks for up-front payment via money order, wire transfer, international funds transfer, pre-loaded card or electronic currency. It is rare to recover money sent this way.
- Do an internet search using the names or exact wording on the scratchie card to check for any references to a scam – many scams can be identified this way.
- Never send money or give credit card, online account details, or copies of important personal documents to anyone you don’t know or trust and never by email.
Have you been scammed?
If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
We encourage you to report scams to the ACCC via the report a scam page. This helps us to warn people about current scams, monitor trends and disrupt scams where possible. Please include details of the scam contact you received, for example, email or screenshot.
We also provide guidance on protecting yourself from scams and where to get help.
Spread the word to your friends and family to protect them.
» Read more
Unexpected travel prize winning scams
Travel prize scams are attempts to trick you into parting with your money to claim a ‘reward’ such as a free or discounted holiday.
How this scam works
Travel prize scams often eventuate after you have been searching for a holiday online and sign up to receive further information. Shortly afterwards, you receive a notification by phone, text, email or post claiming that you have won a prize in the form of travel vouchers, often worth $2000 or $3000.
Alternatively, you participate in an online survey and are subsequently notified that you have won a holiday or vouchers. When you go to claim your prize, you are told that you first need to buy more travel vouchers.
The scammer presents you with an amazing offer for a heavily discounted accommodation or holiday package to a popular destination, such as Thailand, Bali or the Pacific Islands. Other scams offer holidays to Florida or the Bahamas with tickets to theme parks or cruises at greatly discounted rates. However, in reality the package or the prize doesn’t exist.
If you decide to take up this offer, you will be asked to provide your credit card and licence details before they can send you the ‘prize’. If you hand over your personal details, the scammer will quickly use these to take money from your bank account. They may also use your personal details to commit some other form of identity crime.
The promised prize or vouchers will either never arrive, or if they do, will be dishonoured when you try to redeem them. Sometimes the scammers will provide you with tickets and an itinerary but when the time to travel arrives, the tickets are useless and the business cannot be contacted.
Warning signs
- The amazing offer comes shortly after you have completed an online survey or signed up for further information.
- The supplier making the offer does not provide any contact details beyond an email or Post Office box.
- Scammers may claim to be affiliated with well-known and reputable businesses to try and convince you that they’re the real deal.
Protect yourself
- If you are considering buying a holiday package through a third party, find out if the offer is the real deal.
- Call the holiday accommodation provider directly to verify the deal using contact details sourced independently.
- Research the ‘business’ that you’re dealing with. Search online for reviews.
- Book through an accredited agent to make sure you get legitimate accommodation.
- Find accredited travel agents at www.atas.com.au(link is external) – the website administered by the Australian Federation of Travel Agents’ ATAS. ATAS-accredited agents must abide by a code of conduct and have dispute resolution procedures in place.
- Be cautious about the requested method of payment: different means of payment offer different protections. Be wary of requests for cheques, bank or wire transfers when booking travel.
- If booking online, choose secure payment methods. If you pay with a credit card, you may be able to seek a chargeback if you don’t get what you pay for.
Have you been scammed?
If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
We encourage you to report scams to the ACCC via the report a scam page. This helps us to warn people about current scams, monitor trends and disrupt scams where possible. Please include details of the scam contact you received, for example, email or screenshot.
We also provide guidance on protecting yourself from scams and where to get help.
Spread the word to your friends and family to protect them.
» Read more
What is a Money Mule Scam?
Be especially wary if someone who befriends you online asks to use your bank account to receive money, or to pass money to someone else through your account. You may be in the process of being recruited as a money mule.
Members of foreign criminal syndicates befriend targets on social networking websites. These criminals often pose as lonely individuals seeking companionship and love. After gaining the money mule's trust, the criminal would ask him or her to open new bank accounts or use an existing account to receive money. When the money is deposited into the bank account, the money mule is asked to pass or send the money to another person or company that is usually overseas. Alternatively, criminal syndicates post job advertisements on online job portals. The job position is an agent who earns commission for receiving and transferring money for a “legitimate” company.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
- Be wary of people offering commission for doing very little other than transferring money
- If a job sounds too good to be true by offering an income for doing no work, it probably is a scam
- Be suspicious of relative strangers asking for personal details
- Be wary of employers who do not have a street address; they may be trying to avoid being traced later on
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
- Do not give out personal particulars or bank account details to strangers
- Decline any request by an online acquaintance for money transfers – you might unwittingly be committing a crime by laundering money for another party
- If you suspect that you have received money in your account in the circumstances above, report this to the bank and the Police immediately – and if the money is still in your account, do not deal with it
- Ensure that your bank account is used only for your personal banking needs
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
What is an Online Purchase Scam?
If you see something being sold for a price that seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Victims of the online purchase scam, tempted by what seems like a good deal for a gadget, transfer money to the “seller” who promises delivery of the item.
In some cases, sellers may also demand more payments for “duties” or delivery charges– and ultimately, the victim never receives the item.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
- Be wary of people selling items for prices that sound too good to be true
- Check that the seller is physically located where they claim to be; if the seller does not provide enough information about their business or terms and conditions upfront, be suspicious
- Check the seller's track record by reading reviews of their services or contact past customers
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
- Bear in mind that the party that you are dealing with online is a stranger. Before performing a transaction on an online shopping site, find out how the site safeguards your interest or can help you resolve disputes
- If advanced payments are required, use shopping platforms that provide arrangements to only release your payment to the seller upon your receipt of the item
- Only buy from reputable online vendors; research the vendor by searching for reviews about them
- Only transact with people you trust – verify the seller's identity with a phone number if possible.
- Be mindful that although culprits may provide a copy of an identification card or driver's licence to gain your trust, it may not necessarily belong to the person communicating with you online
- Never give bank account numbers, credit card numbers or personal information to anyone you do not trust or have not checked out beforehand
- Think about what information is necessary for the purchase and do not give out any more
- Note that scammers may use a local bank account to enhance their credibility; however the owner of the account may not be the person communicating with you online
- Insist on cash on delivery especially if responding to online classified advertisements
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Classified scams
Classified scams trick buyers or sellers into thinking they are dealing with a legitimate contact but it is actually a scammer.
How this scam works
For buyers
Scammers will pose as genuine sellers and post fake ads on classifieds websites, in print classifieds, and may approach you through email or on social media platforms.
The ad can be for anything, such as rental properties, pets, used cars, boats, bikes, caravans and horses. It may even include pictures and other details – often copied from a genuine seller’s ad. In order to lure a number of victims in a hurry, the scammer advertises the item at a low price, often much lower than comparable items advertised on the same site.
When you show interest in the item, the scammer may claim that they are travelling or have moved overseas and that an agent will deliver the goods following receipt of payment. Following payment you may receive a fake email receipt claiming to be from the website’s secure payment provider, however, you won’t receive the goods and will not be able to contact the seller.
In the case of rental properties, the scammer will pose as a property owner or landlord and post a fake copy of a genuine rental property ad. When you show interest, the scammer will make excuses as to why you cannot inspect the property, often claiming that they are currently overseas. If you are still interested, they will ask for bond, rent payments or deposits in advance. You will never receive the keys to the property and the scammer will disappear with your money.
For sellers
If you are advertising your items for sale through print and online classifieds, beware of scammers posing as genuine buyers. Scammers may make up stories such as needing your help to pay an agent or third party for upfront costs like transportation or insurance. They may promise you reimbursement for these costs.
Alternatively the scammer may send a cheque for more money than the agreed sale price. The scammer will invent an excuse for the overpayment, such as to cover the fees of an agent or extra shipping costs, or that it was simply human error. The scammer will then ask you to refund the excess amount – usually through an online banking transfer, pre-loaded money card, or a wire transfer – before you discover that their cheque has bounced.
In both cases, you will lose the money you gave the scammer, and if you have already sent the item you were selling, you will lose it as well.
Warning signs
For buyers
- The classified ad promotes products, services or rental properties advertised at very low prices, often lower than comparable items advertised on the same and other websites.
- The seller claims to be unavailable (e.g. they are travelling or have moved overseas) and insists on payment prior to arranging for delivery of the goods.
- You receive a fake email receipt claiming to be from the website’s secure payment provider.
- When dealing with rental property, the ‘landlord’ won’t allow you to view the property and will ask for bond, rent payments or deposits in advance.
For sellers
- The potential buyer is willing to purchase your item without having viewed it in person – even if you are selling an expensive item such as a car.
- A potential overseas buyer is interested in purchasing your item despite it being a commonly available item in their home country (e.g. a car or a couch). Often the shipping costs would far outweigh the cost of the item itself.
- The buyer sends you a cheque for more than the agreed price, and then asks you to refund the overpaid amount.
Protect yourself
For buyers
- If the advertised price of a good, service or rental property looks too good to be true, it probably is. If you have any doubts, don't go ahead with the deal.
- Don’t trust the legitimacy of an ad just because it appears in a reputable newspaper or classifieds website – scammers post fake ads in these too.
- Do an internet search using the exact wording in the ad, many well-known scams can be found this way.
- For rental properties or holiday accommodation, only use reputable online booking agents - do an online search to find out which ones are reliable. Always check the refunds and cancellations policy.
- For physical goods, the safest option is to only pay the seller after you have inspected the goods in person. Similarly, do not pay a deposit or any partial payments before you have inspected an item.
- Don't trust an ad that says you can buy a pet from overseas in a few weeks as there are quarantine procedures(link is external) that need to be followed.
For sellers
- Be wary of any transactions that involve an overpayment, and requests to refund the excess money by internet banking or wire transfers.
- Avoid any arrangement with a stranger that asks for payment via money order, wire transfer, international funds transfer, pre-loaded card or electronic currency. It is rare to recover money sent this way.
- If you have been sent a cheque for more money than the agreed price, send it back and ask for another cheque with the correct amount.
- Do not send the items to the buyer until the cheque has cleared in your bank account.
- For items of high value, do not allow potential buyers to inspect the goods without someone else being there to supervise.
