Is Your Business at Risk? The Shocking New Scam Every Aussie Should Know About
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In today’s digital world, scams are becoming more sophisticated than ever—and unfortunately, no one is immune. Whether you’re a retiree, a small business owner, or just someone who enjoys a bit of online shopping, scammers are constantly coming up with new ways to trick unsuspecting Aussies out of their hard-earned money.
One recent case has sent shockwaves through the small business community, and it’s a timely reminder for all of us to stay vigilant.
**A Close Call: How One Small Business Owner Outsmarted a Scammer**
Melanie Rose Moss, a 38-year-old entrepreneur who runs a lifestyle and aromatherapy brand, recently shared her harrowing experience on TikTok in hopes of warning others. Melanie received a call from someone claiming to be from her bank, St George, alerting her to an $800 charge on her credit card.
At first, everything seemed legitimate. The caller knew her name, email, address, and even the first five digits of her credit card—details that would make anyone believe they were speaking to a real bank employee. The scammer assured her they would freeze the suspicious transaction but then asked Melanie to confirm the rest of her card number and the expiry date.
That’s when Melanie’s alarm bells started ringing.
Despite the caller’s insistence—and the fact that the number matched St George’s official contact number when she Googled it—Melanie refused to hand over her details. She asked for the caller’s name and badge number, then hung up and called the bank directly using the number on their official website.
Her instincts were spot on. The real St George representative confirmed it was a scam and praised Melanie for her quick thinking.
**How Did the Scammer Get So Much Information?**
One of the most unsettling parts of Melanie’s story is just how much the scammer already knew about her. With data breaches and leaks becoming more common, it’s easier than ever for criminals to get their hands on personal information. Sometimes, scammers buy this data on the dark web, or they might piece it together from social media, phishing emails, or previous scams.
This is why it’s so important to be cautious—even if the person on the other end of the line seems to know everything about you.
**The Rise of ‘Spoofing’—Why You Can’t Trust Caller ID**
Another worrying trend is ‘spoofing’, where scammers make it look like they’re calling from a legitimate number. In Melanie’s case, the number matched St George’s official contact line, which is enough to fool even the most careful among us.
Remember: Just because a call appears to come from your bank, the ATO, or any other trusted organisation doesn’t mean it’s genuine.
**What Should You Do If You Suspect a Scam?**
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the National Anti-Scam Centre recommend the following three simple steps if you’re ever in doubt:
1. **Stop** – Don’t give out personal information or money if something feels off. Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency to pressure you into making a quick decision.2. **Check** – Verify the contact by reaching out to the organisation using official channels. Don’t use the phone number or email address provided in the suspicious call or message.3. **Protect** – If you think you’ve been scammed, contact your bank immediately and report it to Scamwatch. Change your passwords and keep an eye on your accounts for any unusual activity.
**Extra Tips for Staying Safe**
- Never share your full credit card number, PIN, or passwords over the phone.- Be wary of unsolicited calls, even if they seem to know your details.- Regularly check your bank statements for unfamiliar transactions.- Use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts.- Consider setting up two-factor authentication where possible.
**Why Seniors and Small Business Owners Are Prime Targets**
Scammers often target older Australians and small business owners, knowing they may be less familiar with the latest tricks or may be juggling multiple tasks at once. If you run a business, make sure your staff are also aware of these scams and know how to respond.
Credit: TikTok
Have you or someone you know received a suspicious call or message? What steps do you take to protect yourself from scams? Let us know in the comments below—your experience could help others stay safe!
One recent case has sent shockwaves through the small business community, and it’s a timely reminder for all of us to stay vigilant.
Small business owner Melanie Rose Moss was targeted by a phone scam using her personal details. Credit: @melanierosemoss / TikTok
**A Close Call: How One Small Business Owner Outsmarted a Scammer**
Melanie Rose Moss, a 38-year-old entrepreneur who runs a lifestyle and aromatherapy brand, recently shared her harrowing experience on TikTok in hopes of warning others. Melanie received a call from someone claiming to be from her bank, St George, alerting her to an $800 charge on her credit card.
At first, everything seemed legitimate. The caller knew her name, email, address, and even the first five digits of her credit card—details that would make anyone believe they were speaking to a real bank employee. The scammer assured her they would freeze the suspicious transaction but then asked Melanie to confirm the rest of her card number and the expiry date.
That’s when Melanie’s alarm bells started ringing.
Despite the caller’s insistence—and the fact that the number matched St George’s official contact number when she Googled it—Melanie refused to hand over her details. She asked for the caller’s name and badge number, then hung up and called the bank directly using the number on their official website.
Her instincts were spot on. The real St George representative confirmed it was a scam and praised Melanie for her quick thinking.
**How Did the Scammer Get So Much Information?**
One of the most unsettling parts of Melanie’s story is just how much the scammer already knew about her. With data breaches and leaks becoming more common, it’s easier than ever for criminals to get their hands on personal information. Sometimes, scammers buy this data on the dark web, or they might piece it together from social media, phishing emails, or previous scams.
This is why it’s so important to be cautious—even if the person on the other end of the line seems to know everything about you.
**The Rise of ‘Spoofing’—Why You Can’t Trust Caller ID**
Another worrying trend is ‘spoofing’, where scammers make it look like they’re calling from a legitimate number. In Melanie’s case, the number matched St George’s official contact line, which is enough to fool even the most careful among us.
Remember: Just because a call appears to come from your bank, the ATO, or any other trusted organisation doesn’t mean it’s genuine.
**What Should You Do If You Suspect a Scam?**
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the National Anti-Scam Centre recommend the following three simple steps if you’re ever in doubt:
1. **Stop** – Don’t give out personal information or money if something feels off. Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency to pressure you into making a quick decision.2. **Check** – Verify the contact by reaching out to the organisation using official channels. Don’t use the phone number or email address provided in the suspicious call or message.3. **Protect** – If you think you’ve been scammed, contact your bank immediately and report it to Scamwatch. Change your passwords and keep an eye on your accounts for any unusual activity.
- Never share your full credit card number, PIN, or passwords over the phone.- Be wary of unsolicited calls, even if they seem to know your details.- Regularly check your bank statements for unfamiliar transactions.- Use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts.- Consider setting up two-factor authentication where possible.
**Why Seniors and Small Business Owners Are Prime Targets**
Scammers often target older Australians and small business owners, knowing they may be less familiar with the latest tricks or may be juggling multiple tasks at once. If you run a business, make sure your staff are also aware of these scams and know how to respond.
Credit: TikTok
