As cybercriminals become increasingly sophisticated and more aggressive in their fraudulent activities, it is now more important than ever to stay vigilant and protect yourself from scammers.

In relation to this, the Bank of Queensland has issued a warning against a scam that’s been making rounds online and is said to target Australian seniors.

The Bank of Queensland is urging Australians to stay alert.

According to the bank, they have received ‘an influx of reports’ claiming that their customers have been scammed by criminals posing as undercover police officers. They said that these scammers have been requesting customers to make cash withdrawals from their accounts.

This ‘undercover police officer’ scam involves the criminal claiming that they are police officers who are trying to stop a hacker from stealing the customer’s money.

‘The callers are targeting the elderly and vulnerable, claiming that the police are working on an operation to stop a hacker inside of BOQ from stealing your money. They introduce themselves with an alias, badge/staff number and fake reference number,’ the bank explained in a statement.

The Bank of Queensland revealed that the scammers use fake aliases and badge numbers. Credit: Anna Tarazevich/Pexels

To enhance their credibility, the scammer will claim that no money will be lost permanently since it will be ‘re-deposited later’. Then, another party will pretend to be a staff member of the bank to gather personal details from the victim, including addresses.

‘These callers coach you into withdrawing cash from a BOQ branch and provide a cover story (e.g., travelling overseas, work done on the house, and terminal illness-related bills),’ they shared.

According to the bank, cybercriminals will create layers of information and fabricate scenarios and identities of individuals to create the illusion of a sophisticated undercover operation.

‘After acquiring the cash, the scammers visit your address with a duffle bag to collect the cash and then disappear.’

Bank of Queensland’s Customer Advocate Ben Griffin stated: ‘We are urging Australians to keep a look out for unexpected phone calls from individuals claiming to be ‘undercover police officers’ and to not give in to the pressure they often put on their victims to comply with their demands.’

He added that ‘trusted organisations’ such as the police or the bank themselves will never ask for payment or for members of the public to ‘assist in police operations’.

‘If you are called by someone you believe is suspicious, take note of the name and badge number of the officer and contact your local police station,’ he explained.

He added: ‘Too often we hear from customers who wanted to question a suspicious interaction but were unsure whom to talk to.’ Mr Griffin also urged customers to ask questions or speak to a trusted family member, a friend, or the bank to prove if calls or claims are legitimate.

‘We’re highly trained and here to help,’ he said.

Mr Griffin urged customers to remain vigilant against fraudulent online activities. Credit: David Peterson/Pexels

Mr Griffin previously warned that in online scams, once criminals have gotten a hold of your money, they will immediately transfer these funds to offshore cryptocurrency accounts. This makes it impossible for banks to retrieve lost funds. His statement comes after a scammer swindled a man out of his entire life savings in a matter of minutes. You can read more details about this story here.

To protect yourself, BOQ has advised the following:

• Do not disclose personal information in an unsolicited or unexpected phone call.
• Never send or give money to someone you haven’t met in person.
• End the phone call if the caller is threatening or forcing you to do something (like withdraw cash).
• If you’re feeling unsure, speak to a trusted family member, friend or your bank.

The Bank of Queensland urged customers to contact the police and their bank immediately.

To report a fraud or scam, visit your local branch or call Bank of Queensland’s hotline on 1300 55 72 72 (Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM AEDT, and Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM AEDT).

Moreover, the bank said that if you have any concerns about the legitimacy of correspondence or individuals who are contacting you, you may contact them directly via email ([email protected]) or using the details found on their ‘Contact Us’ page.

Remember these tips. Credit: The Seniors Discount Club

Lastly, you can report a cybercrime or cyber security incident to the ACSC via ReportCyber at https://www.cyber.gov.au/acsc/report or call the Australian Cyber Security Hotline on 1300 CYBER! (1300 292 371).