Have you been scammed?
We encourage you to report scams to the ACCC via the report a scam page. This helps us to warn people about current scams, monitor trends and disrupt scams where possible. Please include details of the scam contact you received, for example, email or screenshot.
We also provide guidance on protecting yourself from scams and where to get help.
Spread the word to your friends and family to protect them.
Contact the relevant website to let them know the scammer’s profile name and any other details that may help them to stop others being scammed.
» Read more
Fake friends, fake news, phony weight-loss promises
An email from a friend urges you to try new weight-loss pills. There’s a link to an article about a celebrity’s amazing results with the pills, and the article’s author says he even tried this miracle product himself.
With all these trusted sources, why wouldn’t you give it a try?
Because it’s all a sham, that’s why. The email is not from a friend, but from a spammer who hacked into someone’s email account. The link they sent leads to a fake news site with made up success stories. Neither celebrities nor reporters ever really endorsed the pills. And the pill, itself? Questionable, at best.
The FTC charged four defendants who used these tactics with deceptively marketing their weight-loss products. According to the FTC, they sent millions of people illegal spam emails that were made to look like they came from someone familiar. Their goal? To generate sales. The FTC says the emails linked to fake news sites with fictitious articles and phony endorsements – even, supposedly, from Oprah. What’s more, says the FTC, there’s no solid science backing the defendants’ claims about the pills.
There are a few lessons to draw from this story:
- Don’t click emailed links or open attachments, even if you think you know the sender. Emails that seem to be from a friend might not be.
- Intrigued by weight-loss claims? Anyone saying they lostmore than a pound a week without diet and exercise is probably lying.
- Learn how to spot a fake news site, which often include fake celebrity endorsements. These actually are elaborate ads created by marketers.
- File a complaint with the FTC if you ever spot a scam, or get sold on phony product promises
» Read more
False billing
False billing scams request you or your business to pay fake invoices for directory listings, advertising, domain name renewals or office supplies that you did not order.
How this scam works
Your business might be sent an invoice, letter or invitation to be listed in a bogus trade directory or to renew your website domain name. Or the scammer might phone you out of the blue to confirm details of an advertisement booking or insist you've ordered certain goods or services. These scams take advantage of the fact the person handling the administrative duties for the business may not know whether any advertising or promotional activities have actually been requested.
Fake directories and advertising
Fake directory invitations will often include a form to be filled out and ask for your business contact details with an approval signature. You might be led to believe that you are responding to an offer for a free entry, but the form you are asked to complete is a disguised invoice or contract with the amount owed hidden in tiny print.
Alternatively, the scam might appear as a proposal for a subscription to a magazine or journal. These are often presented to look like those used by genuine directory publishers.
Another common method is for the scammer to phone a business asking to confirm details of an advertisement they claim has already been booked. The scammer might quote a genuine entry or advertisement your business has had in a different publication or directory to convince you that you really did use the scammer’s product.
If you refuse to pay, the scammers might try to intimidate you by threatening legal action.
Domain name renewal scams
Australian website domain names are registered with accredited domain name registrars and resellers, and must be renewed every couple of years. All registrars and resellers of .au domains in Australia are accredited through the industry self-regulatory body .au Domain Administrator (auDA(link is external)).
Domain name renewal scams can work in different ways. You may be sent an invoice requesting payment for a domain name that is very similar to your current domain name – the scammer hopes that you don’t notice the difference and just pay the invoice. For example, it may end in ‘.net.au’ instead of ‘.com.au’ or the ‘.au’ at the end may be missing. It may even be for a domain name in another country, such as ‘.cn’ for a China web address.
Alternatively you could be sent a letter that looks like a renewal notice for your actual domain name, but it is from a different company to the one you have previously used to register your domain name.
The sender may claim that another company is seeking to register the same domain name, but they are giving you the brief opportunity to secure the name first. You will be told your chance to use the domain name will end if you do not pay immediately.
Payment redirection scams
Using information they have obtained by hacking your computer systems, a scammer posing as one of your regular suppliers will tell you that their banking details have changed. They may tell you they have recently changed banks, and may use stolen letterhead and branding to convince you they are legitimate.
They will provide you with a new bank account number and ask that all future payments are processed accordingly. The scam is often only detected when your regular supplier asks why they have not been paid.
Office supply scams
An office supply scam involves receiving and being charged for goods that you did not order. These scams often involve goods or services that you regularly order: paper, printing supplies, maintenance supplies or advertising.
You might receive a phone call from someone claiming to be your regular supplier, or simply a new supplier, telling you that the offer is a 'special' or available for a 'limited time only'. If you agree to buy any of these supplies that are offered to you, they will often be overpriced and bad quality. Additionally, you may receive a further invoice or notification claiming that you have signed up to an ongoing supplier contract.
Warning signs
- You receive an invoice or phone call from a business directory or other publication you’ve never heard of, ‘confirming’ your entry or advertisement. You recognise the listing as one you put in a different publication.
- The caller claims that the government requires you to be listed in their register.
- You receive a letter or an invoice requesting payment for a domain registration or renewal. The renewal fee may be much higher than usual or be registered with a different company. The domain name may be very similar to your actual domain name with a different ending.
- You receive an invoice for goods or services you did not order or a call from somebody claiming to be your regular supplier, offering goods that you have ordered before.
- One of your employees might be offered a free gift by someone you’ve never heard of; the gift may arrive with other goods that your employee did not order.
Protect yourself
- Never agree to any business proposal on the phone: always ask for an offer in writing. If you are unsure about any part of a business offer, ask for more information or seek independent advice.
- Always check that goods or services were both ordered and delivered before paying an invoice, and always read the fine print carefully.
- Try to limit the number of people in your business who are authorised to make orders or pay invoices. Make sure the business billing you is the one you normally deal with.
- If you notice a supplier’s usual bank account details have changed, call them to confirm.
- Always get proof of directory entries before paying anything and never pay for an entry or advertisement you didn’t authorise. If you receive a telephone call or ‘invoice’ that comes from a publication you have never heard of, do not pay or give out your details until you have looked into the matter further.
- Keep written records of your authorisations for advertising or directory entries. If you receive an invoice or a telephone call, you can go back to your records to check it.
- If you are happy with your current domain name registration provider, simply ignore any other ‘renewal’ or ‘registration’ letters that you may receive from a different company. If you do want to switch domain name registration providers—make sure you know the full costs, terms and conditions of the offer before agreeing.
- Check if an Australian .au domain name provider is legitimate and accredited by visiting the auDA(link is external) website. For domain names in another country, a good starting point is the international Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN(link is external)).
- Immediately cut contact with scammers who attempt to bully or intimidate you.
Have you been scammed?
If you have received an unsolicited letter, email or invoice that appears to be a trade mark, patent or renewal invoice, contact IP Australia(link is external).
We encourage you to report scams to the ACCC via the report a scam page. This helps us to warn people about current scams, monitor trends and disrupt scams where possible. Please include details of the scam contact you received, for example, email or screenshot.
We also provide guidance on protecting yourself from scams and where to get help.
Spread the word to your friends and family to protect them.
» Read more
Health & medical products
Health and medical product scams may sell you healthcare products at low prices that you never receive, or make false promises about their ‘cure-all’ products, medicines and treatments.
Common examples of health and medical product scams
- Fake online pharmacies – the scammer offers cheap healthcare products or medicines without prescriptions via an email or website.
- Miracle cures – these scams make promises about a range of ‘cure-all’ products and services that can appear to be legitimate treatments for many different medical conditions.
Warning signs
- The product is sold through unconventional means. For example, it might be sold over the internet, by unqualified individuals, through mail order ads, or on television infomercials.
- The product or scheme lacks scientific evidence or demonstrated links between the result and the effects of the program, food, supplement, gadget or process being promoted.
Protect yourself
- When using a retail website find out exactly who you are dealing with. If it is an Australian company you are in a much better position to sort out the problem if something goes wrong.
- Make sure you know the full price of the product in Australian dollars (a lot of online shopping prices are quoted in $US) including any delivery charges.
- Read all the terms and conditions of any offer very carefully: claims of free or very cheap offers may have hidden costs.
- Ask yourself if the claims made about the product are reasonable or just too good to be true.
- Be suspicious of uninvited emails or pop-up boxes offering you unbelievable deals. Do not open suspicious or unsolicited emails (spam) and do not click on or open any files attached to them: delete them.
- Do an internet search using the website name or exact wording of the email or message to check for possible customer feedback after purchasing from the website and any references to a scam – many scams can be identified this way.
Have you been scammed?
If you've been scammed there are steps you can take to minimise the damage and prevent further loss.
We encourage you to report scams to the ACCC via the report a scam page. This helps us to warn people about current scams, monitor trends and disrupt scams where possible. Please include details of the scam contact you received, for example, email or screenshot.
We also provide guidance on protecting yourself from scams and where to get help.
Spread the word to your friends and family to protect them.
» Read more
Mobile premium services
Scammers create SMS competitions or trivia scams to trick you into paying extremely high call or text rates when replying to an unsolicited text message on your mobile or smart phone.
How this scam works
An unsolicited text message may invite you to enter a competition for a great prize—for example, a smart phone or tablet or gift vouchers for a well-known retailer. You will be required to send a text message back. You may also receive an email or encounter a pop-up window online asking you to enter your mobile number in order to claim a prize you’ve supposedly won. Sometimes these come in the guise of a ‘customer survey’ in which you are prompted to provide your mobile number.
Alternatively the message may invite you to take part in a trivia contest with a great prize on offer if you answer a certain number of questions correctly. The first lot of questions will be very easy – scammers do this intentionally to encourage you to keep playing. However, the last one or two questions that you need to answer to claim your ‘prize’ could be very difficult or impossible to answer correctly and may even require you to guess a random number.
The scammers make money by charging extremely high rates for the text messages you send, and any further messages they send to you. These charges will not be made clear to you, and could be as high as $4 for each message sent and/or received. You may also be automatically subscribed to ongoing charges. You will not discover these charges until you see your next itemised phone bill.
