Are Scammers Getting Savvier? How to Avoid Falling Prey to Bank Impersonation Scams

The world of scams has never been more dangerous or cunning, with scammers constantly upgrading their tactics to trick unsuspecting victims.

Modern technology has provided them with an arsenal of sophisticated tools to achieve their nefarious goals, making it increasingly difficult for even the most cautious individuals to stay safe.



One particular scheme that has seen a meteoric rise in recent years is bank impersonation scams. These clever cons have become so prevalent that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) received over 14,000 reports of them in the last year alone.

Shockingly, victims of this type of scam have suffered a devastating $20 million in losses.


Screen Shot 2023-03-30 at 10.58.42 AM.png
Bank impersonation scams are on the rise, with more than 14,000 reports made last year and over $20 million lost to these types of scams. Credit: Unsplash/Marcus Reubenstein.



So how do bank impersonation scams work?

One of the most common approaches scammers use is to pretend to be one of the big four banks or other financial institutions.

They will then create a sense of urgency and panic in their victims by informing them of suspicious or fraudulent activity on their accounts. Sometimes they even pose as the bank's security department, making it seem like the victim's account has been compromised.



Text messages are often the tool of choice, and they can be highly convincing. Victims may receive messages stating that their bank account has been accessed or locked, or that a payment has been made from their account without their authorisation. The message will then provide a phone number to call for 'assistance' or an ‘internet banking portal’ link.

It's easy to see how anyone could fall for these types of scams, especially in the heat of the moment. But by staying informed and taking extra precautions, you can protect yourself from falling prey to these malicious scams.


Screen Shot 2023-03-30 at 10.58.56 AM.png
Scammers use new technology to make a call appear to come from a bank's legitimate phone number or send a text to appear in the same thread as bank messages. Credit: Westpac/Suncorp.



As experts have wisely warned, one crucial fact to remember is that a legitimate bank will NEVER ask you to transfer funds. If you receive a request like this, you must be on your guard and proceed with caution.

Another red flag to watch out for is receiving a text message with a phone number to call.

To avoid becoming a scam victim, it's always best to call your bank directly using a number you've found independently. This ensures that you're speaking to a legitimate representative from the bank and not an imposter.



To keep yourself and your money safe, there are several other tips that are worth bearing in mind.

For instance, it's never a good idea to provide your online banking passwords, one-time security codes, pins, or tokens over the phone, as these can be used to access your account.



In addition, it's important never to click on links in text messages, as these could lead to malicious websites or apps that can steal your personal information.

Finally, whenever you speak with your bank, make sure to ask for a reference number, which can help you track the conversation and provide a record of the interaction in case of any disputes or issues that arise.

If you want to keep yourself up-to-date with the latest scams and fraud news, head over to the Scam Watch forum on the SDC website. You'll be able to read about the latest tactics and techniques that scammers are using, as well as tips and advice on how to protect yourself and your finances.


Screen Shot 2023-03-30 at 10.59.08 AM.png
To avoid falling prey to these scams, consumers are advised not to use the SMS or phone number provided but to call their bank directly. Credit: NAB/CommBank.



The alarming rise of bank impersonation scams has left authorities deeply concerned, as the potential consequences can be devastating.

According to the ACCC Deputy Chair, Catriona Lowe, the concern is that these scams are incredibly convincing, making them difficult to detect. The impact on victims can be both financial and emotional, as the losses can be significant, with some victims losing their entire life savings.

The average loss is around $22,000, with some reports of losses between $40,000 and $800,000.



One example is a man who lost $38,000 after receiving a text message about a suspicious transaction in his bank account.

According to Lowe, the man received the scam text in the same conversation thread as legitimate messages from his bank, which made it appear more convincing. He called the number provided in the text and was put through to someone who claimed to be a member of his bank's fraud team.

Unfortunately, the fraudster was able to convince him to provide his personal banking information, leading to the loss of all his life savings.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank impersonation scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with scammers pretending to be representatives of financial institutions and inducing panic in victims by claiming suspicious or fraudulent activity on their accounts.
  • Victims are often prompted to call a fake number, leading to the loss of their entire savings account.
  • To protect against these scams, it's important to be vigilant, never provide personal information or transfer funds over the phone, and contact your bank directly using a number found independently.

In addition to the rise of bank impersonation scams, there have been recent reports of scammers posing as undercover police officers to convince victims to withdraw cash from their accounts.

