Cost-of-living crisis: Centrelink scammers leave Aussie couple $1000 short
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In these trying times, where every penny counts, the last thing any of us wants is to fall victim to a scam that preys on our financial vulnerabilities.
Unfortunately, that's exactly what happened to an unsuspecting Aussie couple who lost a staggering amount from their Centrelink payments.
This cautionary tale serves as a stark reminder for all of us, especially those of us in our senior years who may be more trusting and less tech-savvy, to stay vigilant against the rising tide of cost-of-living scams.
The National Anti-Scam Centre has issued a warning about the increasing number of criminals who are exploiting the cost-of-living crisis to deceive Australians.
These scammers are cunningly impersonating charities and concocting fake financial assistance schemes, such as No Interest Loan Schemes, emergency relief services, rental assistance, and programs like the fictitious Australian Emergency Rental Assistance program.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Deputy Chair, Catriona Lowe, has expressed concern over how these criminals are targeting struggling Aussies in ‘despicable ways’.
‘We are warning people who need financial assistance and those that provide it to be aware of these scams,’ she stated.
As the cost of living soars, it's more important than ever to be extra mindful of these fraudulent schemes.
In one harrowing incident, a couple dependent on Centrelink payments was duped by scammers posing as a reputable charity online. The scammers advertised a no-interest loan that seemed like a lifeline.
‘Believing the offer was genuine, the victims provided sensitive information, including their driver’s license, Medicare card, Pension Card, and myGov details,’ Ms Lowe reported.
‘The scammers then diverted $1,000 from the couple’s Centrelink payments.’
Another case involved a disability support pension recipient who was tricked by a fraudulent social media page named ‘Emergency Rental Assistance Program’.
After providing their personal information, including their myGov Account details, the scammers locked them out of their account and redirected their disability support pension.
These scammers are not only impersonating government agencies and programs but also charities that provide support to those in need, such as the Wesley Mission.
They are after your money and personal information, including myGov usernames and passwords, bank account details, and identification documents like driver's licenses or passports.
‘Impersonating trusted organisations is a common scam tactic. Australians should independently check an organisation offering financial assistance is legitimate, and never provide personal identifying information through social media,’ Ms Lowe advised.
Scammers will attempt to steal money and personal information such as myGov usernames and passwords, bank account details, driver's licences, and passports.
‘Don’t rely on social media adverts or assume that the person contacting you is who they say they are. If you think you’ve been targeted by scammers, act quickly to protect yourself,’ she continued.
Australians are encouraged to report any scam activity directly to the social media platform and Scamwatch.
If your personal information has been compromised, contact IDCARE at 1800 595 160.
For issues involving myGov or Centrelink details, reach out to Services Australia’s Scams and Identity Theft Helpdesk at 1800 941 126.
Remember, there are genuine No Interest Loan Schemes available through trusted charities such as Good Shepherd and the Salvation Army. Always approach these organisations directly through their official channels.
In recent months, many Australians have found themselves struggling with the rising cost of living, with even Centrelink recipients feeling the pinch.
The couple’s case highlights the financial vulnerability faced by many. The increased cost of living has driven some individuals to seek quick financial recovery solutions, which unfortunately opens doors to fraudulent schemes.
Authorities are now warning Australians to be cautious of a surge in scams promising financial recovery.
Stay informed and vigilant, and always report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities to help protect yourself and others from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.
Have you or someone you know encountered a similar scam? What is your number one tip to avoid falling victim to them? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below to help others stay alert. Together, we can build a savvy, secure, and scam-free community.
Unfortunately, that's exactly what happened to an unsuspecting Aussie couple who lost a staggering amount from their Centrelink payments.
This cautionary tale serves as a stark reminder for all of us, especially those of us in our senior years who may be more trusting and less tech-savvy, to stay vigilant against the rising tide of cost-of-living scams.
The National Anti-Scam Centre has issued a warning about the increasing number of criminals who are exploiting the cost-of-living crisis to deceive Australians.
These scammers are cunningly impersonating charities and concocting fake financial assistance schemes, such as No Interest Loan Schemes, emergency relief services, rental assistance, and programs like the fictitious Australian Emergency Rental Assistance program.
An Aussie couple lost $1,000 from their Centrelink payments to a scam posing as a charity. Credit: Shutterstock
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Deputy Chair, Catriona Lowe, has expressed concern over how these criminals are targeting struggling Aussies in ‘despicable ways’.
‘We are warning people who need financial assistance and those that provide it to be aware of these scams,’ she stated.
As the cost of living soars, it's more important than ever to be extra mindful of these fraudulent schemes.
In one harrowing incident, a couple dependent on Centrelink payments was duped by scammers posing as a reputable charity online. The scammers advertised a no-interest loan that seemed like a lifeline.
‘Believing the offer was genuine, the victims provided sensitive information, including their driver’s license, Medicare card, Pension Card, and myGov details,’ Ms Lowe reported.
‘The scammers then diverted $1,000 from the couple’s Centrelink payments.’
Another case involved a disability support pension recipient who was tricked by a fraudulent social media page named ‘Emergency Rental Assistance Program’.
After providing their personal information, including their myGov Account details, the scammers locked them out of their account and redirected their disability support pension.
These scammers are not only impersonating government agencies and programs but also charities that provide support to those in need, such as the Wesley Mission.
They are after your money and personal information, including myGov usernames and passwords, bank account details, and identification documents like driver's licenses or passports.
‘Impersonating trusted organisations is a common scam tactic. Australians should independently check an organisation offering financial assistance is legitimate, and never provide personal identifying information through social media,’ Ms Lowe advised.
Scammers will attempt to steal money and personal information such as myGov usernames and passwords, bank account details, driver's licences, and passports.
‘Don’t rely on social media adverts or assume that the person contacting you is who they say they are. If you think you’ve been targeted by scammers, act quickly to protect yourself,’ she continued.
Australians are encouraged to report any scam activity directly to the social media platform and Scamwatch.
If your personal information has been compromised, contact IDCARE at 1800 595 160.
For issues involving myGov or Centrelink details, reach out to Services Australia’s Scams and Identity Theft Helpdesk at 1800 941 126.
Remember, there are genuine No Interest Loan Schemes available through trusted charities such as Good Shepherd and the Salvation Army. Always approach these organisations directly through their official channels.
In recent months, many Australians have found themselves struggling with the rising cost of living, with even Centrelink recipients feeling the pinch.
The couple’s case highlights the financial vulnerability faced by many. The increased cost of living has driven some individuals to seek quick financial recovery solutions, which unfortunately opens doors to fraudulent schemes.
Authorities are now warning Australians to be cautious of a surge in scams promising financial recovery.
Stay informed and vigilant, and always report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities to help protect yourself and others from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.