Warning signs
- You receive a text message, which may look like an advertisement, offering you the chance to win a great prize by sending a return text to enter a competition.
- A text message tells you that you could win a great prize by participating in a trivia competition over SMS. The first message may even contain a very easy question to tempt you.
- The text message (or advertisement) does not contain all the terms and conditions, or an ‘opt out’ to stop receiving more messages.
Protect yourself
- Do not respond to text messages or missed calls that come from numbers you don’t recognise.
- Look out for SMS and MMS numbers that start with 19 or phone numbers beginning with 190. These are charged at a premium rate, even sometimes for receiving a message, and can be very expensive.
- Contact your mobile phone service provider to ask about the number—they will know if it comes from a premium rate service. Ask your telephone company to put a bar on premium rate services (190 numbers) to and from your phone.
- If you did not want to participate and you receive more messages, contact your mobile phone service provider and explain that the charges are being made without your permission.
- Do not provide your mobile number to websites or in response to unsolicited emails claiming you can win a prize without very carefully checking the terms and conditions. If there are no terms and conditions or they seem to be hidden from plain view, don’t risk it.
- Read all terms and conditions of any offer very carefully. Claims of ‘free’ or ‘very cheap’ offers often have hidden costs. Before you sign up to a subscription service check that there is an option to ‘unsubscribe’.
Have you been scammed?
If you think you have provided your account details or personal identification details to a scammer, contact your bank, financial institution, or other relevant agencies immediately.
We encourage you to report scams to the ACCC via the report a scam page. This helps us to warn people about current scams, monitor trends and disrupt scams where possible. Please include details of the scam contact you received, for example, SMS or screenshot.
We also provide guidance on protecting yourself from scams and where to get help.
Spread the word to your friends and family to protect them.
» Read more
News - Avoid medicines scams
Every year hundreds of thousands of consumers buy scam miracle cures for conditions such as weight loss, baldness and impotence.
Many of these products are advertised online or via spam emails. They are often a waste of money, and they can also be dangerous. That's why you should never start a new medicine, or stop a medicine that has been prescribed for you, without speaking to a qualified health professional first, such as your GP or pharmacist.
The risks of buying medicines online
Some websites offer new medicines and treatments with amazing claims about how well they work. Other websites appear to sell established prescription medicines, which you may recognise or a doctor may have prescribed for you in the past. But these medicines may not be real. They may be fake medicines that do not contain the same ingredients. Not only will fake medicine not work like the real medicine, it may also harm you.
If you take prescription-only medicines – which only a doctor or health professional should prescribe for you – without first consulting a doctor, you risk taking medicines that are not safe or not right for you. If you have a health condition and you stop taking a medicine prescribed for you so you can take a new medicine you bought online, your health condition may get worse.
Avoiding fake (counterfeit) medicines
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for medicines regulation. Anybody selling medicines online needs to be registered with the MHRA. Legitimate websites selling medicines in the EU have to display a logo showing a white cross on a green striped background. This should link to the MHRA's list of registered online sellers so you can check the site is properly registered.
Some online pharmacies bear the green cross logo of the General Pharmaceutical Council. This means the pharmacy is registered and should be safe to use. The MHRA warns counterfeit medicines can contain harmful ingredients, such as rat poison and lead-based road paint. They are often produced by people who have no appropriate qualifications in unhygienic surroundings. It's rare for fake medicines to be produced in the UK. Most of those discovered in the UK come from Asia, in particular from the Far East.
The most common fake medicines found in the UK are medicines for erectile dysfunction and weight loss. Get informed about dodgy diet pills sold online. Heart, cancer, anti-cholesterol medicines, anti-psychotics and antidepressants have also been discovered by the MHRA in the UK.
Reporting counterfeit medicines
If you have any concerns or information that could help the MHRA track down people responsible for fake medicines and devices, you can email them at counterfeit@mhra.gsi.gov.uk, ring their 24-hour hotline on 020 3080 6701, or visit the Yellow Card Scheme website.
Common medicines scams
Thousands of websites offer scam health products for sale online. Beware of websites that:
- promise a "new miracle cure" or "wonder breakthrough" – in reality, their products are probably not tested or proven to work.
- try to convince you with testimonials from previous customers – how do you know these testimonials are genuine? Even if they are genuine, anecdotal evidence like this isn't the same as the scientific evidence genuine medicines are based on.
- offer "no risk" money-back guarantees – try to get your money back, and the scammers will disappear.
- contain endorsements from a doctor or health professional who quotes scientific evidence – look closer, and you'll see these "doctors" are not attached to any known institution or clinical practice, and the "evidence" hasn't been published in a recognised journal.
Medicines the right way
When it comes to medicines, it's best to speak to a qualified health professional first. Your GP can help with a range of medicines issues, whether you think you may have a health condition and want to know if medicines can help, or you're already taking medicines and have questions about them. Your local pharmacist can also help with questions about medicines. If you're already taking medicines, they can offer a medicines use review, where they talk through your medicines with you.
Read more about how your pharmacist can help. Any medicines that have been prescribed or bought over the counter will come with a patient information leaflet. This contains important information about using them safely.
Source: NHS UK
Online shopping scams
Online shopping scams involve scammers pretending to be legitimate online sellers, either with a fake website or a fake ad on a genuine retailer site.
How this scam works
While many online sellers are legitimate, unfortunately scammers can use the anonymous nature of the internet to rip off unsuspecting shoppers.
Fake retailer websites
Scammers use the latest technology to set up fake retailer websites that look like genuine online retail stores. They may use sophisticated designs and layouts, possibly stolen logos, and even a ‘.com.au’ domain name and stolen Australian Business Number (ABN).
The biggest tip-off that a retail website is a scam is the method of payment. Scammers will often ask you to pay using a money order, pre-loaded money card, or wire transfer, but if you send your money this way, it’s unlikely you will see it again or receive your purchased item.
Online auction sites
Most online auction sites (e.g. Ebay) have strict policies to ensure their customers are not scammed. Scammers know this, so they will often try to get people to make a deal outside the auction site. Scammers may claim that the winner of an auction you were bidding in has pulled out, and offer the item for sale to you. Once they have your money, you will never hear from them again and the auction site will not be able to help you.
Online classified websites
Online classified websites promote the sale of goods and services, but allow sellers and potential buyers to negotiate on a price outside of the website.
Scammers may pose as genuine sellers and post fake ads for anything, such as rental properties, pets, used cars, boats, bikes, caravans and horses. The scammers may advertise items at a price much lower than comparable items advertised on the same site. These are known as classified scams.
Scammers may also pose as buyers, send you a cheque for more than the required payment on an item, and then ask you to refund the difference. These are known as overpayment scams.
Warning signs
- A product is advertised at an unbelievably low price, or advertised to have amazing benefits or features that sound too good to be true.
- The other party insists on immediate payment, or payment by electronic funds transfer or a wire service. They may insist that you pay up-front for vouchers before you can access a cheap deal or a give-away.
- An online auction seller and any initial bidders have a very poor rating, or the seller wants to complete the sale outside of the auction website. If you do this, you lose any protection offered by the website operator.
- An online retailer does not provide adequate information about privacy, terms and conditions of use, dispute resolution or contact details. The seller may be based overseas, or the seller does not allow payment through a secure payment service such as PayPal or a credit card transaction.
Protect yourself
- Check if the website or online auction site has a refund or returns policy, and that their policies sound fair. The better online shopping and auction sites have detailed complaint or dispute handling processes in case something goes wrong.
- When using retail websites, find out exactly who you are dealing with. If it is an Australian company, you are in a much better position to sort out the problem if something goes wrong.
- When making online payments, only pay for items using a secure payment service—look for a URL starting with ‘https’ and a closed padlock symbol, or a payment provider such as PayPal. Think twice before using virtual currencies such as bitcoin—they do not have the same protections as other transaction methods so you can’t get your money back once you send it.
- When buying from an online classifieds website, only pay when you have physically inspected or received the goods. If you have any doubts about the product or the person selling it, don’t go ahead with the deal.
- When using online auction websites, check all comments about the seller you are considering buying from. Never trade outside of the auction website.
- If you are buying from an online auction you may want to use an ‘escrow’ service. Escrow services collect your payment, then release payment to the trader or seller only when you have confirmed that the product has arrived and is what you paid for. There is usually a small fee for this service. Only use a reputable escrow service—online auction sites may provide a list of recommended providers.
- Avoid any arrangement with a stranger that asks for up-front payment via money order, wire transfer, international funds transfer, pre-loaded card or electronic currency. It is rare to recover money sent this way. Never send money or give credit card or online account details to anyone you don’t know or trust and never by email.
Have you been scammed?
If you have bought something online and there is a problem, you should first try to contact the retailer or auction service(link is external). There may be a legitimate reason for the problem.
If you are not satisfied with the response and suspect that it may be a scam, you may be able to arrange a charge-back through your bank or credit union if you have paid by credit card. You may wish to contact your local consumer protection agency to seek assistance.
We encourage you to report scams to the ACCC via the report a scam page. This helps us to warn people about current scams, monitor trends and disrupt scams where possible. Please include details of the scam contact you received, for example, email or screenshot.
We also provide guidance on protecting yourself from scams and where to get help.
Spread the word to your friends and family to protect them.
» Read more
Overpayment scams
Overpayment scams work by getting you to ‘refund’ a scammer who has sent you a cheque for too much money for an item you are selling.
How this scam works
If you are selling something online or through classifieds ads, you may be targeted by a cheque overpayment scam.
The scammer will contact you, make you an offer—often quite generous—then send you a cheque as payment. The cheque will be for an amount that is greater than the agreed price.
Before the cheque has been cleared by your bank the scammer will contact you with an apology for the overpayment, offering a fake excuse. The scammer might tell you that the extra money was included to cover agent's fees or extra shipping costs. Or they may just say they simply made a mistake when writing the cheque.
