David ‘Kochie’ Koch exposes how social media platforms are enabling scammers
- Replies 10
This week, veteran television presenter David Koch—better known as Kochie—is speaking out against social media companies for allowing scammers to post fake ads that are tricking Australians out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Recently, his fans have been duped into thinking an edited photo of the former Sunrise presenter with a bloody and bruised face was real. Unbeknownst to many, it was actually a scam.
We recently wrote about the scam that involved an altered photograph of Kochie with black eyes and a slumped, exhausted look across his face, with the caption reading, 'This article has spread like wildfire today. Read the full story here.'
The post invited viewers to click a link, which in reality, was a gateway for these scammers to syphon off people's savings.
The fraudulent activity caused by the scam circulating online became so severe that the respected media figure is now seeking recourse against social media platforms for allegedly allowing these scams to flourish without adequate regulation.
Social media platforms, according to Kochie, should be held accountable for allowing such deceptive tactics to exist. In an interview, he emphasised the importance of responsibility for these powerful platforms and said: 'If these digital platforms can stop people from posting because they put a rude picture up or the content is offensive, why can’t they do the same thing with these ads?'
Koch is also concerned about the potential reputational damage he's suffered as a consequence of these fake ads. After all, he's spent years building an image as a trusted media figure, an image now unfairly tainted by scam artists exploiting his recognisable face.
To make matters worse, Koch shared an example of a woman who lost $10,000 after falling for a fraudulent ad displayed on her Bible app, while a Western Australian grandmother lost $150,000 in a cryptocurrency ad claiming Koch had invested in them.
'She goes to an app, apparently there is one with the Bible, and reads a section. One of these scam ads came up and she invested $10,000 into it,' he said.
'This was the loveliest lady who said, “It looked real and because it was on my Bible app I trusted it and clicked on it and went through and got conned out of $10,000”.'
Koch has been actively reporting these scams every time they pop up, but social media companies seem to be one step behind.
'They tell me they take them down but then they come back like locusts,' he said.
'I’ve had enough. It damages my reputation. Some of them are terrible jobs, most people would think that’s a scam… but there are a lot of people that are being sucked in.'
The disturbing trend is not restricted to Kochie alone. Well-known personalities including A Current Affair presenter, Allison Langdon, have also been used in similar schemes.
These ads cleverly mix real footage with misleading information, creating a persuasive and deceptive narrative for unaware viewers.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has acknowledged the issue.
'The National Anti-Scam Centre’s (NASC) first fusion cell is currently working with digital platforms on better ways to combat investment scams,' ACCC said.
'The Government is also currently considering the ACCC’s September 2022 interim report of the Digital Platform Services Inquiry.'
'This report recommends addressing the prevalence of online scams (alongside fake reviews and harmful applications) through new mandatory requirements for digital platforms, which would complement the work of the NASC.'
This step could go a long way in curbing the scams and ensuring online safety for many Australians.
If you suspect you've been scammed, immediately contact your bank and report the incident to the ACCC's Scamwatch.
Don’t forget to share this article with your family and friends to keep them safe from these scams!
Have you encountered a similar scam online? Share your experience with us in the comments below!
Recently, his fans have been duped into thinking an edited photo of the former Sunrise presenter with a bloody and bruised face was real. Unbeknownst to many, it was actually a scam.
We recently wrote about the scam that involved an altered photograph of Kochie with black eyes and a slumped, exhausted look across his face, with the caption reading, 'This article has spread like wildfire today. Read the full story here.'
The post invited viewers to click a link, which in reality, was a gateway for these scammers to syphon off people's savings.
David Koch is calling out social media platforms for allegedly allowing these scams to flourish without adequate regulation. Image source: X/@kochie_online.
The fraudulent activity caused by the scam circulating online became so severe that the respected media figure is now seeking recourse against social media platforms for allegedly allowing these scams to flourish without adequate regulation.
Social media platforms, according to Kochie, should be held accountable for allowing such deceptive tactics to exist. In an interview, he emphasised the importance of responsibility for these powerful platforms and said: 'If these digital platforms can stop people from posting because they put a rude picture up or the content is offensive, why can’t they do the same thing with these ads?'
Koch is also concerned about the potential reputational damage he's suffered as a consequence of these fake ads. After all, he's spent years building an image as a trusted media figure, an image now unfairly tainted by scam artists exploiting his recognisable face.
To make matters worse, Koch shared an example of a woman who lost $10,000 after falling for a fraudulent ad displayed on her Bible app, while a Western Australian grandmother lost $150,000 in a cryptocurrency ad claiming Koch had invested in them.
'She goes to an app, apparently there is one with the Bible, and reads a section. One of these scam ads came up and she invested $10,000 into it,' he said.
'This was the loveliest lady who said, “It looked real and because it was on my Bible app I trusted it and clicked on it and went through and got conned out of $10,000”.'
Koch has been actively reporting these scams every time they pop up, but social media companies seem to be one step behind.
'They tell me they take them down but then they come back like locusts,' he said.
'I’ve had enough. It damages my reputation. Some of them are terrible jobs, most people would think that’s a scam… but there are a lot of people that are being sucked in.'
The disturbing trend is not restricted to Kochie alone. Well-known personalities including A Current Affair presenter, Allison Langdon, have also been used in similar schemes.
These ads cleverly mix real footage with misleading information, creating a persuasive and deceptive narrative for unaware viewers.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has acknowledged the issue.
'The National Anti-Scam Centre’s (NASC) first fusion cell is currently working with digital platforms on better ways to combat investment scams,' ACCC said.
'The Government is also currently considering the ACCC’s September 2022 interim report of the Digital Platform Services Inquiry.'
'This report recommends addressing the prevalence of online scams (alongside fake reviews and harmful applications) through new mandatory requirements for digital platforms, which would complement the work of the NASC.'
This step could go a long way in curbing the scams and ensuring online safety for many Australians.
Don’t forget to share this article with your family and friends to keep them safe from these scams!
Have you encountered a similar scam online? Share your experience with us in the comments below!
Last edited:
.png){kind=icon}
