Scams, unfortunately, are everywhere these days.

They can also be hiding in plain sight.

This week, The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Scamwatch issued a warning about a fake news ad on Facebook.

‘Beware of a fake news ad on Facebook promoting an investment scam,’ the warning read.

‘The segment shows a news presenter and the Assistant Treasurer, but the voiceover is fake. Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones does not endorse this.

‘Don't click the link or register your details. It's a scam.’

A new type of investment scam uses images of Channel Nine presenter, Allison Langdon, to make the scam look legitimate. Image source: X/@Scamwatch_gov.

The concerning thing is that you may not immediately know it’s a scam. And according to Scamwatch, Australians lose more money to investment scams than any other type of scam.

Generally, these scams use eye-catching marketing or new and innovative technology—but they often promise you big payouts with little or no risk. In order for them to steal your money, they capitalise on the feeling that you’re getting ‘something for nothing’ and use pressure tactics to get you to act fast.

‘Don't lose your life savings to a money-making opportunity that's too good to be true,’ Scamwatch said.

How To Stay Safe from Scams

As our online presence continues to deepen and broaden, scams are becoming a more common menace, but there are several ways to recognise and deter online scams.

Firstly, always double-check the details. That amazing deal on your screen might indicate the possibility of being duped. Allow yourself to be suspicious, especially about prices that are simply too good to be true. When an offer is triple-checked and it still seems too good to be true, as Scamwatch suggests, it likely is.

Second, be wary of suspicious emails or messages. Scammers send out 'phishing' emails, trying to reel you in. These emails may look like they're from your bank, a government body, or a prominent company—but if it's asking you to update or confirm your personal or financial information, it's time to be on high alert. Always check the sender's email address for any irregularities, and avoid high-pressure sales tactics. Con artists can manipulate emotions, and they know that pressure can result in hurried decisions.

Next, make sure to conduct your research. If you receive an unsolicited call from a company you've never heard of, even if they sound legitimate, take the time to do your investigation. Look them up, read reviews, visit their official website, and so forth. Better yet, err on the side of caution: drop the call and delete all correspondences they sent. Course all contact only with verified official channels.

Another identifying marker is requests for unusual payment methods. Scam artists may ask for payment through cryptocurrencies, prepaid gift cards, wire transfers, or other unconventional methods. This is a big red flag—legitimate businesses typically have more standard and secure payment methods.

It can be very hard to spot a scam, but below is a recap of some of the red flags to watch out for:

Remember, dear members, knowledge is one of the most important weapons against scams. The more you know about the tell-tale signs of scams, the better prepared you will be to spot them.

You may also read up on the latest scams through our very own Scam Watch forum.

Tip

If you think you have come across a scam, or think you may be the victim of fraud, report it online at https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam.

Key Takeaways

• A warning was issued about online scams, especially on the social media platform Facebook, fraudulently using Nine presenter Allison Langdon's image.
  
• The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Scamwatch shared a warning about a fake news ad promoting an investment scam.
  
• According to Scamwatch, Australians lose more money to investment scams than any other type of scam.
  
• Scamwatch explains that scammers often use pressure tactics to force quick decisions, so they advise stopping, thinking, and checking before committing to anything that might be a scam.
  

Sharing is caring—let us know how you protect yourselves from online scams in the comments below!

 

[mylittletibbies]

People's greed gets the better of them.
Don't answer or click on ANY investment ads. Go to an accredited financial adviser and pay him for his advice, or your bank. Centrelink also gives financial advice, or at least they used to, lucky if you can get a phone answered these days, more likely to die of old age waiting. But at least you won't require any financial advice then, lol.

 

[Raven57]

that scam has been around for 12-18 months,so why has cyber people only picked it up now.

Scams, unfortunately, are everywhere these days.

They can also be hiding in plain sight.

This week, The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Scamwatch issued a warning about a fake news ad on Facebook.

‘Beware of a fake news ad on Facebook promoting an investment scam,’ the warning read.