The scammer will then ask you to refund the excess amount—usually through an online banking transfer, pre-loaded money card, or a wire transfer such as Western Union—before you discover that their cheque has bounced.
If you send any money, you will not get it back. If you have already sent the 'sold' item you will lose this as well. At the very least, the scammer will have wasted your time and prevented you from accepting any legitimate offers on your sale.
Warning signs
- Somebody makes an offer to buy something you have for sale and pays you more than the agreed price with a cheque.
- You are asked to refund the overpaid amount to a specific bank account or through a wire transfer.
Protect yourself
- Avoid any arrangement with a stranger that asks for up-front payment via money order, wire transfer, international funds transfer, pre-loaded card or electronic currency. It is rare to recover money sent this way.
- If you have been sent a cheque for more money than the agreed price, send it back and ask for another cheque with the correct amount. Do not agree to repay the difference until you are certain that the cheque has cleared.
- Do not send the items to the buyer until the cheque has cleared in your bank account.
- For items of high value, do not allow potential buyers to inspect the goods without someone else being there.
Have you been scammed?
We encourage you to report scams to the ACCC via the report a scam page. This helps us to warn people about current scams, monitor trends and disrupt scams where possible. Please include details of the scam contact you received, for example, email or screenshot.
We also provide guidance on protecting yourself from scams and where to get help.
Spread the word to your friends and family to protect them.
» Read more
Psychic & clairvoyant
Psychic and clairvoyant scams are designed to trick you into giving away your money, usually offering ‘help’ in exchange for a fee.
How this scam works
Psychic and clairvoyant scammers approach you by post, email, telephone or even face-to-face to foreshadow a positive upcoming event or claiming that you are in some sort of trouble and offering a solution.
This solution could be winning lottery numbers, a lucky charm, the removal of a curse or jinx, or ongoing protection. The scammer will tell you that they will help you in return for a fee. If you refuse to pay, some scammers will threaten to invoke a curse or bad luck charm on you.
Scammers may try and talk you into buying a lucky charm or secret of wealth, and once you have paid, will send you a worthless item or nothing at all. Alternatively, the scammer may warn you of a false future event and then promise to protect you from that event in return for ongoing payments.
These kinds of scams can also lead to your name and contact details being put onto a ‘victim list’ which will result in you receiving further scam approaches, for example unexpected prize or lottery scams or inheritance scams.
Remember, the psychic or clairvoyant may try to convince you that their insights are genuine by telling you something about yourself. Ask yourself if they are telling you something that is general and could be true about anyone. They may also tell you something about yourself that you mentioned previously or that they gathered from another source, such as personal details you posted on a social networking website.
Warning signs
- You receive an email or letter out of the blue from somebody claiming to be a psychic or clairvoyant. This person claims to have some sort of special insight into your life.
- They may claim you have been cursed or jinxed and offer to remove this themselves or give you the name of someone else who can do so.
- You may be offered a good luck charm, the secret to enormous wealth, magic potions or winning lottery numbers for a fee.
Protect yourself
- If you are approached by a psychic or clairvoyant and they tell you that you are in danger, have bad luck or are cursed, be very cautious – their solution is likely to be a scam.
- Never send any money, credit card or other personal details to these scammers, and never by email. Responding for any reason only indicates you're interested and you could end up with many more potential scam letters and emails in the future.
- If you want to engage the services of a psychic or clairvoyant, ensure you know the total cost of anything you order and exactly what you will receive. Ask if there are any conditions and ongoing or hidden costs.
- Never call a telephone number that you see in a scam email.
Have you been scammed?
If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
We encourage you to report scams to the ACCC via the report a scam page. This helps us to warn people about current scams, monitor trends and disrupt scams where possible. Please include details of the scam contact you received, for example, email or screenshot.
We also provide guidance on protecting yourself from scams and where to get help.
Spread the word to your friends and family to protect them.
» Read more
Remote access scams
Remote access scams try to convince you that you have a computer or internet problem and that you need to buy new software to fix the problem.
How this scam works
The scammer will phone you and pretend to be a staff member from a large telecommunications or computer company, such as Telstra, the NBN or Microsoft. Alternatively they may claim to be from a technical support service provider.
They will tell you that your computer has been sending error messages or that it has a virus. They may mention problems with your internet connection or your phone line and say this has affected your computer's recent performance. They may claim that your broadband connection has been hacked.
The caller will request remote access to your computer to ‘find out what the problem is’.
The scammer may try to talk you into buying unnecessary software or a service to ‘fix’ the computer, or they may ask you for your personal details and your bank or credit card details.
The scammer may initially sound professional and knowledgeable—however they will be very persistent and may become abusive if you don't do what they ask.
You don't have to be a Telstra or Microsoft customer to be called by these scammers. You don’t even have to own a computer!
Warning signs
- You receive a phone call out of the blue and the caller claims to be from a large telecommunications or computer company, or a technical support service provider.
- They tell you that your computer is experiencing technical problems and they need remote access to sort out the problem.
- They ask you to buy software or sign up to a service to fix the computer.
- They ask for your personal details and your bank or credit card details.
- The caller is very persistent and may become abusive.
Protect yourself
- Never give an unsolicited caller remote access to your computer.
- Never give your personal, credit card or online account details over the phone unless you made the call and the phone number came from a trusted source.
- If you receive a phone call out of the blue about your computer and remote access is requested – hang up – even if they mention a well-known company such as Telstra. Telstra does not request credit card details over the phone to fix computer or telephone problems, and is not affiliated with any companies that do.
- Remember that you can still receive scam calls even if you have a private number or have listed your number on the Australian Government's Do Not Call Register(link is external). Scammers can obtain your number fraudulently.
- Make sure your computer is protected with regularly updated anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a good firewall. Research first and only purchase software from a source that you know and trust.
- If you have fallen victim to a scam or you receive a lot of unsolicited emails and phone calls consider changing your email address and phone numbers.
Have you been scammed?
If you have given remote access to your computer, or you fear that your computer has been hacked, seek help or advice from a qualified and reputable computer technician.
If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
We encourage you to report scams to the ACCC via the report a scam page. This helps us to warn people about current scams, monitor trends and disrupt scams where possible.
We also provide guidance on protecting yourself from scams and where to get help.
Spread the word to your friends and family to protect them.
» Read more
Story - Beware of too good to be true deals!
4 Dec 2016
By Anonymous
Approached seller on carousel for hp deal, agreed on $499 and $250 by deposit, balance cash on delivery.
Received email that item was at custom pending refundable custom clearance fee of $695, after payment promised to deliver within 2hrs with the refund.
Received email again to say still pending as required court addicvit to clear custom, lawyer quoted $495.
Realised scam and lodged spf report.
posb: 0858146?? / 0398549??
ocbc: 5692386370??
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - Cheated by a seller who sold phone for $400
Money Lost: 150
Scammer's Contact and Identity:: Vonag? Mobile Limited
9 Nov 2016
By Anonymous
On 09 Nov 2016, I saw an advertisement at Qoo10 (links to Trez?.sg site) selling IPhone SE 64GB Rose Gold for $400. After deposit payment of $150 to seller POSB account 145-246??-1 as requested, seller has not responded. I lodged a police report on 10 Nov 2016. Fraud seller claims his company is Vonag? Mobile Limited located at Changi Airport. Let's hope police can do their part to ensure justice is served.
Scammer's contacts:
POSB account 145-246??-1
Trez?.sg
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - I paid $200 for a pair of shoes I bought online but they never came
Money Lost: $227
Scammer's Contact and Identity:: Boutiqueke?.com
7 Jan 2017
By Anonymous
I was purchasing a pair of shoes online. The website looked legit; it had all the attributes such as Contact Us, About Us, Safe Shopping Guarantee, Terms of Use & Privacy Policies tabs. I did not do further research of this website and did my purchase.
I paid using my debit card. They provided me with a tracking number to locate the parcel, but the courier name doesn't exist. They stopped replying to my emails too. Few days after the expected arrival date, I realised it was a scam.
Details: Boutiqueke?.com
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - I paid $80 for a giftcard but did not receive the item
Money Lost: $80
Scammer's Contact and Identity:: Fadingdaisyxo??
3 Jan 2017
By Anonymous
I wanted to purchase a $100 iTunes gift card at Carousell.
At about 2 weeks ago, I saw this person was selling the giftcard so I make an offer of $80 and was accepted. First he gave me this bank account no. "010-94511-?" after I did my first transfer, he told me that he has not received any money from me.
Then he gave me another bank account no. "010-94511-?". He claimed that the first account did not belong to him and wanted me to do another transfer before he sent out the item to me. After I made the transfer, he didn't reply my messages.
Scammer's contact: Fadingdaisyxo??
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - The goods that I ordered from an online retail store never came
Money Lost: USD$27.93
Scammer's Contact and Identity:: cool stuff emporium; Info@CoolStuffEmpori??.com
9 Jan 2017
By Anonymous
I ordered a elephant doll from "cool stuff emporium" (in Australia) back in September 2016. However, I have yet to receive the item. when I checked the website again on 8th Jan 2017, the website has been made unavailable. Then, I checked online about this company, and found out it is a scam. Many people had purchased the item from them and did not received the item.
I have lodged a complain through Tasmania consumer affair's website.
I hope this will alert the consumers here.
Scammer's details: Info@CoolStuffEmpori??.com
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
- ONLINE TRAVEL VACATION SCAM
What is an Online Travel Vacation Scam?