The Bank of Queensland has issued an urgent alert after receiving an influx of reports from customers who have fallen victim to this scam.

lfZhTDJYrEfrHkwQA5VuTCna98T5s52vt9TzHrOAjdkRFLeJGjw2eWTizCEnRowdPltcy4j6Eml7_S4xz1q0QEzk3wDryRriJ8Gyi0dYtQgAplfUlABq5JN74LBVEwRPjobN7e9mdhf982AniFRYyPs

According to the bank, the scammers have been targeting the elderly and vulnerable, claiming to be working on an operation to stop a hacker from stealing the victim's money. They introduce themselves with an alias, badge/staff number, and a fake reference number to make their scam appear more legitimate.

It's important to note that police officers will never ask a member of the public to withdraw money from their bank account as part of an investigation. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a police officer and asking you to withdraw cash, it's likely to be a scam.

To read the full report, click here.



As always, here at the SDC, we strive to keep our readers informed and aware of the latest scams and frauds to help protect them from falling victim.

Members, have you recently received a suspicious text or call from someone claiming to be your bank or the police? Don't hesitate to share your story and advice on how to deal with these scams. By working together, we can stay one step ahead of these scammers and protect ourselves and our loved ones from financial devastation.
 
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How many times do people need to be told? It's been on tv, print, the internet and people are talking about it. You would have to have been living under a rock to have not heard about it. While the scammers make me mad I'm beginning to lose sympathy for the victims. They have been warned. 😟
 
How many times do people need to be told? It's been on tv, print, the internet and people are talking about it. You would have to have been living under a rock to have not heard about it. While the scammers make me mad I'm beginning to lose sympathy for the victims. They have been warned. 😟
Your right! however there are many older people out there who don't have the digital literacy that we are fortunate enough to have, I know that when my father in law was alive we saved him from losing thousands of dollars on many occasions his attitude was if it was from a bank then it must be right so I must pay up. We need to watch out for and help our neighbours who maybe don't have the skills to spot these scams.
 
The world of scams has never been more dangerous or cunning, with scammers constantly upgrading their tactics to trick unsuspecting victims.

Modern technology has provided them with an arsenal of sophisticated tools to achieve their nefarious goals, making it increasingly difficult for even the most cautious individuals to stay safe.



One particular scheme that has seen a meteoric rise in recent years is bank impersonation scams. These clever cons have become so prevalent that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) received over 14,000 reports of them in the last year alone.

Shockingly, victims of this type of scam have suffered a devastating $20 million in losses.


View attachment 16507
Bank impersonation scams are on the rise, with more than 14,000 reports made last year and over $20 million lost to these types of scams. Credit: Unsplash/Marcus Reubenstein.



So how do bank impersonation scams work?

One of the most common approaches scammers use is to pretend to be one of the big four banks or other financial institutions.

They will then create a sense of urgency and panic in their victims by informing them of suspicious or fraudulent activity on their accounts. Sometimes they even pose as the bank's security department, making it seem like the victim's account has been compromised.



Text messages are often the tool of choice, and they can be highly convincing. Victims may receive messages stating that their bank account has been accessed or locked, or that a payment has been made from their account without their authorisation. The message will then provide a phone number to call for 'assistance' or an ‘internet banking portal’ link.

It's easy to see how anyone could fall for these types of scams, especially in the heat of the moment. But by staying informed and taking extra precautions, you can protect yourself from falling prey to these malicious scams.


View attachment 16506
Scammers use new technology to make a call appear to come from a bank's legitimate phone number or send a text to appear in the same thread as bank messages. Credit: Westpac/Suncorp.



As experts have wisely warned, one crucial fact to remember is that a legitimate bank will NEVER ask you to transfer funds. If you receive a request like this, you must be on your guard and proceed with caution.

Another red flag to watch out for is receiving a text message with a phone number to call.

To avoid becoming a scam victim, it's always best to call your bank directly using a number you've found independently. This ensures that you're speaking to a legitimate representative from the bank and not an imposter.



To keep yourself and your money safe, there are several other tips that are worth bearing in mind.

For instance, it's never a good idea to provide your online banking passwords, one-time security codes, pins, or tokens over the phone, as these can be used to access your account.



In addition, it's important never to click on links in text messages, as these could lead to malicious websites or apps that can steal your personal information.

Finally, whenever you speak with your bank, make sure to ask for a reference number, which can help you track the conversation and provide a record of the interaction in case of any disputes or issues that arise.