‘The segment shows a news presenter and the Assistant Treasurer, but the voiceover is fake. Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones does not endorse this.

‘Don't click the link or register your details. It's a scam.’

View attachment 28462

A new type of investment scam uses images of Channel Nine presenter, Allison Langdon, to make the scam look legitimate. Image source: X/@Scamwatch_gov.

The concerning thing is that you may not immediately know it’s a scam. And according to Scamwatch, Australians lose more money to investment scams than any other type of scam.

Generally, these scams use eye-catching marketing or new and innovative technology—but they often promise you big payouts with little or no risk. In order for them to steal your money, they capitalise on the feeling that you’re getting ‘something for nothing’ and use pressure tactics to get you to act fast.

‘Don't lose your life savings to a money-making opportunity that's too good to be true,’ Scamwatch said.

How To Stay Safe from Scams

As our online presence continues to deepen and broaden, scams are becoming a more common menace, but there are several ways to recognise and deter online scams.

Firstly, always double-check the details. That amazing deal on your screen might indicate the possibility of being duped. Allow yourself to be suspicious, especially about prices that are simply too good to be true. When an offer is triple-checked and it still seems too good to be true, as Scamwatch suggests, it likely is.

Second, be wary of suspicious emails or messages. Scammers send out 'phishing' emails, trying to reel you in. These emails may look like they're from your bank, a government body, or a prominent company—but if it's asking you to update or confirm your personal or financial information, it's time to be on high alert. Always check the sender's email address for any irregularities, and avoid high-pressure sales tactics. Con artists can manipulate emotions, and they know that pressure can result in hurried decisions.

Next, make sure to conduct your research. If you receive an unsolicited call from a company you've never heard of, even if they sound legitimate, take the time to do your investigation. Look them up, read reviews, visit their official website, and so forth. Better yet, err on the side of caution: drop the call and delete all correspondences they sent. Course all contact only with verified official channels.

Another identifying marker is requests for unusual payment methods. Scam artists may ask for payment through cryptocurrencies, prepaid gift cards, wire transfers, or other unconventional methods. This is a big red flag—legitimate businesses typically have more standard and secure payment methods.

It can be very hard to spot a scam, but below is a recap of some of the red flags to watch out for:

Remember, dear members, knowledge is one of the most important weapons against scams. The more you know about the tell-tale signs of scams, the better prepared you will be to spot them.

You may also read up on the latest scams through our very own Scam Watch forum.

Tip

If you think you have come across a scam, or think you may be the victim of fraud, report it online at https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam.

Key Takeaways

• A warning was issued about online scams, especially on the social media platform Facebook, fraudulently using Nine presenter Allison Langdon's image.
• The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Scamwatch shared a warning about a fake news ad promoting an investment scam.
• According to Scamwatch, Australians lose more money to investment scams than any other type of scam.
• Scamwatch explains that scammers often use pressure tactics to force quick decisions, so they advise stopping, thinking, and checking before committing to anything that might be a scam.

Sharing is caring—let us know how you protect yourselves from online scams in the comments below!

Scams, unfortunately, are everywhere these days.

They can also be hiding in plain sight.

This week, The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Scamwatch issued a warning about a fake news ad on Facebook.

‘Beware of a fake news ad on Facebook promoting an investment scam,’ the warning read.

‘The segment shows a news presenter and the Assistant Treasurer, but the voiceover is fake. Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones does not endorse this.

‘Don't click the link or register your details. It's a scam.’

View attachment 28462

A new type of investment scam uses images of Channel Nine presenter, Allison Langdon, to make the scam look legitimate. Image source: X/@Scamwatch_gov.

The concerning thing is that you may not immediately know it’s a scam. And according to Scamwatch, Australians lose more money to investment scams than any other type of scam.