Have you ever been tempted by an online ad for a vacation that seems outrageously cheap? This is possibly an online travel scam. You might find that the hotel accommodation and air travel you paid for were not booked after all.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
- Goods or services being sold at incredibly low prices are often done in bad faith; if not a scam per se, there are often unclear terms and conditions attached that you should be wary of
- If a vendor does not clearly identify themselves with an address or a phone number, they might not be legitimate
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
- Check with official sources such as STB at www.stb.gov.sg if the vendor is an accredited travel agent
- Check with NATAS at www.natas.org.sg for what to look out for when considering a trip
- Make sure to read all the terms and conditions; avoid all such offers that require hidden fees or taxes
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - Cheap deal for MBS turns out to be a scam
By Anonymous
This lady by the name of Sally. C sells Marina Bay Sands (MBS) deals which is about $190 cheaper than booking via MBS website. I found one of her deals on "Singapore Staycation" facebook page as well as on Gumtree. Initial enquiry was made on 15 March via email. 1 month later I decided to deal with her. She asked for full name, contact number and date of stay etc. Will need to make a bank transfer of the full amount to her POSB savings account. I did question her about the authenticity of this deal. She seemed professional and genuine. She said she won't be giving a hotel booking ID as she was supposed to use her Sands Rewards points with her friend's account to pay with hardcopy of voucher. She was supposed to meet me at the MBS counter to check-in. But on the morning of my check in day she sent an email at 7am saying that her boss told her to go to KL urgently But she would be back to Singapore by 10.30pm and refund me the full amount. At 11.19pm I receive an SMS from her saying that she was stuck somewhere in JB and had asked her friend to make the refund the next day at 3pm. Since then, no news from her.
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - I lost USD$300 and didn't get my land tour in China
Money Lost: USD $300
29 Dec 2016
By Anonymous
I booked online a white rafting tour in Hainan with OKTrip?.com and paid through paypal (US$300+). I was supposed to be on a free and easy holiday in Hainan, China. I received an email confirmation from the company, but I did not receive any emails from them since despite my several emails to them. They were supposed to call me the day before the tour (when I was in Hainan) but did not receive any calls still.
The day just came and went.
Beware of dealing with online sites offering land tours in China.
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - My $651 for a flight booking cancellation was never received
By estelle
I paid for a flight online through a website (Skyscanxxxx) called Edreaxx. A few hours after I paid for the flight online, the merchant sent an email mentioning the flight is unconfirmed and that jet star would like an extra 100SGD. I was reluctant to pay this extra amount since the flight was unconfirmed and they are asking for more money after I they had already charged me 651. I requested to receive a full refund on the same day of purchase. Since then, I have been chasing a refund from the merchant. I have rang the call center which is based in Barcelona 6 times and still keep getting the same information (It will take 3-4 working days, 5-7 working days etc etc). For example, they are sure that they have refunded my card but I am yet to see this reversal on my statement. The second time I rang they instructed me to follow up with my bank. I then took this step and OCBC claim they are not able to see the funds/chargeback on my account. This has been a very stressful experience for me. They have copious amount of bad reviews online. They have stolen my money and are not cooperating with me. I am 651 dollars out of pocket. It has been 2 weeks now and still no refund in my account. I urge for Singaporeans to stay away from this website when booking flights. You will be told many lies over and over again just so they can keep your money. I pray to god OCBC helps me get my money back. Below are just several links showing the unprofessionalism and scam this company continually maintains.
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
What is a Paypal Email Scam?
If you are selling an item on an auction site and are accepting payment through PayPal, you could fall victim to a PayPal email scam. In these cases, scammers agree to buy an item from you and to make payment through PayPal. But instead of making payment, they send you a fake email that looks like one from PayPal stating that the money has been sent to you. You are asked to provide shipment details or pay an admin fee before the payment can be released to you. Thinking that this is true, you mail the item.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
- Always log on to your PayPal account to verify that payment has indeed been made before sending the item; do not trust the email, even if the address from which it originated appears legitimate
- Never download attachments or software programs attached in such emails. Clicking on these could harm your computer and leave it susceptible to being hacked
- Never give out personal information such as bank account numbers of credit card numbers via email
- Be aware that if PayPal really needs your information, it would send you a request to login safely to your account before you provide that information
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - A check with Paypal revealed the authentic looking admin notice email was actually fake
By Jerico
Received an email pertaining to an ad listing I had on gumtree, asked for a quotation if it were to be shipped to Thailand. Sent a paypal invoice, and the person replied saying they had sent the payment, asking me to check my email and spam folder, and that the payment will be released by paypal once the transaction receipt has been verified by paypal. I found this highly suspicious as paypal would not do such a thing, paypal would have alerted me of such activity. I then saw an email in the spam folder posing as a paypal admin notice, but originated from a very dubious address. Called paypal and verified that this was a fake email, and did not proceed any further. No packages were sent out and no lossed were incurred, just a major waste of my time.
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - Bad grammar made me realise that email wasn't from PayPal
18 Sept
By Anonymous
I received an email saying my Paypal account has been limited due to my recent activity has violated some of the agreements with Paypal. I was told to click a link and follows some steps in resolving the issue.
I was about to click the link when I re-read the email, and immediately there were signs of a possible scam such as broken English, the email did not originate from Paypal site even saying "Please contact us, maybe we need to confirm your data."
Be careful of such phishing scams. Do check if the email is from Paypal before clicking on the link in the email.
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - Fake buyer got hold of my email address
By Amy
I posted an advertisement on Gumtree about selling my cat scratcher barrel (used). Somebody named "carly boggy" sms me first then asked me get back to him with email. I thought it was a real customer. He told me that he was from United State of America and he wanted to get my cat scratcher barrel for his child who is living in Thailand. My item costs $30 but the shipping it to Thailand by airmail will cost additional $30. He said he doesn't mind it and asked me to give him my payment details. I was suspicious and found out that it was a scam. But I gave him my email address for "paypal" account but I didn't connect my paypay to my credit card an there is totally $0 in my paypal. I didn't lose anything but please beware of those kinds of scams if you are selling online. If you are living in Singapore, it's better to deliver directly to the customers and receive cash. I think it will be safer.
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - Fake notices from Paypal with instructions to transfer money to shipping agent
By Anonymous
I posted an ad on Gumtree to sell my table on 5 Jun. A guy by the name of Chinko Shaun (+351-934-123-85x) emailed me to say he is interested to buy. He will transfer the money to me via Paypal as it's a safer mode of payment. He claimed that he lives in Portugal so he will arrange for his shipping agent to pick up the item from me. I informed him that I do not have a Paypal account so suggested that he pays the shipping agent and shipping agent can pay me cash upon collection. He insisted that I setup a Paypal account and even send me the link. After I setup the account, I provided him the Account Name, email and pick up address. He claimed he has transferred $800 to me (the item costs $500). So the balance $300 I am supposed to transfer $250 to a US account to pay the "shipping agent" and $50 to pay Western Union for the processing fee. I was not informed earlier that I have to pay the shipping agent. I refused as I told him I have not received the money from him so why should I pay his agent? He explained that the money is already in my account ON HOLD" and Paypal will release the money to me once I show proof that I have transferred the money to the "Shipping Agent". I told him I do not wish to trade with him. When I checked my inbox I did receive 3 emails from "Paypal" informing me that I have funds in my account that is on HOLD till I complete the process. I knew it is a SCAM so I blocked his email account and the Paypal account as well as his humber on my HP. As such all the email correspondences disappeared so I don't have the US account details and I can't make a police report. The strange thing is that after blocking him, he can still send email and sms to me. He asked me "What happened? I don't understand". I replied "SCAM! Please do not send me anymore messages otherwise I will report you to the police". He has stopped sending me messages but I can still see him "online" on iPhone. So guys beware of such SCAM.
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - I was charged for transactions that I did not make
Money Lost: $86
Scammer's Contact and Identity:: www.g2?.com
3 Sept 2016
By Ms Cheah
There were transactions from this gaming company charged to my PayPal account when I did not perform these transactions.
There were in total of 4 of these charges. I don't know how someone got hold my PayPal account login details.
I reported the case to PayPal and hopefully will not be charged.
Website: www.g2?.com
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
What is a Phishing Scam?
You might get a call from someone claiming to be from a legitimate organisation informing you that you have won a lucky draw, but to claim the prize you have to give them your passport details or other information. This is likely a phishing scam as legitimate organisations would usually notify you via written means such as email and an official letter in addition to a phone call. If you have any doubt, call the organisation directly to verify with them.
Another phishing scam uses fake websites that look identical to the actual websites but with a very slightly different web address. If you input your personal details and PIN numbers into these websites, your information and money are at risk.
Or, in a parcel phone scam, you might get a call from someone claiming that your personal particulars have been used to send illicit parcels. You might be transferred to someone else claiming to be a customs or police officer, who then demands your personal particulars – including your bank account details and passport number.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
- Look out for fake emails by checking the 'from' email address, and look out for spelling or grammar mistakes as this might be the sign of a scam
- Be wary of official-looking emails that do not address you by name; if they are generic, they are likely spam emails sent out en mass
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
- You should never give out important personal information such as passport details or bank account numbers to strangers over the phone
- Never disclose PIN numbers, user account IDs, passwords, or credit card details over email
- Delete suspicious emails, and ignore phone calls from people making strange claims about the use of your name
- Be aware that no email service provider, bank, financial institution or website administrator would email customers to verify or to ask for their user account information, password or PIN
- Hover your mouse over suspicious link to check the destination address. If the address does not lead you to a website which you are expecting, it is likely to be a phishing attack;
- Do not provide sensitive personal information into pop-up windows from emails or websites;
- Never feel pressured to give up personal information online;
- Do not download files or open attachments in emails from unfamiliar senders;
- Protect your computer or device with a firewall, spam filters and up-to-date anti-virus software
- Look for the secure symbol at the URL. Secure websites use 'https:' rather than 'http:' at the start of the internet address, or a closed padlock or unbroken key icon at the bottom right corner of your browser window. Legitimate websites are generally encrypted to protect your details
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Avoid phone numbers with 876 area code
BELOIT (WKOW) -- Beloit Police are warning people about a recent attempt at a phone scam targeting residents.
Officials say a message was left saying the woman had won $2 million and a 2012 Mercedes in a Publisher's Clearing House contest. The message was left several times asking her to call 876-873-2825.
When the number was called, she was told to buy a Green Dot Moneypak card with $699.99 on it. The scammer claimed it was to cover a 1% federal tax they're required to collect before delivering any prizes or money.