If you want to keep yourself up-to-date with the latest scams and fraud news, head over to the Scam Watch forum on the SDC website. You'll be able to read about the latest tactics and techniques that scammers are using, as well as tips and advice on how to protect yourself and your finances.


View attachment 16505
To avoid falling prey to these scams, consumers are advised not to use the SMS or phone number provided but to call their bank directly. Credit: NAB/CommBank.



The alarming rise of bank impersonation scams has left authorities deeply concerned, as the potential consequences can be devastating.

According to the ACCC Deputy Chair, Catriona Lowe, the concern is that these scams are incredibly convincing, making them difficult to detect. The impact on victims can be both financial and emotional, as the losses can be significant, with some victims losing their entire life savings.

The average loss is around $22,000, with some reports of losses between $40,000 and $800,000.



One example is a man who lost $38,000 after receiving a text message about a suspicious transaction in his bank account.

According to Lowe, the man received the scam text in the same conversation thread as legitimate messages from his bank, which made it appear more convincing. He called the number provided in the text and was put through to someone who claimed to be a member of his bank's fraud team.

Unfortunately, the fraudster was able to convince him to provide his personal banking information, leading to the loss of all his life savings.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank impersonation scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with scammers pretending to be representatives of financial institutions and inducing panic in victims by claiming suspicious or fraudulent activity on their accounts.
  • Victims are often prompted to call a fake number, leading to the loss of their entire savings account.
  • To protect against these scams, it's important to be vigilant, never provide personal information or transfer funds over the phone, and contact your bank directly using a number found independently.

In addition to the rise of bank impersonation scams, there have been recent reports of scammers posing as undercover police officers to convince victims to withdraw cash from their accounts.

The Bank of Queensland has issued an urgent alert after receiving an influx of reports from customers who have fallen victim to this scam.

lfZhTDJYrEfrHkwQA5VuTCna98T5s52vt9TzHrOAjdkRFLeJGjw2eWTizCEnRowdPltcy4j6Eml7_S4xz1q0QEzk3wDryRriJ8Gyi0dYtQgAplfUlABq5JN74LBVEwRPjobN7e9mdhf982AniFRYyPs

According to the bank, the scammers have been targeting the elderly and vulnerable, claiming to be working on an operation to stop a hacker from stealing the victim's money. They introduce themselves with an alias, badge/staff number, and a fake reference number to make their scam appear more legitimate.

It's important to note that police officers will never ask a member of the public to withdraw money from their bank account as part of an investigation. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a police officer and asking you to withdraw cash, it's likely to be a scam.

To read the full report, click here.



As always, here at the SDC, we strive to keep our readers informed and aware of the latest scams and frauds to help protect them from falling victim.

Members, have you recently received a suspicious text or call from someone claiming to be your bank or the police? Don't hesitate to share your story and advice on how to deal with these scams. By working together, we can stay one step ahead of these scammers and protect ourselves and our loved ones from financial devastation.
I received a text meant to be from one of my adult children. It said that they dropped their phone down the toilet and could I contact them on this number as it was urgent. I felt that it was a scam, but I sent my kids a message just to make sure.
 
How many times do people need to be told? It's been on tv, print, the internet and people are talking about it. You would have to have been living under a rock to have not heard about it. While the scammers make me mad I'm beginning to lose sympathy for the victims. They have been warned. 😟
Absolutely!
 
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I received a text message the other week, supposedly from Synergy (our WA energy supplier) saying if you lived in this certain postcode area and your bill was in excess of $200 to click on the link for a large government energy payment to provide financial relief. It appeared very convincing.
They should have picked a different state, so far Mark McGowan has been a bit slow putting his hand into our multi billion dollar surplus to offer this help to those struggling.
I am very lucky as I installed a large solar system, well worth the cost (just over $3000) my last bill being only $55.
Please people be aware of these scams, don't click on any links. If by any chance we do get an energy subsidy in the future you will hear through TV, radio, email, etc you will not have to click on any link.
 
The world of scams has never been more dangerous or cunning, with scammers constantly upgrading their tactics to trick unsuspecting victims.

Modern technology has provided them with an arsenal of sophisticated tools to achieve their nefarious goals, making it increasingly difficult for even the most cautious individuals to stay safe.



One particular scheme that has seen a meteoric rise in recent years is bank impersonation scams. These clever cons have become so prevalent that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) received over 14,000 reports of them in the last year alone.

Shockingly, victims of this type of scam have suffered a devastating $20 million in losses.


View attachment 16507
Bank impersonation scams are on the rise, with more than 14,000 reports made last year and over $20 million lost to these types of scams. Credit: Unsplash/Marcus Reubenstein.



