In a world where technology has been a cornerstone of our lives, it's a harsh reality that the same advancements could also be used to take advantage of others.

An Australian couple’s story was a sobering reminder of the dark side of our digital age.

Their dreams of starting a family were cruelly shattered when a scammer conned them out of their life savings.


Scott and Danielle White shared their harrowing experience on The Project.

Their predicament began with a phone call from someone who posed as a Bendigo Bank employee.

The scammer was alarmingly well-informed, as he knew Mr White's internet banking details and the security systems used by Bendigo Bank.


'I have pretty much no online footprint. I've never had social media. I don't do much even on my phone outside of the usual things,' Mr White said in the interview.

This level of detail gave the scammer an air of credibility, leading Mr White to share a personal security code.

Within minutes, the Whites' account was drained of more than $98,000, leaving them with $1,500.


The emotional toll was evident as they recounted their ordeal on national television.

'We wanted to start IVF because we've been trying for a while to no success, not even a little bit of hope. So, a lot of it was going towards IVF,' Ms White lamented.

The Whites also faced mounting veterinary bills for their dog, who was diagnosed with cancer.

'We have no money left—only what I got paid from work, and that's not going to last very long,' she added.

The Project's host, Sarah Harris, showed empathy and anger as she listened to the couple's story.

'We are just so sorry that you're going through this. These bloody scumbags are out there and destroying lives,' Harris said.


The segment not only highlighted the Whites' plight but also sparked a broader conversation about the prevalence of scams in Australia.

With over $2.7 billion lost to scams in 2023 and more than 600,000 scam reports filed, it's clear that this is a national issue that requires urgent attention.

In the aftermath of the scam, the Whites experienced the full spectrum of humanity.

Their neighbours extended a lifeline and offered a loan and a care package to help them get back on their feet.

'Bendigo Bank attempts to recover funds lost to scams wherever possible,' one of the bank’s spokespersons stated.

'It goes without saying when the bank is at fault, we will reimburse customers for the loss of funds.'

Watch the full story here:


This cautionary tale serves as a stark warning to all Australians who may be more vulnerable to deceitful tactics.

It's crucial to remain vigilant and sceptical of unsolicited calls, especially those requesting personal security information.

Always verify the identity of the caller through independent means and never give out sensitive information over the phone.

Stay informed and updated with the latest scams and prevention tips with the SDC forum’s Scam Watch section.
Have you or someone you know been targeted by similar schemes over the phone? We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with scams in the comments below.