Local government sounds alarm as social media scams continue to rise in their state
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In the digital age, connecting with friends, discovering new products, and engaging with communities is as easy as a tap of a finger.
However, this convenience comes with a significant risk: the ever-present threat of cyber scams.
A recent report shared a surge in deceptive practices online, painting a concerning picture of a local state's cyber security landscape.
In a report presented by The Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) during a State Parliament, they revealed a 15.7 per cent increase in Facebook scams throughout 2023-2024.
This marked a record high for cybercrime in Western Australia.
The platform's Marketplace feature saw 373 users defrauded out of more than $513,000.
However, the problem extended beyond Facebook, as classified sites and online marketplaces broadly accounted for the highest number of victims across all scams.
Fake giveaways, phoney job offers, cryptocurrency schemes, and bogus shopping ads were just the beginning.
The most common scams involved fake products and rental listings.
Investment scams have also caused the most significant financial damage among victims.
Scammers have falsely claimed ownership of a vacant patch of land and enlisted real estate and settlement agents to manage sales.
Major bank Westpac identified 360 scams in less than 12 months, with some customers losing tens of thousands of dollars.
Westpac's Customer and Corporate Services Group Executive Carolyn McCann called on Facebook's parent company, Meta, to take responsibility and address how its platform is being exploited.
Earlier this year, DMIRS also reported that over half of the cryptocurrency ads on Facebook were scams that violated Meta's advertising policies.
These scams stripped Western Australians' bank accounts of at least $34 million in the past year alone.
It's crucial to stay vigilant and informed about these deceptive tactics.
Here are some tips to protect yourself from Facebook scams:
The SDC Forum also has a dedicated Scam Watch section here.
Have you or someone you know fell victim to a Facebook scam? Share your experiences and fool-proof tips with the community in the comments below.
However, this convenience comes with a significant risk: the ever-present threat of cyber scams.
A recent report shared a surge in deceptive practices online, painting a concerning picture of a local state's cyber security landscape.
In a report presented by The Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) during a State Parliament, they revealed a 15.7 per cent increase in Facebook scams throughout 2023-2024.
This marked a record high for cybercrime in Western Australia.
The platform's Marketplace feature saw 373 users defrauded out of more than $513,000.
However, the problem extended beyond Facebook, as classified sites and online marketplaces broadly accounted for the highest number of victims across all scams.
Facebook's parent company, Meta, has yet to address Westpac's call for safer social media spaces. Image Credit: Pexels/Anderson Guerra
Fake giveaways, phoney job offers, cryptocurrency schemes, and bogus shopping ads were just the beginning.
The most common scams involved fake products and rental listings.
Investment scams have also caused the most significant financial damage among victims.
Scammers have falsely claimed ownership of a vacant patch of land and enlisted real estate and settlement agents to manage sales.
Major bank Westpac identified 360 scams in less than 12 months, with some customers losing tens of thousands of dollars.
Westpac's Customer and Corporate Services Group Executive Carolyn McCann called on Facebook's parent company, Meta, to take responsibility and address how its platform is being exploited.
Earlier this year, DMIRS also reported that over half of the cryptocurrency ads on Facebook were scams that violated Meta's advertising policies.
These scams stripped Western Australians' bank accounts of at least $34 million in the past year alone.
It's crucial to stay vigilant and informed about these deceptive tactics.
Here are some tips to protect yourself from Facebook scams:
- Scrutinise offers: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of giveaways and discounts that require personal information or payment upfront.
- Verify authenticity: Do your research before engaging with job offers or rental listings.
- Invest wisely: Be cautious of investment opportunities, especially ones related to cryptocurrency. Consult with a financial advisor before committing funds.
- Secure your account: Use strong, unique passwords for your social media accounts and enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security.
- Report suspicious activity: If you encounter a scam, report it to Facebook and relevant authorities immediately.
The SDC Forum also has a dedicated Scam Watch section here.
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