Generally, these scams use eye-catching marketing or new and innovative technology—but they often promise you big payouts with little or no risk. In order for them to steal your money, they capitalise on the feeling that you’re getting ‘something for nothing’ and use pressure tactics to get you to act fast.

‘Don't lose your life savings to a money-making opportunity that's too good to be true,’ Scamwatch said.

How To Stay Safe from Scams

As our online presence continues to deepen and broaden, scams are becoming a more common menace, but there are several ways to recognise and deter online scams.

Firstly, always double-check the details. That amazing deal on your screen might indicate the possibility of being duped. Allow yourself to be suspicious, especially about prices that are simply too good to be true. When an offer is triple-checked and it still seems too good to be true, as Scamwatch suggests, it likely is.

Second, be wary of suspicious emails or messages. Scammers send out 'phishing' emails, trying to reel you in. These emails may look like they're from your bank, a government body, or a prominent company—but if it's asking you to update or confirm your personal or financial information, it's time to be on high alert. Always check the sender's email address for any irregularities, and avoid high-pressure sales tactics. Con artists can manipulate emotions, and they know that pressure can result in hurried decisions.

Next, make sure to conduct your research. If you receive an unsolicited call from a company you've never heard of, even if they sound legitimate, take the time to do your investigation. Look them up, read reviews, visit their official website, and so forth. Better yet, err on the side of caution: drop the call and delete all correspondences they sent. Course all contact only with verified official channels.

Another identifying marker is requests for unusual payment methods. Scam artists may ask for payment through cryptocurrencies, prepaid gift cards, wire transfers, or other unconventional methods. This is a big red flag—legitimate businesses typically have more standard and secure payment methods.

It can be very hard to spot a scam, but below is a recap of some of the red flags to watch out for:

Remember, dear members, knowledge is one of the most important weapons against scams. The more you know about the tell-tale signs of scams, the better prepared you will be to spot them.

You may also read up on the latest scams through our very own Scam Watch forum.

Tip

If you think you have come across a scam, or think you may be the victim of fraud, report it online at https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam.

Key Takeaways

• A warning was issued about online scams, especially on the social media platform Facebook, fraudulently using Nine presenter Allison Langdon's image.
• The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Scamwatch shared a warning about a fake news ad promoting an investment scam.
• According to Scamwatch, Australians lose more money to investment scams than any other type of scam.
• Scamwatch explains that scammers often use pressure tactics to force quick decisions, so they advise stopping, thinking, and checking before committing to anything that might be a scam.

Sharing is caring—let us know how you protect yourselves from online scams in the comments below!

 

[Ann Melling]

I have been bombarded for the last month or so with numerous emails every day. A lot re 'virus protection' I just Block the address & delete, thing is they send again from another made up address - they don't give up neither do I. If I am unsure of an email I look at the sender address and can see straight away it is made up.

 

[AlanQ]

Just 1 of a dozen fake scam videos, include, Twiggy Forrest, Gina Rinehart, Hilda Hitchener the list goes on, and yet people still stupidly click on them because of their own stupidity.

 

[Time to chat]

Scams, unfortunately, are everywhere these days.

They can also be hiding in plain sight.

This week, The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Scamwatch issued a warning about a fake news ad on Facebook.

‘Beware of a fake news ad on Facebook promoting an investment scam,’ the warning read.

‘The segment shows a news presenter and the Assistant Treasurer, but the voiceover is fake. Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones does not endorse this.

‘Don't click the link or register your details. It's a scam.’

View attachment 28462

A new type of investment scam uses images of Channel Nine presenter, Allison Langdon, to make the scam look legitimate. Image source: X/@Scamwatch_gov.

The concerning thing is that you may not immediately know it’s a scam. And according to Scamwatch, Australians lose more money to investment scams than any other type of scam.

Generally, these scams use eye-catching marketing or new and innovative technology—but they often promise you big payouts with little or no risk. In order for them to steal your money, they capitalise on the feeling that you’re getting ‘something for nothing’ and use pressure tactics to get you to act fast.