Authorities traced the number back to Jamaica. They warn to never call back a number with an 876 area code. Once money is sent there, it cannot be recovered.
Beloit Police offer these tips to remember to avoid falling victim to one of these scams:
- Don't pay any money to collect supposed sweepstakes winnings. Legitimate companies will not ask for money to deliver a prize.
- Never wire money to anyone with whom you are not familiar.
- Never purchase a pre-paid debit card for anyone you are not familiar with.
- Don't provide anyone with personal information such as bank account, pin numbers, or Social Security numbers.
- Contact your local authorities to report a phone scam.
» Read more
Bogus debts, bogus collections
At the FTC, we sue abusive debt collectors and try to do right by people who’ve been harmed by unlawful practices. But we also try to protect people from being harmed in the first place. That’s exactly why I’m here: to warn you about debt collectors calling about debts that the FTC knows are bogus.
The bogus debts supposedly are payday loans from these companies: USFastCash, 500FastCash, OneClickCash, Ameriloan, United Cash Loans, AdvantageCashServices, or StarCashProcessing. The companies are real, but if you’re hearing from anyone other than those companies, the debts are fake and you don’t need to pay.
Sometimes, if they can’t collect money owed to them, companies sell lists of those debts to debt collectors. But, in this case, we know that didn’t happen. The company that processed and serviced loans from these companies told the FTC that it never sold any customer or account information to debt collectors. Their lawyer even filed alegal declaration saying that.
Even so, we’ve still heard about abusive calls from debt collectors claiming to be collecting money owed to the companies listed above – and we already know that’s not true. But we also know that many of the people who have been called never even had a loan with those lenders in the first place – so the debts themselves also are bogus.
What to do if you get a call from a debt collector who says you owe money to one of those companies? You have rights. Ask for avalidation notice, which says what you owe and to whom. After you get it, consider sending a letter saying that you don’t owe the debt. If you’re getting debt collection calls, check your free credit report atannualcreditreport.com. If a debt you don’t recognize shows up there, follow the instructions to dispute the debt. And, as always,report any problems to the FTC.
» Read more
Exposing a mortgage relief scheme’s empty promises
If you’re struggling to pay your mortgage, you might look for financial relief to help keep the roof over your head. Do you turn to your bank or mortgage lender for help? Maybe you got a mailer promising mortgage relief – via a lawsuit against banks and lenders? If you’ve thought about the last option, watch out for empty promises.
The FTC has filed charges against Brookstone Law and Advantis Law for defrauding people in financial distress. According to the FTC, these companies convinced people to pay at least $895 up front to join a mortgage fraud lawsuit against banks and lenders. Homeowners found out about this scheme through mailers which said the lawsuit would help them avoid foreclosure, get rid of their mortgage, or help them get money from their lenders.
But wait, there’s more. The FTC says people who visited these law offices to have their mortgage papers “evaluated” were told they had a strong case. Many of them then paid upfront and recurring monthly fees. But the FTC says that most of the companies’ proposed lawsuits were flat out dismissed. And, in many instances, the companies never even added paying homeowners as plaintiffs to any case. Which, of course, means that homeowners never got the help they were promised, but were out money they could ill afford to lose.
If you’re struggling to pay your mortgage, contact your bank or mortgage lender for help. You can check out our Mortgage Relief Scams article for more information. Spot a mortgage relief scam? Report it to the FTC.
» Read more
Methods to attempts to gain your personal information
Phishing scams are attempts by scammers to trick you into giving out personal information such as your bank account numbers, passwords and credit card numbers.
How does this scam work?
A scammer contacts you out of the blue pretending to be from a legitimate business such a bank, telephone or internet service provider. You may be contacted by email, social media, phone call, or text message.
The scammer asks you to provide or confirm your personal details. For example, the scammer may say that the bank or organisation is verifying customer records due to a technical error that wiped out customer data. Or, they may ask you to fill out a customer survey and offer a prize for participating.
Alternatively, the scammer may alert you to 'unauthorised or suspicious activity on your account'. You might be told that a large purchase has been made in a foreign country and asked if you authorised the payment. If you reply that you didn't, the scammer will ask you to confirm your credit card or bank details so the 'bank' can investigate. In some cases the scammer may already have your credit card number and ask you to confirm your identity by quoting the 3 or 4 digit security code printed on the card.
Phishing messages are designed to look genuine, and often copy the format used by the organisation the scammer is pretending to represent, including their branding and logo. They will take you to a fake website that looks like the real deal, but has a slightly different address. For example, if the legitimate site is 'www.realbank.com.au', the scammer may use an address like 'www.reallbank.com'.
If you provide the scammer with your details online or over the phone, they will use them to carry out fraudulent activities, such as using your credit cards and stealing your money.
Other types of phishing scams
- Whaling and spear phishing - the scammer targets a business in an attempt to get confidential information for fraudulent purposes. To make their request appear legitimate, they use details and information specific to the business that they have obtained elsewhere.
- Pharming - the scammer redirects you to a fake version of a legitimate website you are trying to visit. This is done by infecting your computer with malware which causes you to be redirected to the fake site, even if you type the real address or click on your bookmarked link.
Warning signs
- You receive an email, text or phone call claiming to be from a bank, telecommunications provider or other business you regularly deal with, asking you to update or verify your details.
- The email or text message does not address you by your proper name, and may contain typing errors and grammatical mistakes.
- The website address does not look like the address you usually use and is requesting details the legitimate site does not normally ask for.
- You notice new icons on your computer screen, or your computer is not as fast as it normally is.
Protect yourself
- Do not click on any links or open attachments from emails claiming to be from your bank or another trusted organisation and asking you to update or verify your details – just press delete.
- Do an internet search using the names or exact wording of the email or message to check for any references to a scam – many scams can be identified this way.
- Look for the secure symbol. Secure websites can be identified by the use of 'https:' rather than 'http:' at the start of the internet address, or a closed padlock or unbroken key icon at the bottom right corner of your browser window. Legitimate websites that ask you to enter confidential information are generally encrypted to protect your details.
- Never provide your personal, credit card or online account details if you receive a call claiming to be from your bank or any other organisation. Instead, ask for their name and contact number and make an independent check with the organisation in question before calling back.
Have you been scammed?
If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
We encourage you to report scams to the ACCC via the report a scam page. This helps us to warn people about current scams, monitor trends and disrupt scams where possible. Please include details of the scam contact you received, for example, email or screenshot.
We also provide guidance on protecting yourself from scams and where to get help.
Spread the word to your friends and family to protect them.
» Read more
Money lending
If you are being lent money by a business you can check whether or not the firm lending you money is a legitimate business.
All businesses who lend individuals money have to be regulated by the Government’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). If a business does not have a consumer credit licence from the FCA then if they lend you money the company or person or persons lending you the money is breaking the law.
In addition if someone is lending you money illegally this means that – under the law – you do not owe the lender any money as all lenders need a consumer credit licence before they can start lending and asking for their money back.
To check whether the person or company offering you a loan has a consumer credit licence, you can check this by going to the Financial Conduct Authority website - see related link.
If you do not see the firm listed on the FCA website, then you can confidentially contact the police who can make further inquiries.
Q. I am thinking of transferring money abroad to friends and family and I am thinking of changing pounds into foreign currency. How do I know the company I am thinking of going to for this service is a legitimate firm?
A. Businesses who provide this service have to be registered with Her Majesty’s Revenues and Customs (HMRC). If they are not registered with HMRC, then these services cannot be legally provided by this company or person.
You can check whether a business has this form of authorisation by going to the HMRC website and checking their details on this website which is www.gov.uk/money-laundering-regulations-supervised-business-register
Q. Do pawnbrokers follow a code of conduct?
A. Yes.
Most pawnbrokers in London are not just regulated by the FCA but are members of the National Pawnbrokers Association (NPA) who have a code of conduct for their members. To check if the pawnbroker near you is a member of the NPA visit their site - see related link.
» Read more
News - Several duped by phishing emails since start of the year: Police
File photo of a man looking at the computer screen. (Photo: Xabryna Kek)
- SINGAPORE: Police have received several reports of people being tricked by phishing emails since Jan 5, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) said in an advisory on Tuesday (Jan 17).
Victims would receive an email purportedly from their bank informing them that someone had logged into their Internet banking account. Recipients would then be prompted to verify the log-in by clicking a link in the email which would direct them to websites bearing a resemblance to their respective bank’s website.
The victims would then be asked to key in their personal details, Internet banking credentials and One-Time Password (OTP). "Subsequently, the victims would receive an SMS notifying them of fund transfers of several thousand dollars made to unknown payees," SPF said.
Police advise members of the public to be wary of such phishing emails and said that no email service providers, banks, financial institutions or companies would email their customers to reveal or verify their user account information, passwords and/or personal identification number (PIN) over the Internet.
“If users receive such emails, they ought to be careful and not respond by clicking on any URL link or opening any file attachments inside the email,” said SPF.
It said that, when in doubt, to call the relevant institution for verification. Members of the public can also look for signs that they are using a legitimate of secure website. Such sites are usually encrypted to protect the users' details and use “https:” rather than “http:” at the start of the Internet address - or they will display a closed padlock or unbroken key icon at the bottom right corner of the browser window.
Any suspicious transactions should also be immediately reported to the bank, police said.
Source: Channel News Asia
Phone scam from so called BT customer service
What is the scam?
It involves getting a call from BT customer service’s (it isn’t them) asking for a demand in payment of your bill. Now this is initially quite a common scam, but it takes a twist in the fact that the caller is willing to provide proof of their BT credentials by ‘apparently’ disconnecting your phone.
The caller will ask you to try dialling out after you hang up your phone to them and tell you that you will not be able to as they will disconnect you. You try dialling out and are unable to, and after trying you will get a call back. The caller will call back telling you that you are re-connected and you should now pay your bill promptly. The scam is all about getting your card details and not the money.
How can they disconnect me?