Key Takeaways

• The Bank of Queensland is warning Australians about a new scam involving callers pretending to be representatives of undercover police officers.
• The scammer typically introduces themselves with an alias, badge or staff number and fake reference number and instructs victims to withdraw cash.
• BOQ says the scammers target vulnerable Australians, especially the elderly and vulnerable persons, and pressure them to comply with their demands.
• To protect yourself, BOQ advises not to disclose personal information in unsolicited calls, not to send or give money to someone you haven’t met, to end calls if the caller is threatening, and to contact BOQ if you have any concerns.

What are your thoughts on this story? Were you aware of this scam? Let us know in the comments! Remember, stay vigilant, and keep yourself safe!

 

[rehandra]

As cybercriminals become increasingly sophisticated and more aggressive in their fraudulent activities, it is now more important than ever to stay vigilant and protect yourself from scammers.

In relation to this, the Bank of Queensland has issued a warning against a scam that’s been making rounds online and is said to target Australian seniors.

The Bank of Queensland is urging Australians to stay alert.

According to the bank, they have received ‘an influx of reports’ claiming that their customers have been scammed by criminals posing as undercover police officers. They said that these scammers have been requesting customers to make cash withdrawals from their accounts.

This ‘undercover police officer’ scam involves the criminal claiming that they are police officers who are trying to stop a hacker from stealing the customer’s money.

‘The callers are targeting the elderly and vulnerable, claiming that the police are working on an operation to stop a hacker inside of BOQ from stealing your money. They introduce themselves with an alias, badge/staff number and fake reference number,’ the bank explained in a statement.

View attachment 15782

The Bank of Queensland revealed that the scammers use fake aliases and badge numbers. Credit: Anna Tarazevich/Pexels

To enhance their credibility, the scammer will claim that no money will be lost permanently since it will be ‘re-deposited later’. Then, another party will pretend to be a staff member of the bank to gather personal details from the victim, including addresses.

‘These callers coach you into withdrawing cash from a BOQ branch and provide a cover story (e.g., travelling overseas, work done on the house, and terminal illness-related bills),’ they shared.

According to the bank, cybercriminals will create layers of information and fabricate scenarios and identities of individuals to create the illusion of a sophisticated undercover operation.

‘After acquiring the cash, the scammers visit your address with a duffle bag to collect the cash and then disappear.’

Bank of Queensland’s Customer Advocate Ben Griffin stated: ‘We are urging Australians to keep a look out for unexpected phone calls from individuals claiming to be ‘undercover police officers’ and to not give in to the pressure they often put on their victims to comply with their demands.’

He added that ‘trusted organisations’ such as the police or the bank themselves will never ask for payment or for members of the public to ‘assist in police operations’.

‘If you are called by someone you believe is suspicious, take note of the name and badge number of the officer and contact your local police station,’ he explained.

He added: ‘Too often we hear from customers who wanted to question a suspicious interaction but were unsure whom to talk to.’ Mr Griffin also urged customers to ask questions or speak to a trusted family member, a friend, or the bank to prove if calls or claims are legitimate.

‘We’re highly trained and here to help,’ he said.

View attachment 15783

Mr Griffin urged customers to remain vigilant against fraudulent online activities. Credit: David Peterson/Pexels

Mr Griffin previously warned that in online scams, once criminals have gotten a hold of your money, they will immediately transfer these funds to offshore cryptocurrency accounts. This makes it impossible for banks to retrieve lost funds. His statement comes after a scammer swindled a man out of his entire life savings in a matter of minutes. You can read more details about this story here.

To protect yourself, BOQ has advised the following:

• Do not disclose personal information in an unsolicited or unexpected phone call.
• Never send or give money to someone you haven’t met in person.
• End the phone call if the caller is threatening or forcing you to do something (like withdraw cash).
• If you’re feeling unsure, speak to a trusted family member, friend or your bank.

The Bank of Queensland urged customers to contact the police and their bank immediately.

To report a fraud or scam, visit your local branch or call Bank of Queensland’s hotline on 1300 55 72 72 (Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM AEDT, and Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM AEDT).

Moreover, the bank said that if you have any concerns about the legitimacy of correspondence or individuals who are contacting you, you may contact them directly via email ([email protected]) or using the details found on their ‘Contact Us’ page.