So how do bank impersonation scams work?

One of the most common approaches scammers use is to pretend to be one of the big four banks or other financial institutions.

They will then create a sense of urgency and panic in their victims by informing them of suspicious or fraudulent activity on their accounts. Sometimes they even pose as the bank's security department, making it seem like the victim's account has been compromised.



Text messages are often the tool of choice, and they can be highly convincing. Victims may receive messages stating that their bank account has been accessed or locked, or that a payment has been made from their account without their authorisation. The message will then provide a phone number to call for 'assistance' or an ‘internet banking portal’ link.

It's easy to see how anyone could fall for these types of scams, especially in the heat of the moment. But by staying informed and taking extra precautions, you can protect yourself from falling prey to these malicious scams.


View attachment 16506
Scammers use new technology to make a call appear to come from a bank's legitimate phone number or send a text to appear in the same thread as bank messages. Credit: Westpac/Suncorp.



As experts have wisely warned, one crucial fact to remember is that a legitimate bank will NEVER ask you to transfer funds. If you receive a request like this, you must be on your guard and proceed with caution.

Another red flag to watch out for is receiving a text message with a phone number to call.

To avoid becoming a scam victim, it's always best to call your bank directly using a number you've found independently. This ensures that you're speaking to a legitimate representative from the bank and not an imposter.



To keep yourself and your money safe, there are several other tips that are worth bearing in mind.

For instance, it's never a good idea to provide your online banking passwords, one-time security codes, pins, or tokens over the phone, as these can be used to access your account.



In addition, it's important never to click on links in text messages, as these could lead to malicious websites or apps that can steal your personal information.

Finally, whenever you speak with your bank, make sure to ask for a reference number, which can help you track the conversation and provide a record of the interaction in case of any disputes or issues that arise.

If you want to keep yourself up-to-date with the latest scams and fraud news, head over to the Scam Watch forum on the SDC website. You'll be able to read about the latest tactics and techniques that scammers are using, as well as tips and advice on how to protect yourself and your finances.


View attachment 16505
To avoid falling prey to these scams, consumers are advised not to use the SMS or phone number provided but to call their bank directly. Credit: NAB/CommBank.



The alarming rise of bank impersonation scams has left authorities deeply concerned, as the potential consequences can be devastating.

According to the ACCC Deputy Chair, Catriona Lowe, the concern is that these scams are incredibly convincing, making them difficult to detect. The impact on victims can be both financial and emotional, as the losses can be significant, with some victims losing their entire life savings.

The average loss is around $22,000, with some reports of losses between $40,000 and $800,000.



One example is a man who lost $38,000 after receiving a text message about a suspicious transaction in his bank account.

According to Lowe, the man received the scam text in the same conversation thread as legitimate messages from his bank, which made it appear more convincing. He called the number provided in the text and was put through to someone who claimed to be a member of his bank's fraud team.

Unfortunately, the fraudster was able to convince him to provide his personal banking information, leading to the loss of all his life savings.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank impersonation scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with scammers pretending to be representatives of financial institutions and inducing panic in victims by claiming suspicious or fraudulent activity on their accounts.
  • Victims are often prompted to call a fake number, leading to the loss of their entire savings account.
  • To protect against these scams, it's important to be vigilant, never provide personal information or transfer funds over the phone, and contact your bank directly using a number found independently.

In addition to the rise of bank impersonation scams, there have been recent reports of scammers posing as undercover police officers to convince victims to withdraw cash from their accounts.

The Bank of Queensland has issued an urgent alert after receiving an influx of reports from customers who have fallen victim to this scam.

lfZhTDJYrEfrHkwQA5VuTCna98T5s52vt9TzHrOAjdkRFLeJGjw2eWTizCEnRowdPltcy4j6Eml7_S4xz1q0QEzk3wDryRriJ8Gyi0dYtQgAplfUlABq5JN74LBVEwRPjobN7e9mdhf982AniFRYyPs

According to the bank, the scammers have been targeting the elderly and vulnerable, claiming to be working on an operation to stop a hacker from stealing the victim's money. They introduce themselves with an alias, badge/staff number, and a fake reference number to make their scam appear more legitimate.

It's important to note that police officers will never ask a member of the public to withdraw money from their bank account as part of an investigation. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a police officer and asking you to withdraw cash, it's likely to be a scam.

To read the full report, click here.