What is in fact happening is the caller is not hanging up when you hang up. They will instead mute their call and stay on the line listening to you attempting to dial out, which of course you cannot do as you have reconnected back to the original call that is now muted.
This works by the fact that the caller has to hang up their call to terminate your existing call with them, if they don’t hang up you just end up reconnecting back to them. You are then not able to dial out, resulting in what appears to be a disconnected line, if you have been told that’s what it is.
We have had several reports of this, all with BT’s name being used as the caller. However there is no reason why they won’t use another carriers name.
Double check
Please note that if the caller gives you an 0800 number to call back, then double check that number on-line via the carriers website and dial the number from their website instead. Get names and ask them to give you your details instead of you giving them any details.
BE careful out there!
» Read more
Phony calls about health insurance
Robocalls can be more annoying than a lingering head cold. Recently, some people got robocalls that seemed to be about health insurance and the Health Insurance Marketplace, but the calls were a con. The callers were phishing for personal information. People who work in the Marketplace don’t make cold calls, and they never ask for personal information. If you get a call like this, hang up.
The phone numbers showed up with a local area code. The recorded message sounded urgent: “You need to buy health insurance or face a fine. To learn more, press 1.” A person who works in the Health Insurance Marketplace got the call and knew it was fishy, so she pressed 1. The operator claimed to ‘work with the law,’ and asked for the person’s full name, date of birth, phone number, income information and Social Security number. The person who got the call knew it was nonsense, so she hung up and contacted the FTC.
If you get a recorded sales call, but you didn’t give the caller written permission to call you, the call is illegal. Don’t press 1 to speak to the operator or get your name taken off the list, and don’t give any personal information. If you respond, you’ll probably get more calls. If you want information about health insurance in your state, visit HealthCare.gov. If you get a call like this, please report it to the FTC.
If you gave out sensitive information – like your Social Security number – to a caller, and you think it might have been a scam, read what to do if information is lost or exposed.
» Read more
Scammers can fake caller ID info
Your phone rings. You recognize the number, but when you pick up, it’s someone else. What’s the deal?
Scammers are using fake caller ID information to trick you into thinking they are someone local, someone you trust – like a government agency or police department, or a company you do business with – like your bank or cable provider. The practice is called caller ID spoofing, and scammers don’t care whose phone number they use. One scammer recently used the phone number of an FTC employee.
Don’t rely on caller ID to verify who’s calling. It can be nearly impossible to tell whether the caller ID information is real. Here are a few tips for handling these calls:
- If you get a strange call from the government, hang up. If you want to check it out, visit the official (.gov) website for contact information. Government employees won’t call out of the blue to demand money or account information.
- Don’t give out — or confirm — your personal or financial information to someone who calls.
- Don’t wire money or send money using a reloadable card. In fact, never pay someone who calls out of the blue, even if the name or number on the caller ID looks legit.
- Feeling pressured to act immediately? Hang up. That’s a sure sign of a scam.
Want more tips for avoiding scams? Check out 10 Ways to Avoid Fraud.
If you’ve received a call from a scammer, with or without fake caller ID information, report it to the FTC and the FCC.
» Read more
Scammers phish for mortgage closing costs
Buying a home is exciting. You saved for the down payment, scheduled the move, and are dreaming of planting new roots. Closing is right around the corner… unless a scammer gets your settlement fees first.
The Federal Trade Commission and the National Association of Realtors® are warning home buyers about an email and money wiring scam. Hackers have been breaking into some consumers’ and real estate professionals’ email accounts to get information about upcoming real estate transactions. After figuring out the closing dates, the hacker sends an email to the buyer, posing as the real estate professional or title company. The bogus email says there has been a last minute change to the wiring instructions, and tells the buyer to wire closing costs to a different account. But it’s the scammer’s account. If the buyer takes the bait, their bank account could be cleared out in a matter of minutes. Often, that’s money the buyer will never see again.
If you’re buying a home and get an email with money-wiring instructions, STOP. Email is not a secure way to send financial information, and your real estate professional or title company should know that. If it’s a phishing email, report it to the FTC.
Here are some ideas to help you avoid phishing scams:
- Don’t email financial information. It’s not secure.
- If you’re giving your financial information on the web, make sure the site is secure. Look for a URL that begins with https (the "s" stands for secure). And, instead of clicking a link in an email to go to an organization’s site, look up the real URL and type in the web address yourself.
- Be cautious about opening attachments and downloading files from emails, regardless of who sent them. These files can contain malware that can weaken your computer’s security.
- Keep your operating system, browser, and security software up to date.
Learn more about protecting yourself from phishing and what to do if your email is hacked. If you gave your information to a scammer, visit IdentityTheft.gov.
» Read more
Story - Beware of links found in emails
4 Jan 2017
By Anonymous
Phishing emails send posing as Bank offering SMS security for online banking services.
Requires you to register for SMS Security now - a fake hyperlink redirects to a different website which steals your online banking credentials and sets up fraudulent transfers.
Please beware and not to blindly click on the link found in emails.
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - Call asked me to verify my I/C number
5 Aug 2016
By Mr Tan B. T
Received an automated call from this number - 6709495x - this afternoon. The message asked me to press "1" if my last 4 digit of my NRIC ends with "6979F". Otherwise, press "2".
I hung up immediately.
At 3:03pm, received another call. I didn't press anything and the automated message is "Your IC didn't match with your bank account" and it hung up.
I immediately called my bank to verify if they called me. After checking, they confirmed that they didn't make any automated call.
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - DHL caller asked for personal details for parcel I never sent
By derrick
Received DHL scam call from 9604520x. After press "9" from the pre-recorded message, a chinese speaking man said that I got a parcel to collect. So, need me to verify and ask some personal detail. When I asked him the sender, he said is I sent from shanghai. That is impossible! Beware !!!!
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - Fake email from American Express phishing for card information
By Marcus Chin
I got an email from American Express with the subject title "Important Information About Your Recent Card" stating that they recently noticed irregular activity on my AMERICAN EXPRESS Card. It also request for my convenience to update my new Card information or the information i may have on file by clicking on a link. On one look, you might think that the information really comes from American Express as its exactly the same as their regular emails that they send to you. Only when you take a deeper look at the codes, you will realized that the link embed in the button is not directed to American Express. Imagine those people that are not aware of it and left their information without knowing that the scammer might end up with such vital information.
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - Friend's hacked Facebook account used to send out scam messages
6 Sept 2016
By Anonymous
A good friend messaged me thru FB messenger and we started to chat & he brought up IMF contacted and wanted to give him 50k. He saw my name on UPS list when the cheque arrived.
All I had to do was to text the number n get instructions on claiming the money. Of course, I knew it was a scam. Next he said I had to pay taxes n certificate money.
Beware of this as I believe my friends FB acct got hacked and has been used to con his friends.
Scammer's contact: 707533806x James Scott. J asked to text this number
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - I was directed to a login page that looks like Google's
Scammer's Contact and Identity:: Faisal Al. W from Petromi?
1 Sept 2016
By Anonymous
Received an email from a person named "Faisal Al.W", purportedly from Petromi?.com. When I clicked on the supposed PDF attachment, I was routed to a pseudo Gmail login (looks super realistic) with URL starting with "data:text/html;base64,77u/..."
The content of the email is "Good day, Please find attached the signed petition against you. I am obligated to go further to take legal action against you if there is no further response from you.
Email was from this address: seokyex@gmail.com
Beware of such phishing scam.
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - I was told to enter my personal details on a phishing site
22 Aug 2016
By Mr Kooi
The email came from what appeared to be a PayPal email address.
It cited unusual activity in my account and requested for that I logged into my account via a link and upload my National ID Card / Driver License and Front & Back of my credit card. A scam obviously.
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
The cash machine scam sweeping Britain
How fraudster gangs are using distraction tricks to fleece customers of money
Bank customers are being warned to stay vigilant as a new wave of cash machine distraction scams sweeps the country. In the scam, victims are distracted for just a matter of seconds while taking money out of an ATM, enough time for the fraudsters to steal cash from their account or swap their debit card for a fake.
Barclays released a video on Thursday to help warn customers. The short clip shows a man waiting at a cash point while a woman stands behind him and watches as he enters his PIN number.
She then causes a distraction - in this case she drops some money - and he turns his back from the machine to help her.
Her accomplice, who is standing at the next terminal either takes his cash or - as in the case of the video - puts a fake bank card into the slot.
The unwitting victim then turns around, collects his cash and the fake card and leaves.
Finally the woman then tells the PIN code to her accomplice and they can then begin draining his account as they have the real card and the code.
Fraud at cash machines rose by a fifth to £32.7million in the last year alone, according to Financial Fraud Action UK.
One victim who contacted This is Money is Gordon Urquhart, 66, from West Yorkshire, who had £300 swiped from his Santander current account after being distracted by a pair of Romanian scammers at a branch.
Mr Urquhart was withdrawing money from outside the Airedale shopping centre branch of Santander in Keighley last month when he was interrupted by a man and woman.
He told This is Money that the pair kept insisting the machine was out of order and that he should try the machine inside the branch.
He told them to go away, but they refused. He terminated the transaction, withdrew his debit card and went into branch to alert staff.
However, somehow in the commotion, the two thieves managed to withdraw £300, the maximum daily amount, from his account - while he was distracted by one, the other managed to make the transaction in seconds.
He says the bank called the police and in the meantime arranged for the stolen funds to be reimbursed. Before leaving, he was told he would enter his account within 24 hours.
However, despite numerous requests in the days after, he didn't receive the money back.
When he phoned to question it, he was told by the fraud department that his account of events 'didn't match that of bank employees.'
A few days after the ordeal, he was informed by police that two Romanians had been apprehended. He claims to have been told they had been carrying out a similar scam across the country.
But weeks after the incident, Mr Urquhart was still out of pocket.
He told This is Money: 'As a pensioner, the bank's failure to honour its care of the customer has caused me considerable hardship and stress.
'I feel that its behaviour is even more irresponsible and criminal than those who took the money in the first place and its treatment of me amounts to an emotional violation.'