View attachment 15786

Remember these tips. Credit: The Seniors Discount Club

Lastly, you can report a cybercrime or cyber security incident to the ACSC via ReportCyber at https://www.cyber.gov.au/acsc/report or call the Australian Cyber Security Hotline on 1300 CYBER! (1300 292 371).

Key Takeaways

• The Bank of Queensland is warning Australians about a new scam involving callers pretending to be representatives of undercover police officers.
• The scammer typically introduces themselves with an alias, badge or staff number and fake reference number and instructs victims to withdraw cash.
• BOQ says the scammers target vulnerable Australians, especially the elderly and vulnerable persons, and pressure them to comply with their demands.
• To protect yourself, BOQ advises not to disclose personal information in unsolicited calls, not to send or give money to someone you haven’t met, to end calls if the caller is threatening, and to contact BOQ if you have any concerns.

What are your thoughts on this story? Were you aware of this scam? Let us know in the comments! Remember, stay vigilant, and keep yourself safe!

I currently have a text message in my phone which says to click on the voicemail inside. I have not done so as I do not know the number from where the text originated. I have no idea if clicking on this voicemail will be dangerous or not. I have had conflicting answers when I googled this so I intend to delete the text message and voicemail. Some said a virus could be in the voicemail others said it is safe. I am erring on the side of caution.

 

[Bikkie mum]

As cybercriminals become increasingly sophisticated and more aggressive in their fraudulent activities, it is now more important than ever to stay vigilant and protect yourself from scammers.

In relation to this, the Bank of Queensland has issued a warning against a scam that’s been making rounds online and is said to target Australian seniors.

The Bank of Queensland is urging Australians to stay alert.

According to the bank, they have received ‘an influx of reports’ claiming that their customers have been scammed by criminals posing as undercover police officers. They said that these scammers have been requesting customers to make cash withdrawals from their accounts.

This ‘undercover police officer’ scam involves the criminal claiming that they are police officers who are trying to stop a hacker from stealing the customer’s money.

‘The callers are targeting the elderly and vulnerable, claiming that the police are working on an operation to stop a hacker inside of BOQ from stealing your money. They introduce themselves with an alias, badge/staff number and fake reference number,’ the bank explained in a statement.

View attachment 15782

The Bank of Queensland revealed that the scammers use fake aliases and badge numbers. Credit: Anna Tarazevich/Pexels

To enhance their credibility, the scammer will claim that no money will be lost permanently since it will be ‘re-deposited later’. Then, another party will pretend to be a staff member of the bank to gather personal details from the victim, including addresses.

‘These callers coach you into withdrawing cash from a BOQ branch and provide a cover story (e.g., travelling overseas, work done on the house, and terminal illness-related bills),’ they shared.

According to the bank, cybercriminals will create layers of information and fabricate scenarios and identities of individuals to create the illusion of a sophisticated undercover operation.

‘After acquiring the cash, the scammers visit your address with a duffle bag to collect the cash and then disappear.’

Bank of Queensland’s Customer Advocate Ben Griffin stated: ‘We are urging Australians to keep a look out for unexpected phone calls from individuals claiming to be ‘undercover police officers’ and to not give in to the pressure they often put on their victims to comply with their demands.’

He added that ‘trusted organisations’ such as the police or the bank themselves will never ask for payment or for members of the public to ‘assist in police operations’.

‘If you are called by someone you believe is suspicious, take note of the name and badge number of the officer and contact your local police station,’ he explained.

He added: ‘Too often we hear from customers who wanted to question a suspicious interaction but were unsure whom to talk to.’ Mr Griffin also urged customers to ask questions or speak to a trusted family member, a friend, or the bank to prove if calls or claims are legitimate.

‘We’re highly trained and here to help,’ he said.

View attachment 15783

Mr Griffin urged customers to remain vigilant against fraudulent online activities. Credit: David Peterson/Pexels

Mr Griffin previously warned that in online scams, once criminals have gotten a hold of your money, they will immediately transfer these funds to offshore cryptocurrency accounts. This makes it impossible for banks to retrieve lost funds. His statement comes after a scammer swindled a man out of his entire life savings in a matter of minutes. You can read more details about this story here.

