Avoid losing thousands to this deceptive AMP scam – find out how!

At the Seniors Discount Club, we're dedicated to keeping our community informed and and safe from scams. Today, we bring to your attention a new scam that specifically targets AMP Bank customers. It's a deceitful SMS scam whose main goal is to swipe your hard-earned money and personal details from right under your nose.

AMP Bank has acknowledged the existence of this SMS scam making waves in Australia and has issued a warning to their customers, urging them to remain cautious.


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Photo by Lindsey LaMont on Unsplash





'Please remain vigilant: We're aware of an active scam targeting AMP Bank customers,' AMP stated. 'If you're concerned that you may have been targeted, please send us a private message or contact us at 13 30 30.'

The text message is designed to masquerade as a legitimate message from AMP, often leading unsuspecting customers to get in touch with the so-called general inquiries team. It's essential not to fall into the trap and contact your bank directly instead of replying to the unauthorised text.



Scammers have been increasingly successful in raiding Australians' bank accounts, with a staggering $3.1 billion being lost to scams in 2022, as reported by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) Scamwatch. This is an 80% increase when compared to the total losses recorded in 2021.

Among these, investment scams took the top spot, accounting for around $1.5 billion in losses. They were followed by remote-access scams, which caused $229 million, and payment-redirection scams, responsible for $224 million.

'Australians lost more money to scams than ever before in 2022, but the true cost of scams is much more than a dollar figure, as they also cause emotional distress to victims, their families, and businesses,' said ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe.



To tackle these ever-evolving scams, it's crucial to have a coordinated response from the government, law enforcement, and the private sector. To this end, the government is establishing the National Anti-Scam Centre, which aims to make Australia the hardest target for scammers.

While we wait for the National Anti-Scam Centre to take shape, it's essential to stay proactive. Keep an eye out for our updates and tips on avoiding scams and protecting yourself and your loved ones.

Tips to Stay Safe From Scams​



With scamming on the rise in Australia, it is important to stay vigilant and informed about the various ways criminals are attempting to steal your money and personal information. To protect yourself from becoming a victim, here are some tips to help you stay safe:

  1. Be aware of common signs of fraud and scam attempts. Look out for unusual language, misspelt words and other grammatical errors in emails and text messages, as well as emails that are not directly addressed to you, even if it looks like it might be from a trusted provider.
  2. If you receive a suspicious request asking for personal details, do not respond and verify that it is a legitimate request before submitting any information.
  3. Do not click on links or download attachments from emails or text messages that you do not recognise or from suspicious sources.
  4. Stay up to date on the latest scams targeting individuals and businesses, and always check for business-specific alerts about scams.
  5. Carefully review documents before signing or sending payments.
  6. If you suspect you have been targeted by a scam, report it to the ACCC’s Scamwatch and your financial provider immediately. Your financial provider may offer extra protection or refund available if your account or credit card has been used to conduct a transaction with a suspected scammer.


Key Takeaways
  • AMP customers are being targeted by a new scam text attempting to steal their personal details and money.
  • AMP warns customers to remain vigilant and contact them immediately if they suspect they have been targeted.
  • The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) reports Australians lost a record $3.1 billion to scams in 2022.
  • ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe emphasises the need for a coordinated response across government, law enforcement, and the private sector to combat scams more effectively.
Remember, dear members, constant vigilance and prompt reporting of any suspicious text messages or emails can help protect you and others from these financially and emotionally damaging scams. Have you ever encountered a suspicious text message or email? How do you ensure your safety and protect others from these fraudulent schemes? Share your experiences and tips for staying informed and secure in today's digital age.
 
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I recently got an email from Amazon, saying someone had tried to change my password and to verify if it was me by replying using a code. I didn't because they didn't address me by name- but that was the only ‘tell’ if it wasn't for sdc daily emails reminding us to stay vigilant, I just might not been as aware!
 

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