As always, here at the SDC, we strive to keep our readers informed and aware of the latest scams and frauds to help protect them from falling victim.

Members, have you recently received a suspicious text or call from someone claiming to be your bank or the police? Don't hesitate to share your story and advice on how to deal with these scams. By working together, we can stay one step ahead of these scammers and protect ourselves and our loved ones from financial devastation.
Any messages I get are checked via outside sources for veracity before any payments are made.
 
Your right! however there are many older people out there who don't have the digital literacy that we are fortunate enough to have, I know that when my father in law was alive we saved him from losing thousands of dollars on many occasions his attitude was if it was from a bank then it must be right so I must pay up. We need to watch out for and help our neighbours who maybe don't have the skills to spot these scams.
That is so true, also if someone is having other issues going on in their lives, they are generally not thinking properly and generally do panic, happened to my sister and she's so switched on. Lucky for her the bank was able to give her money back. I wouldn't have thought in a million years it would happen to her.
 
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I received a text meant to be from one of my adult children. It said that they dropped their phone down the toilet and could I contact them on this number as it was urgent. I felt that it was a scam, but I sent my kids a message just to make sure.
We received similar rubbish texts about our children and their mobile phones. They are all adults and the message came through when we were all sitting around the dinner table together.
 
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  • Haha
Reactions: Ricci
How many times do people need to be told? It's been on tv, print, the internet and people are talking about it. You would have to have been living under a rock to have not heard about it. While the scammers make me mad I'm beginning to lose sympathy for the victims. They have been warned. 😟
I could not agree more.
 
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""They will then create a sense of urgency and panic in their victims by informing them of suspicious or fraudulent activity on their accounts. Sometimes they even pose as the bank's security department, making it seem like the victim's account has been compromised.""

Well, I cant understand as to why people don't ring their Bank and/or their Bank Managers to ascertin what is going on before falling for the trap.

And in closing, I can't fathom as to why Governments and/or Customers Proctection Institutions (In this instance the ACCC), do not prosecute these Conmen to the full extent of the Law and jail them. NOT ALL COUNTRIES IN WHICH THEY ARE OPERATING FROM ARE EXPEMT FROM AUSTRALIAN PROSECUTION.
 
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I received a text message the other week, supposedly from Synergy (our WA energy supplier) saying if you lived in this certain postcode area and your bill was in excess of $200 to click on the link for a large government energy payment to provide financial relief. It appeared very convincing.
They should have picked a different state, so far Mark McGowan has been a bit slow putting his hand into our multi billion dollar surplus to offer this help to those struggling.
I am very lucky as I installed a large solar system, well worth the cost (just over $3000) my last bill being only $55.
Please people be aware of these scams, don't click on any links. If by any chance we do get an energy subsidy in the future you will hear through TV, radio, email, etc you will not have to click on any link.
""I am very lucky as I installed a large solar system, well worth the cost (just over $3000) my last bill being only $55.""

You are one of the lucky ones which do not use the energy suppliers servicing other states. In NSW, and possibly somewhere else, the energy suppliers are ridiculously charging exorbitant rates for their electricity. Origin Energy is one of them.
 
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That is so true, also if someone is having other issues going on in their lives, they are generally not thinking properly and generally do panic, happened to my sister and she's so switched on. Lucky for her the bank was able to give her money back. I wouldn't have thought in a million years it would happen to her.
You can blame this solely on the Digital system and age. It would not have happened in the old days where there was a face to face correlation.
But the Banks today are looking at the profits and cuttting back services while the customers are the ones loosing on it.
If there was some laws forcing them to repay all the losses incurred by their customers, they would soon change the tune.
 
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I have had a message 3 times, saying it's my Bank
and wanting me to press a number to say how I enjoyed my last visit to the Bank.
 
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I got one message pretending to be my bank and I looked up the bank phone number myself and called that number. The bank stated it was a scam. I gave her as much information as possible by telling her what the link read. She passed on the details to their Fraud Dept. I deleted the message.

Another two within seconds of each other came to my computer email and pretending to be one of the banks and telling me my account, etc.. had been comprised. One Big problems was ... I've never banked with this bank. Yes, was one of the banks in Australia. I contacted that bank and informed them so their Fraud dept could take in on board letting them know that the scammers are trying anything they can.
 
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I got one message pretending to be my bank and I looked up the bank phone number myself and called that number. The bank stated it was a scam. I gave her as much information as possible by telling her what the link read. She passed on the details to their Fraud Dept. I deleted the message.