‘Don't lose your life savings to a money-making opportunity that's too good to be true,’ Scamwatch said.

How To Stay Safe from Scams

As our online presence continues to deepen and broaden, scams are becoming a more common menace, but there are several ways to recognise and deter online scams.

Firstly, always double-check the details. That amazing deal on your screen might indicate the possibility of being duped. Allow yourself to be suspicious, especially about prices that are simply too good to be true. When an offer is triple-checked and it still seems too good to be true, as Scamwatch suggests, it likely is.

Second, be wary of suspicious emails or messages. Scammers send out 'phishing' emails, trying to reel you in. These emails may look like they're from your bank, a government body, or a prominent company—but if it's asking you to update or confirm your personal or financial information, it's time to be on high alert. Always check the sender's email address for any irregularities, and avoid high-pressure sales tactics. Con artists can manipulate emotions, and they know that pressure can result in hurried decisions.

Next, make sure to conduct your research. If you receive an unsolicited call from a company you've never heard of, even if they sound legitimate, take the time to do your investigation. Look them up, read reviews, visit their official website, and so forth. Better yet, err on the side of caution: drop the call and delete all correspondences they sent. Course all contact only with verified official channels.

Another identifying marker is requests for unusual payment methods. Scam artists may ask for payment through cryptocurrencies, prepaid gift cards, wire transfers, or other unconventional methods. This is a big red flag—legitimate businesses typically have more standard and secure payment methods.

It can be very hard to spot a scam, but below is a recap of some of the red flags to watch out for:

Remember, dear members, knowledge is one of the most important weapons against scams. The more you know about the tell-tale signs of scams, the better prepared you will be to spot them.

You may also read up on the latest scams through our very own Scam Watch forum.

Tip

If you think you have come across a scam, or think you may be the victim of fraud, report it online at https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam.

Key Takeaways

• A warning was issued about online scams, especially on the social media platform Facebook, fraudulently using Nine presenter Allison Langdon's image.
• The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Scamwatch shared a warning about a fake news ad promoting an investment scam.
• According to Scamwatch, Australians lose more money to investment scams than any other type of scam.
• Scamwatch explains that scammers often use pressure tactics to force quick decisions, so they advise stopping, thinking, and checking before committing to anything that might be a scam.

Sharing is caring—let us know how you protect yourselves from online scams in the comments below!

I got scammed out of $350 American dollars with the commonwealth bank logo advertising investment.I’m not expecting any returns anytime soon. It’s been since December last year. Beware people.

 

[kenrconn]

People's greed gets the better of them.
Don't answer or click on ANY investment ads. Go to an accredited financial adviser and pay him for his advice, or your bank. Centrelink also gives financial advice, or at least they used to, lucky if you can get a phone answered these days, more likely to die of old age waiting. But at least you won't require any financial advice then, lol.

There were two scams that came up within the ads six to 8 weeks ago while I was reading SDC reports (I know that these were not associated with SDC). The first was a few weeks after an ACA (Nine.com) item which showed an elderly lady had been scammed of a single large amount and another person who has been scammed several times (??) by money taken from her bank account. A few days later ACA reported that the First Lady received a refund from her bank and she showed the amount she received back, on her tablet The first scam showed Ally Langdon opening a news item but what Ally was saying was not what we heard. The lip-sync was way out. I expect that Allys voice was recreated by AI This scam showed a reporter talking to the lady who received her refund from the bank and the actual sound was correct in that the reporter was celebrating with the lady the fact that she had received a large amount of cash. A second piece of video showed the Second Lady showing how much money had disappeared from her account but the sound was off so it looked like deposits she had received. In both cases it appeared that they had received deposits by entering into the investment that the scam was advertising.
A second ad that I saw showed Ally Langdon, again opening a new item, but again the lip-sync was out of sequence. It showed , again, the first lady lady with her large deposit then it went to footage of Gina Reinhardt supposedly recommending the “investment service” but as before the lip-sync was way out.
I reported these to Channel Nine but, as yet,have had no reply. I then reported them to Scamwatch and this is the first warning I have seen.