To protect yourself, BOQ has advised the following:

• Do not disclose personal information in an unsolicited or unexpected phone call.
• Never send or give money to someone you haven’t met in person.
• End the phone call if the caller is threatening or forcing you to do something (like withdraw cash).
• If you’re feeling unsure, speak to a trusted family member, friend or your bank.

The Bank of Queensland urged customers to contact the police and their bank immediately.

To report a fraud or scam, visit your local branch or call Bank of Queensland’s hotline on 1300 55 72 72 (Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM AEDT, and Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM AEDT).

Moreover, the bank said that if you have any concerns about the legitimacy of correspondence or individuals who are contacting you, you may contact them directly via email ([email protected]) or using the details found on their ‘Contact Us’ page.

View attachment 15786

Remember these tips. Credit: The Seniors Discount Club

Lastly, you can report a cybercrime or cyber security incident to the ACSC via ReportCyber at https://www.cyber.gov.au/acsc/report or call the Australian Cyber Security Hotline on 1300 CYBER! (1300 292 371).

Key Takeaways

• The Bank of Queensland is warning Australians about a new scam involving callers pretending to be representatives of undercover police officers.
• The scammer typically introduces themselves with an alias, badge or staff number and fake reference number and instructs victims to withdraw cash.
• BOQ says the scammers target vulnerable Australians, especially the elderly and vulnerable persons, and pressure them to comply with their demands.
• To protect yourself, BOQ advises not to disclose personal information in unsolicited calls, not to send or give money to someone you haven’t met, to end calls if the caller is threatening, and to contact BOQ if you have any concerns.

What are your thoughts on this story? Were you aware of this scam? Let us know in the comments! Remember, stay vigilant, and keep yourself safe!

 

[Bikkie mum]

I have been scammed a few times on my main bank acount ,as soon as I notice it
I ring the credit Union fraud ,what annoys me is that I have to pay $15.00 each time for them to investigate it ,then I have to get a new card in the last few months I have had 4 new cards
so now I have 3 accounts at the credit Union I only leave a small amount in the main account now rest is put into other two 2 so hackers can’t get much now ,what is annoying Banks ,Credit unions say. They cannot stop it at all ,I check my account now first thing each morning just to be safe
I have also thought of closing those accounts n opening one in a different bank ,but the hassle of changing everything with Centrelink makes it a non Issue

 

[Kenton]

As cybercriminals become increasingly sophisticated and more aggressive in their fraudulent activities, it is now more important than ever to stay vigilant and protect yourself from scammers.

In relation to this, the Bank of Queensland has issued a warning against a scam that’s been making rounds online and is said to target Australian seniors.

The Bank of Queensland is urging Australians to stay alert.

According to the bank, they have received ‘an influx of reports’ claiming that their customers have been scammed by criminals posing as undercover police officers. They said that these scammers have been requesting customers to make cash withdrawals from their accounts.

This ‘undercover police officer’ scam involves the criminal claiming that they are police officers who are trying to stop a hacker from stealing the customer’s money.

‘The callers are targeting the elderly and vulnerable, claiming that the police are working on an operation to stop a hacker inside of BOQ from stealing your money. They introduce themselves with an alias, badge/staff number and fake reference number,’ the bank explained in a statement.

View attachment 15782

The Bank of Queensland revealed that the scammers use fake aliases and badge numbers. Credit: Anna Tarazevich/Pexels

To enhance their credibility, the scammer will claim that no money will be lost permanently since it will be ‘re-deposited later’. Then, another party will pretend to be a staff member of the bank to gather personal details from the victim, including addresses.

‘These callers coach you into withdrawing cash from a BOQ branch and provide a cover story (e.g., travelling overseas, work done on the house, and terminal illness-related bills),’ they shared.

According to the bank, cybercriminals will create layers of information and fabricate scenarios and identities of individuals to create the illusion of a sophisticated undercover operation.