Another two within seconds of each other came to my computer email and pretending to be one of the banks and telling me my account, etc.. had been comprised. One Big problems was ... I've never banked with this bank. Yes, was one of the banks in Australia. I contacted that bank and informed them so their Fraud dept could take in on board letting them know that the scammers are trying anything they can.
I still can't believe that when the authorities catch these people, they are going soft on them. But I repeat what I sated before, the Banks are the ones at fault in this with all the cost cutting and the face to face relationship being discarded. I still maintain that they should be held responsible for what they created.
They keep on telling us that we should be aware when it is their fault that they created these anomalies, let alone thinking that not 100% of the people using their bank facilities are smart enough to get themselves out of trouble.
 
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I still can't believe that when the authorities catch these people, they are going soft on them. But I repeat what I sated before, the Banks are the ones at fault in this with all the cost cutting and the face to face relationship being discarded. I still maintain that they should be held responsible for what they created.
They keep on telling us that we should be aware when it is their fault that they created these anomalies, let alone thinking that not 100% of the people using their bank facilities are smart enough to get themselves out of trouble.
Agree. People do not realise that the black strip on any card that they have means that all their details are on the black strip. People get skimmed this way as well. My eldest brother & sister-in-law stated that they got skimmed (not scammed) and $3,500 taken from their bank account. It means that when they went shopping even just walking to a doctors appointment their card was skimmed. The bank refunded all the money. They got some skim protection cards, another brand. I mentioned Skim Guard (separate company) are better as they have upgraded their anti-skim cards to include anti-skimming protection of membership cards like store membership cards, RSL membership, every card that has that black strip on it. Skim Guard is an Australian company and they sell these together with car key anti-skim pouches. They are also sold at TVSN (Australian shopping network) and they sell 4 for $99.95 plus with that you will get two anti-car key pouches worth $60. Delivery $7.95. I get the TVSN catalogue including the monthly tv program and see that SKIM GUARD will air Easter Sunday 8.4.2023 at 8.30pm. If you can, watch it and maybe consider buying them, even go in with a family member and get two skim guards each and one key pouch each. Worth every cent.

The car key skim pouch is to help protect people not having someone at a shopping centre waiting for you to return to your car with some shopping and then you think you have locked your car but you haven't. The car door may appear locked but all the other doors and boot are unlocked. Your car key has been skimmed. They wait for people to leave think the car has been locked and then steal the items or steal the entire car. The skim key they have will start your car and they drive away.

Technology is good but has also not done us any favours as well.
 
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A lot of people do not realise that the black strip on any card that they have means that all their details are on the black strip. People get skimmed this way as well. My eldest brother & sister-in-law stated that they got skimmed (not scammed) and $3,500 taken from their bank account. It means that when they went shopping even just walking to a doctors appointment their card was skimmed. The bank refunded all the money. They got some another brand skim protection cards. I mentioned Skim Guard ones are better as they have 'upgraded' their anti-skim cards to include anti-skimming protection of membership cards like store membership cards, RSL membership, every card that has that black strip on it. Skim Guard is an Australian company and they sell these together with car key anti-skim pouches. They are also sold at TVSN (Australian shopping network) and they sell 4 for $99.95 plus with that you will get two anti-car key pouches worth $60. Delivery $7.95. I get the TVSN catalogue including the monthly tv program and see that SKIM GUARD will air Easter Sunday 8.4.2023 at 8.30pm. If you can, watch it and maybe consider buying them, even go in with a family member and get two skim guards each and one key pouch each. Worth every cent.

The car key skim pouch is to help protect people not having someone at a shopping centre waiting for you to return to your car with some shopping and then you think you have locked your car but you haven't. The car door may appear locked but all the other doors and boot are unlocked. Your car key has been skimmed. They wait for people to leave think the car has been locked and then steal the items or steal the entire car. The skim key they have will start your car and they drive away.

Technology is good but has also not done us any favours as well.

If you can everyone watch TVSN this Easter Sunday at 8.30pm with the SKIM GUARD items and they and the gentleman will explain it all to you on air. All you have to do is call TVSN and the staff are in Australia and are Australians. If getting delivered to a unit block maybe if a family member has a house use that as your delivery address to ensure you receive the items.
 
How many times do people need to be told? It's been on tv, print, the internet and people are talking about it. You would have to have been living under a rock to have not heard about it. While the scammers make me mad I'm beginning to lose sympathy for the victims. They have been warned. 😟
I must admit to feeling in the same mind Ricci. How can they be so stupid?
 
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