This is the link to the SCAM video. I am posting this so that people will know what to look for.



PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A SCAM NEWS REPORT!!

 

[Pierre-Poppi]

Just 1 of a dozen fake scam videos, include, Twiggy Forrest, Gina Rinehart, Hilda Hitchener the list goes on, and yet people still stupidly click on them because of their own stupidity.

Or they are so desperate to survive they just do it anyway. 7 years ago I invested my last bitcoin in an investment scheme that was looking great, so I left it on Autopilot. Last year FTX went into liquidation owing me $53,000aud and this wasn't a scam. Even real schemes can go belly up.

 

[Macarj]

Well it's not a new type of scam it has been going on for a few years

 

[Tygie]

Scams, unfortunately, are everywhere these days.

They can also be hiding in plain sight.

This week, The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Scamwatch issued a warning about a fake news ad on Facebook.

‘Beware of a fake news ad on Facebook promoting an investment scam,’ the warning read.

‘The segment shows a news presenter and the Assistant Treasurer, but the voiceover is fake. Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones does not endorse this.

‘Don't click the link or register your details. It's a scam.’

View attachment 28462

A new type of investment scam uses images of Channel Nine presenter, Allison Langdon, to make the scam look legitimate. Image source: X/@Scamwatch_gov.

The concerning thing is that you may not immediately know it’s a scam. And according to Scamwatch, Australians lose more money to investment scams than any other type of scam.

Generally, these scams use eye-catching marketing or new and innovative technology—but they often promise you big payouts with little or no risk. In order for them to steal your money, they capitalise on the feeling that you’re getting ‘something for nothing’ and use pressure tactics to get you to act fast.

‘Don't lose your life savings to a money-making opportunity that's too good to be true,’ Scamwatch said.

How To Stay Safe from Scams

As our online presence continues to deepen and broaden, scams are becoming a more common menace, but there are several ways to recognise and deter online scams.

Firstly, always double-check the details. That amazing deal on your screen might indicate the possibility of being duped. Allow yourself to be suspicious, especially about prices that are simply too good to be true. When an offer is triple-checked and it still seems too good to be true, as Scamwatch suggests, it likely is.

Second, be wary of suspicious emails or messages. Scammers send out 'phishing' emails, trying to reel you in. These emails may look like they're from your bank, a government body, or a prominent company—but if it's asking you to update or confirm your personal or financial information, it's time to be on high alert. Always check the sender's email address for any irregularities, and avoid high-pressure sales tactics. Con artists can manipulate emotions, and they know that pressure can result in hurried decisions.

Next, make sure to conduct your research. If you receive an unsolicited call from a company you've never heard of, even if they sound legitimate, take the time to do your investigation. Look them up, read reviews, visit their official website, and so forth. Better yet, err on the side of caution: drop the call and delete all correspondences they sent. Course all contact only with verified official channels.

Another identifying marker is requests for unusual payment methods. Scam artists may ask for payment through cryptocurrencies, prepaid gift cards, wire transfers, or other unconventional methods. This is a big red flag—legitimate businesses typically have more standard and secure payment methods.

It can be very hard to spot a scam, but below is a recap of some of the red flags to watch out for:

Remember, dear members, knowledge is one of the most important weapons against scams. The more you know about the tell-tale signs of scams, the better prepared you will be to spot them.

You may also read up on the latest scams through our very own Scam Watch forum.

Tip

If you think you have come across a scam, or think you may be the victim of fraud, report it online at https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam.

Key Takeaways

• A warning was issued about online scams, especially on the social media platform Facebook, fraudulently using Nine presenter Allison Langdon's image.
• The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Scamwatch shared a warning about a fake news ad promoting an investment scam.
• According to Scamwatch, Australians lose more money to investment scams than any other type of scam.
• Scamwatch explains that scammers often use pressure tactics to force quick decisions, so they advise stopping, thinking, and checking before committing to anything that might be a scam.