‘After acquiring the cash, the scammers visit your address with a duffle bag to collect the cash and then disappear.’

Bank of Queensland’s Customer Advocate Ben Griffin stated: ‘We are urging Australians to keep a look out for unexpected phone calls from individuals claiming to be ‘undercover police officers’ and to not give in to the pressure they often put on their victims to comply with their demands.’

He added that ‘trusted organisations’ such as the police or the bank themselves will never ask for payment or for members of the public to ‘assist in police operations’.

‘If you are called by someone you believe is suspicious, take note of the name and badge number of the officer and contact your local police station,’ he explained.

He added: ‘Too often we hear from customers who wanted to question a suspicious interaction but were unsure whom to talk to.’ Mr Griffin also urged customers to ask questions or speak to a trusted family member, a friend, or the bank to prove if calls or claims are legitimate.

‘We’re highly trained and here to help,’ he said.

View attachment 15783

Mr Griffin urged customers to remain vigilant against fraudulent online activities. Credit: David Peterson/Pexels

Mr Griffin previously warned that in online scams, once criminals have gotten a hold of your money, they will immediately transfer these funds to offshore cryptocurrency accounts. This makes it impossible for banks to retrieve lost funds. His statement comes after a scammer swindled a man out of his entire life savings in a matter of minutes. You can read more details about this story here.

To protect yourself, BOQ has advised the following:

• Do not disclose personal information in an unsolicited or unexpected phone call.
• Never send or give money to someone you haven’t met in person.
• End the phone call if the caller is threatening or forcing you to do something (like withdraw cash).
• If you’re feeling unsure, speak to a trusted family member, friend or your bank.

The Bank of Queensland urged customers to contact the police and their bank immediately.

To report a fraud or scam, visit your local branch or call Bank of Queensland’s hotline on 1300 55 72 72 (Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM AEDT, and Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM AEDT).

Moreover, the bank said that if you have any concerns about the legitimacy of correspondence or individuals who are contacting you, you may contact them directly via email ([email protected]) or using the details found on their ‘Contact Us’ page.

View attachment 15786

Remember these tips. Credit: The Seniors Discount Club

Lastly, you can report a cybercrime or cyber security incident to the ACSC via ReportCyber at https://www.cyber.gov.au/acsc/report or call the Australian Cyber Security Hotline on 1300 CYBER! (1300 292 371).

Key Takeaways

• The Bank of Queensland is warning Australians about a new scam involving callers pretending to be representatives of undercover police officers.
• The scammer typically introduces themselves with an alias, badge or staff number and fake reference number and instructs victims to withdraw cash.
• BOQ says the scammers target vulnerable Australians, especially the elderly and vulnerable persons, and pressure them to comply with their demands.
• To protect yourself, BOQ advises not to disclose personal information in unsolicited calls, not to send or give money to someone you haven’t met, to end calls if the caller is threatening, and to contact BOQ if you have any concerns.

What are your thoughts on this story? Were you aware of this scam? Let us know in the comments! Remember, stay vigilant, and keep yourself safe!

You don’t think the visit with the duffel bag would be a slight giveaway?????

 

[freedy50]

They wouldn't even get through to me. If I see a number that doesn't have the name of one of my contacts with it then I cut it off and put it on my phone blocklist.

And I don't even use cash anyway, only pay by phone, so wouldn't even withdraw any. They'd have to find someone else.

 

[Mr Chips]

I have been scammed a few times on my main bank acount ,as soon as I notice it
I ring the credit Union fraud ,what annoys me is that I have to pay $15.00 each time for them to investigate it ,then I have to get a new card in the last few months I have had 4 new cards
so now I have 3 accounts at the credit Union I only leave a small amount in the main account now rest is put into other two 2 so hackers can’t get much now ,what is annoying Banks ,Credit unions say. They cannot stop it at all ,I check my account now first thing each morning just to be safe
I have also thought of closing those accounts n opening one in a different bank ,but the hassle of changing everything with Centrelink makes it a non Issue

I honestly think a new bank would be very wise.