A Santander spokesman said: 'Distraction fraud is where a customer is distracted by one fraudster, while the other transacts on their account without the customer's knowledge.
'In this instance, the card was in the ATM whilst the second fraudster withdrew the £300.
'We review and investigate fraud and scam cases on an individual basis, as each case is rarely exactly the same.
'In this instance we believe the customer has been a victim of distraction fraud, and did not knowingly disclose his details to a third party.'
He added: 'There was some confusion and inconsistency in the timeline and details of events when Mr Urquhart initially reported the incident, which led to his claim being declined.
'We have now established that Mr Urquhart has been a victim of distraction fraud, have apologised for the confusion and informed him that we will be refunding the money.'
Mr Urquhart is thankful that with This is Money's intervention the money has been returned - but has been left unhappy with the treatment from the bank who he believes would not have refunded him otherwise and has not apologised. He also added that the perpetrators have been handed a two year prison sentence.
Mr Urquhart is not alone – and it appears all high street banks are being targeted, with cases each having a slightly different sneaky twist.
This is Money has also been contacted by a reader who wishes to be simply named as Derek, 67, who has been a Barclays current account customer for 30 years.
He went inside a Barclays branch located on the High Street of Southend-on-Sea, Essex to withdraw cash.
While using a cash machine inside, he was distracted by a man – again with an Eastern European accent – telling him that he had dropped a £5 note on the floor.
He took the note and continued his transaction. While walking to his car a short while afterwards, he was approached by a woman who was shouting at him in broken English.
She claimed the £5 note was hers. In the confusion, Derek handed the note back and drove off. It was only the next day that he discovered his debit card had been nabbed - and £400 stolen from his account.
He believes the woman must have managed to take his card skillfully while he handed back the £5 note - and that the man in the branch clocked his PIN.
Derek informed the branch who replaced the funds he says within minutes, pending an investigation.
The probe confirmed Derek had been defrauded at no fault of his own - and he, unlike Mr Urquhart, was full of praise for the efficiency of his bank.
In another case reported by the Sunday Times earlier in the month, a Lloyds customer aged 80 entered its branch in Leamington Spa in February to take some cash from the ATM.
» Read more
What is a Software Upgrade Scam?
You might get a call from someone claiming that your computer is in need of a security or software upgrade. However, to get this update, you would need to provide your software user account ID and password to the caller.
Sometimes, you might also be asked to type several commands into your computer, after which you might notice your computer falling under someone else's control. Or, you might be asked to purchase additional software online, while the scammers take your credit card or bank account details for their fraudulent use.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
- If a person calls you with news intended to make you feel vulnerable, such as the security of your computer, this could be a scam
- Be wary of cold calls such as these, especially if the conversation leads to the caller to requesting payment for a “software upgrade”
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
- You should ignore such calls, and never follow the caller's instructions to install software or type commands into your computer
- Do not divulge bank account details or credit card numbers to such callers
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - Beware of POP-up claiming that your electronic devices have been compromised with viruses
By Jamie Lim
I was using my laptop and I received a pop-up to call a toll-free number starting from 800-XXX-XXXX. I freaked out and went to contact them as I was afraid something has happened. the person told me she's from Microsoft and Windows, and she's the technician there. She guided me and informed about that there's viruses and a malware in my laptop that's harming my hardware and it's being transmitted to my other electronic devices as well, through the shared wifi. she also told me she will help me solve all my issues and upgrade my softwares etc, as long as I pay a one time fee, amount depending on how long I want the service for. I was doubtful as it was my first time facing this incident and I don't even have the company name. but she kept persuading me to sign up because it's really good, and I don't know why I believed her. She even showed me she had information to my credit card as that information is already being stolen. I foolishly keyed in my personal particulars and the first few digits of my credit card and I stopped as I became very skeptical about it and ended the call. She tried to call me back and as she had access to my screen, she typed and asked me to key in my card details and that she has helped me for an hour. I felt that it was a scam and tried to delay it and got her name. She is Shanti, PA1500, with an Indian accent.
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - Beware of pop-up adverts that claims that your computer is infected with a virus
31 Dec 2016
By Anonymous
Pop-up on my computer said it is infected with a virus and if i dont call the number on the screen it will disable my computer. Screen looked like a legitimate Microsoft page but when you call the number the guy wouldn't introduce the name of the company "microsoft" and wouldnt repeat his name. When I asked him what his company name was he got nervous and hung up
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - Caller from Global Internet Security Services claimed my computer was hacked
By Anonymous
I received a call from a very heavily accented Indian lady who named herself Ronny and claimed to be calling from Global Internet Security Services. She kept mentioning about how my computer license id is hacked and used by someone else to do illegal activities, etc. She was generally very unclear in her speech so I had to make her repeat almost every line multiple times. She then started giving some commands for me to key into my laptop. Things became very suspicious and I asked her again where she is from and why should I trust her. This was when she started to raise her voice and sounded very defensive. I asked for her number so that I could call her back afterwards but she declined and insisted that she will call me instead. After much persuasion, she gave in and provided me with her phone number (+612). This triggered me to interrogate her further and in the end I just decided to put down the phone. I guess she figured that I was not going to fall further into her trap, so she stopped calling altogether.
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - Imposter technical officer tried to extract computer security ID from me
By Ck Wong
This happen to me around 0945hrs, an Indian guy calling to impersonate as a technical officer from "Windows" base in US Dallas, at first my father was the one picking up the phone as he doesn't understand English so he pass the phone to me. after that he introduce himself saying that he's calling from Windows and explain to me that a computer under the name of my father was hacked!!! To my amusement, my father doesn't even know how to even switch on my PC so it was impossible for any acct with my father name on it, so he carry on asking if there is any other PC at home and ask me to check on the security ID which he claims is personal to each PC. Later, he would assist to teach you how to find the security ID. asking you the victim to open up Win+R and type in some commands. Until this point, I'm already sick and tired so i just reply him to stop scamming me as I don't have time for such nonsense.
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Story - Scammers pressured me to release details
13 Dec 2016
By Anonymous
While surfing the net, a screen pops up you pc is badly infected and call the support 3158 119?.
When you call them, they claim they are free technical support for windows for pc brands dell, hp and few others.
They asked for your full name, contact and address information and would want to login to you pc remotely so that you can purchase a security(anti virus).
When I tried to tell them I'll contact windows and call them back, they pressured me by telling me that this is a one time free service.
Scammer's contact: Wee Tec? Consultancy
Number: 3158 119?
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
- SPOOFED/HACKED EMAIL SCAM
What is a Spoofed/Hacked Email Scam?
In this scam, someone impersonates your supplier and uses an email address that is very similar to his actual email. You are told to transfer funds to a different bank account because his regular bank account has been suspended or is under audit.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
- Be wary of any sudden changes in your suppliers' or creditors' payment instruction and accounts
- Always check directly with your suppliers if in doubt
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
- Do not make any changes to your payment arrangements without first verifying the veracity of the email
- Check with your supplier or a representative whom you trust first before changing payment recipients
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
Attempts to gain your personal information : Hacking
Hacking occurs when a scammer gains access to your personal information by using technology to break into your computer, mobile device or network.
Common examples of hacking methods
- Ransomware & malware - the scammer tricks you into installing software that allows them to access your files and track what you are doing on your computer.
- Exploiting security weaknesses – weaknesses can include reused and easily guessed passwords, out of date anti-virus software, and unsecured WiFi and Bluetooth connections.
Once scammers have hacked your computer or mobile device they can access your personal information, change your passwords, and restrict access to your system. They will use the information they obtain to commit fraudulent activities, such as identity theft or they could obtain direct access to your banking and credit card details.
Warning signs
- You are unable to log in to your computer or mobile device, or your email, social media and other online accounts.
- You notice new icons on your computer screen, or your computer is not as fast as it normally is.
- Files on your computer have been moved or deleted.
- Pop-up boxes start appearing on your computer screen. These may offer to help 'fix' your computer, or a simply have a button that says ‘close’.
- You have an unexpectedly large phone data or internet bill.
- You notice that amounts of money go missing from your bank account without any explanation.
Protect yourself
- Always keep your computer security up to date with anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a good firewall. Only buy computer and anti-virus software from a reputable source.
- Use your security software to run a virus check if you think your computer’s security has been compromised. If you still have doubts, contact your anti-virus software provider or a computer specialist.
- Secure your networks and devices, and avoid using public computers or WiFi hotspots to access or provide personal information.
- Choose passwords and PINs that would be difficult for others to guess, and update them regularly. Do not save them to your phone or on your computer.
- Do not open attachments or click on links in emails or social media messages you’ve received from strangers – just press delete.
- Be wary of free downloads and website access, such as music, games, movies and adult sites. They may install harmful programs without you knowing.
- Do not use software that auto-completes online forms.
- Visit Stay Smart Online(link is external) for tips on how to protect your personal and financial information online.
Have you been scammed?
If you think you have provided your account details, passport, tax file number, licence, Medicare or other personal identification details to a scammer, contact your bank, financial institution, or other relevant agencies immediately.
We encourage you to report scams to the ACCC via the report a scam page. This helps us to warn people about current scams, monitor trends and disrupt scams where possible.
We also provide guidance on protecting yourself from scams and where to get help.
Spread the word to your friends and family to protect them.
» Read more
Story - Scammer sent fraudulent emails with our letterheads to scam our clients
By Anonymous
The scammer impersonate as our staff and sent an email with our company email signatures and letterhead to my client's email informing them of a change in bank account details. The scammer has actually setup a bank account in UK and ask our clients to transfer the payment of the invoices to that account. In his email to our clients which he used a Yahoo account and disguised it as our company emails, it contains the company PO number, invoices, client details, the services which he purchased from us together with the amount owned. We have no idea too how he has gotten hold of it as the disguise was done perfectly. Thankfully, the clients was more careful and alerted us which resulted in the scammer not achieving his intention to scam money from us.
Source: Scam Alert Singapore
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