Sharing is caring—let us know how you protect yourselves from online scams in the comments below!

All social media is EVIL and should be banned and banished from the internet. And in a perfect world, all scammers would be caught and locked up away from computers of any sort. But the world is not perfect and the governments don't really care enough to wipe scammers out, just skim the surface of them as the cowards hide.

 

[Cool Lynda]

Scams, unfortunately, are everywhere these days.

They can also be hiding in plain sight.

This week, The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Scamwatch issued a warning about a fake news ad on Facebook.

‘Beware of a fake news ad on Facebook promoting an investment scam,’ the warning read.

‘The segment shows a news presenter and the Assistant Treasurer, but the voiceover is fake. Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones does not endorse this.

‘Don't click the link or register your details. It's a scam.’

View attachment 28462

A new type of investment scam uses images of Channel Nine presenter, Allison Langdon, to make the scam look legitimate. Image source: X/@Scamwatch_gov.

The concerning thing is that you may not immediately know it’s a scam. And according to Scamwatch, Australians lose more money to investment scams than any other type of scam.

Generally, these scams use eye-catching marketing or new and innovative technology—but they often promise you big payouts with little or no risk. In order for them to steal your money, they capitalise on the feeling that you’re getting ‘something for nothing’ and use pressure tactics to get you to act fast.

‘Don't lose your life savings to a money-making opportunity that's too good to be true,’ Scamwatch said.

How To Stay Safe from Scams

As our online presence continues to deepen and broaden, scams are becoming a more common menace, but there are several ways to recognise and deter online scams.

Firstly, always double-check the details. That amazing deal on your screen might indicate the possibility of being duped. Allow yourself to be suspicious, especially about prices that are simply too good to be true. When an offer is triple-checked and it still seems too good to be true, as Scamwatch suggests, it likely is.

Second, be wary of suspicious emails or messages. Scammers send out 'phishing' emails, trying to reel you in. These emails may look like they're from your bank, a government body, or a prominent company—but if it's asking you to update or confirm your personal or financial information, it's time to be on high alert. Always check the sender's email address for any irregularities, and avoid high-pressure sales tactics. Con artists can manipulate emotions, and they know that pressure can result in hurried decisions.

Next, make sure to conduct your research. If you receive an unsolicited call from a company you've never heard of, even if they sound legitimate, take the time to do your investigation. Look them up, read reviews, visit their official website, and so forth. Better yet, err on the side of caution: drop the call and delete all correspondences they sent. Course all contact only with verified official channels.

Another identifying marker is requests for unusual payment methods. Scam artists may ask for payment through cryptocurrencies, prepaid gift cards, wire transfers, or other unconventional methods. This is a big red flag—legitimate businesses typically have more standard and secure payment methods.

It can be very hard to spot a scam, but below is a recap of some of the red flags to watch out for:

Remember, dear members, knowledge is one of the most important weapons against scams. The more you know about the tell-tale signs of scams, the better prepared you will be to spot them.

You may also read up on the latest scams through our very own Scam Watch forum.

Tip

If you think you have come across a scam, or think you may be the victim of fraud, report it online at https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam.

Key Takeaways

• A warning was issued about online scams, especially on the social media platform Facebook, fraudulently using Nine presenter Allison Langdon's image.
• The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Scamwatch shared a warning about a fake news ad promoting an investment scam.
• According to Scamwatch, Australians lose more money to investment scams than any other type of scam.
• Scamwatch explains that scammers often use pressure tactics to force quick decisions, so they advise stopping, thinking, and checking before committing to anything that might be a scam.

Sharing is caring—let us know how you protect yourselves from online scams in the comments below!

These scams have been going on for years, using famous or just well known faces. She's not the first and won't be the last, sadly.

 

[Time to chat]

Scams, unfortunately, are everywhere these days.