 

[Mr Chips]

Over the last week, I have experienced a very sneaky scam on Facebook. I had a friend request from an old friend that I had not spoken to in years. Excited to hear from them I gave permission for them to become my friend. The application looked authentic, the picture attached was a recent photo of my friend and her son. The conversation started off in a cordial fashion but a little cold which I thought may be due to the years I had not communicated with them (They had actually been in my friends list all the time). After a few lines of somewhat clinical conversation, I started to ask questions about old mutual friends and other items that only she would know without any response. Suddenly she asked me if I had the CPH down here? Never having heard of it I asked what it was. I was given quite extensive description of a government group that provided additional funding for seniors, children, the sick, and a few others. She said it was great and simple and she had received her money by courier the following morning she said it was a quick and simple application. I asked for the contact information which was sent as a link straight away. I was getting a not-so-good feeling because the conversation was unlike what I would have expected from my old friend. I clicked on the link which took me to a contact page that showed a photo of what appeared to be a respectable-looking gray-haired, well-dressed man called AGENT David Mike. I asked a few questions about the process and became very suspicious when he was wanting to know my address and personal details. I asked him how much money I might expect to receive thinking that it would only be in the low hundreds, but the answer came that I had won $9,000.00 and they just needed me to give them all my details. All through this conversation my so-called friend continuously kept asking what was happening and it became obvious that it was the same person. I reported it to the appropriate authority. So, if you receive an application for friendship from someone you thought was on your Facebook page, double-check it first, it is quite a clever scam I had not heard of before.

 

[Aussie all the Way]

I have been scammed a few times on my main bank acount ,as soon as I notice it
I ring the credit Union fraud ,what annoys me is that I have to pay $15.00 each time for them to investigate it ,then I have to get a new card in the last few months I have had 4 new cards
so now I have 3 accounts at the credit Union I only leave a small amount in the main account now rest is put into other two 2 so hackers can’t get much now ,what is annoying Banks ,Credit unions say. They cannot stop it at all ,I check my account now first thing each morning just to be safe
I have also thought of closing those accounts n opening one in a different bank ,but the hassle of changing everything with Centrelink makes it a non Issue

Boy I would definitely be CHANGING BANKS, that is not right at all, their security is obviously GARBAGE for you to be scammed so many times. I have had 1 Instance where someone was trying to take money from my Credit Card in 44years, and this happened in January this year my Bank Westpac put a stop on my Card immediately and contacted us and within 2 days had a brand new card, not one cent was paid to the scammers or the Bank for this work, YOUR BANK SUCKS get rid of them.

 

[mark godwin]

just anoter paypal scam doing the rounds

 

[Staffordshire Whippet]

BOQ referring to anybody else as "Scammers"?
'Yea, and verily did it come to pass
that the Pot did call the Kettle 'Black Arse'....'

I was a foundation member of that Bank waaaaaaay back in the 1970s. I would not go within a mile of them now, not even at gunpoint.

 

[freedy50]

just anoter paypal scam doing the roundsView attachment 15825

If thats on email just forward it to [email protected] and they deal with it.

 

[freedy50]

I have been scammed a few times on my main bank acount ,as soon as I notice it
I ring the credit Union fraud ,what annoys me is that I have to pay $15.00 each time for them to investigate it ,then I have to get a new card in the last few months I have had 4 new cards
so now I have 3 accounts at the credit Union I only leave a small amount in the main account now rest is put into other two 2 so hackers can’t get much now ,what is annoying Banks ,Credit unions say. They cannot stop it at all ,I check my account now first thing each morning just to be safe
I have also thought of closing those accounts n opening one in a different bank ,but the hassle of changing everything with Centrelink makes it a non Issue

What on earth have you been doing with your personal details to be scammed so much?

Whats so good about staying with a credit union compared to a proper bank? A proper bank certainly wouldnt ask you for any money to sort out any fraud on your account.
Any hassle with Centrelink would be worth it to stop that all the time.