They can also be hiding in plain sight.

This week, The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Scamwatch issued a warning about a fake news ad on Facebook.

‘Beware of a fake news ad on Facebook promoting an investment scam,’ the warning read.

‘The segment shows a news presenter and the Assistant Treasurer, but the voiceover is fake. Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones does not endorse this.

‘Don't click the link or register your details. It's a scam.’

View attachment 28462

A new type of investment scam uses images of Channel Nine presenter, Allison Langdon, to make the scam look legitimate. Image source: X/@Scamwatch_gov.

The concerning thing is that you may not immediately know it’s a scam. And according to Scamwatch, Australians lose more money to investment scams than any other type of scam.

Generally, these scams use eye-catching marketing or new and innovative technology—but they often promise you big payouts with little or no risk. In order for them to steal your money, they capitalise on the feeling that you’re getting ‘something for nothing’ and use pressure tactics to get you to act fast.

‘Don't lose your life savings to a money-making opportunity that's too good to be true,’ Scamwatch said.

How To Stay Safe from Scams

As our online presence continues to deepen and broaden, scams are becoming a more common menace, but there are several ways to recognise and deter online scams.

Firstly, always double-check the details. That amazing deal on your screen might indicate the possibility of being duped. Allow yourself to be suspicious, especially about prices that are simply too good to be true. When an offer is triple-checked and it still seems too good to be true, as Scamwatch suggests, it likely is.

Second, be wary of suspicious emails or messages. Scammers send out 'phishing' emails, trying to reel you in. These emails may look like they're from your bank, a government body, or a prominent company—but if it's asking you to update or confirm your personal or financial information, it's time to be on high alert. Always check the sender's email address for any irregularities, and avoid high-pressure sales tactics. Con artists can manipulate emotions, and they know that pressure can result in hurried decisions.

Next, make sure to conduct your research. If you receive an unsolicited call from a company you've never heard of, even if they sound legitimate, take the time to do your investigation. Look them up, read reviews, visit their official website, and so forth. Better yet, err on the side of caution: drop the call and delete all correspondences they sent. Course all contact only with verified official channels.

Another identifying marker is requests for unusual payment methods. Scam artists may ask for payment through cryptocurrencies, prepaid gift cards, wire transfers, or other unconventional methods. This is a big red flag—legitimate businesses typically have more standard and secure payment methods.

It can be very hard to spot a scam, but below is a recap of some of the red flags to watch out for:

Remember, dear members, knowledge is one of the most important weapons against scams. The more you know about the tell-tale signs of scams, the better prepared you will be to spot them.

You may also read up on the latest scams through our very own Scam Watch forum.

Tip

If you think you have come across a scam, or think you may be the victim of fraud, report it online at https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam.

Key Takeaways

• A warning was issued about online scams, especially on the social media platform Facebook, fraudulently using Nine presenter Allison Langdon's image.
• The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Scamwatch shared a warning about a fake news ad promoting an investment scam.
• According to Scamwatch, Australians lose more money to investment scams than any other type of scam.
• Scamwatch explains that scammers often use pressure tactics to force quick decisions, so they advise stopping, thinking, and checking before committing to anything that might be a scam.

Sharing is caring—let us know how you protect yourselves from online scams in the comments below!

I was tricked out of the same amount of money but they used the commonwealth bank logo.: the $350 is act American dollars. Still haven’t seen anything back from my investment from December 2022. It’s a big big scam people. Don’t fall for it.

 

[Rob.]

People's greed gets the better of them.
Don't answer or click on ANY investment ads. Go to an accredited financial adviser and pay him for his advice, or your bank. Centrelink also gives financial advice, or at least they used to, lucky if you can get a phone answered these days, more likely to die of old age waiting. But at least you won't require any financial advice then, lol.

Heaven is reputedly cash-free, but we are not sure about the other place. Heating bills, perhaps?

 

[Wonny]

Scams, unfortunately, are everywhere these days.

They can also be hiding in plain sight.

This week, The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Scamwatch issued a warning about a fake news ad on Facebook.

‘Beware of a fake news ad on Facebook promoting an investment scam,’ the warning read.

‘The segment shows a news presenter and the Assistant Treasurer, but the voiceover is fake. Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones does not endorse this.

‘Don't click the link or register your details. It's a scam.’

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A new type of investment scam uses images of Channel Nine presenter, Allison Langdon, to make the scam look legitimate. Image source: X/@Scamwatch_gov.

The concerning thing is that you may not immediately know it’s a scam. And according to Scamwatch, Australians lose more money to investment scams than any other type of scam.

Generally, these scams use eye-catching marketing or new and innovative technology—but they often promise you big payouts with little or no risk. In order for them to steal your money, they capitalise on the feeling that you’re getting ‘something for nothing’ and use pressure tactics to get you to act fast.

‘Don't lose your life savings to a money-making opportunity that's too good to be true,’ Scamwatch said.

How To Stay Safe from Scams

As our online presence continues to deepen and broaden, scams are becoming a more common menace, but there are several ways to recognise and deter online scams.

Firstly, always double-check the details. That amazing deal on your screen might indicate the possibility of being duped. Allow yourself to be suspicious, especially about prices that are simply too good to be true. When an offer is triple-checked and it still seems too good to be true, as Scamwatch suggests, it likely is.

Second, be wary of suspicious emails or messages. Scammers send out 'phishing' emails, trying to reel you in. These emails may look like they're from your bank, a government body, or a prominent company—but if it's asking you to update or confirm your personal or financial information, it's time to be on high alert. Always check the sender's email address for any irregularities, and avoid high-pressure sales tactics. Con artists can manipulate emotions, and they know that pressure can result in hurried decisions.

Next, make sure to conduct your research. If you receive an unsolicited call from a company you've never heard of, even if they sound legitimate, take the time to do your investigation. Look them up, read reviews, visit their official website, and so forth. Better yet, err on the side of caution: drop the call and delete all correspondences they sent. Course all contact only with verified official channels.

Another identifying marker is requests for unusual payment methods. Scam artists may ask for payment through cryptocurrencies, prepaid gift cards, wire transfers, or other unconventional methods. This is a big red flag—legitimate businesses typically have more standard and secure payment methods.

It can be very hard to spot a scam, but below is a recap of some of the red flags to watch out for:

Remember, dear members, knowledge is one of the most important weapons against scams. The more you know about the tell-tale signs of scams, the better prepared you will be to spot them.

You may also read up on the latest scams through our very own Scam Watch forum.

Tip

If you think you have come across a scam, or think you may be the victim of fraud, report it online at https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam.

Key Takeaways

• A warning was issued about online scams, especially on the social media platform Facebook, fraudulently using Nine presenter Allison Langdon's image.
• The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Scamwatch shared a warning about a fake news ad promoting an investment scam.
• According to Scamwatch, Australians lose more money to investment scams than any other type of scam.
• Scamwatch explains that scammers often use pressure tactics to force quick decisions, so they advise stopping, thinking, and checking before committing to anything that might be a scam.

Sharing is caring—let us know how you protect yourselves from online scams in the comments below!

If you look then have to think about it 'cause its sounds so good it's probably a scam. If you get it in an email simply look at or double click the sender name (depends on mail prog) you can always tell by weird looking address OR the address of links do not match exactly the domain name of the known company its supposedly from then DO NOT CLICK ANY LINKS; thats when the damage is done by cross siteing or maliscious embedding. Finaly if your mail program allows setup to initially block images, USE IT. Lots of damage comes from the hidden auto link back to load the image(s).

Its not difficult, just requires patience.

 

[GypsyChick]

How ironic that the ad appearing above the story shows a photo of Hugh Jackman which leads to a page quoting Hugh and our Prime Minister spruiking crypto.