 

[Gsr]

I find it hard to understand how so many people still fall for scams. With all the warnings around surely people are getting wise to the tricks scammers try. I know some people are desperate but I always think, if it seems to be too good to be true it usually is. I delete any texts or emails from anyone I’m not familiar with straight away. I block numbers on my mobile, but then I get calls from another similar number, so some scammers are very persistent. I recently answered a call from what looked like a normal telephone number as we were expecting a call about some car parts, well I straight away got bombarded with reasons why I should change my electricity company, they can set it up, I don’t need to do anything etc etc. I couldn’t get a word in so I loudly stated “I have solar” and hung up. Before I had time to block the caller another number rang, the same foreign voice stated you have part solar, part electricity and started to rave on so I hung up, blocked the numbers and turned phone to silent. There were several more missed calls from similar numbers in the next couple of hours, leaving messages that they wanted to help me get a better electricity deal. I want to know how do these people find out my name and address and where do they get their information from that I have solar and electricity. Where do they get my phone number as well, our house number is supposed to be silent and I only give out my mobile to people I know or websites I deal with.

 

[JeyaR]

They wouldn't even get through to me. If I see a number that doesn't have the name of one of my contacts with it then I cut it off and put it on my phone blocklist.

And I don't even use cash anyway, only pay by phone, so wouldn't even withdraw any. They'd have to find someone else.

Same here. I block these unknown numbers. Being a JP, I do get some who want me to witness their signatures or certify documents. I have changed the voice message on my phone. It doesn't matter who you are, these scammers, pick numbers on random, unfortuntaely, it is seniors who respond to these messages.be brave and dismiss such messages or text messages withlinks to click. Delete. Thank you.

 

[Trudi]

I find it hard to understand how so many people still fall for scams. With all the warnings around surely people are getting wise to the tricks scammers try. I know some people are desperate but I always think, if it seems to be too good to be true it usually is. I delete any texts or emails from anyone I’m not familiar with straight away. I block numbers on my mobile, but then I get calls from another similar number, so some scammers are very persistent. I recently answered a call from what looked like a normal telephone number as we were expecting a call about some car parts, well I straight away got bombarded with reasons why I should change my electricity company, they can set it up, I don’t need to do anything etc etc. I couldn’t get a word in so I loudly stated “I have solar” and hung up. Before I had time to block the caller another number rang, the same foreign voice stated you have part solar, part electricity and started to rave on so I hung up, blocked the numbers and turned phone to silent. There were several more missed calls from similar numbers in the next couple of hours, leaving messages that they wanted to help me get a better electricity deal. I want to know how do these people find out my name and address and where do they get their information from that I have solar and electricity. Where do they get my phone number as well, our house number is supposed to be silent and I only give out my mobile to people I know or websites I deal with.

My response to those callers amount to two words which I cannot mention her, except that one starts with an 'f' and the other with an 'o'. Then I hang up.

 

[JeyaR]

My response to those callers amount to two words which I cannot mention her, except that one starts with an 'f' and the other with an 'o'. Then I hang up.

Trudi
Please don't waste you time for them to record your voice and then imitate you to access your accounts. They are immune to all swear words. I know most banks have voice recognition but bank call centres are mainly now in the Philippines and they won't be alert to scammerrs - a nose block, or bad caough, could alter the pitch of your voice.
Just hang up if the call is from an unrecognised number. Gone are the days you can see it is an overseeas number. These days it is Australia numbers.

 

[Trudi]

Trudi
Please don't waste you time for them to record your voice and then imitate you to access your accounts. They are immune to all swear words. I know most banks have voice recognition but bank call centres are mainly now in the Philippines and they won't be alert to scammerrs - a nose block, or bad caough, could alter the pitch of your voice.
Just hang up if the call is from an unrecognised number. Gone are the days you can see it is an overseeas number. These days it is Australia numbers.

They can correct my voice, but it won't do them any good since I do not call my bank. EVER!

 

[lea61]

As cybercriminals become increasingly sophisticated and more aggressive in their fraudulent activities, it is now more important than ever to stay vigilant and protect yourself from scammers.

In relation to this, the Bank of Queensland has issued a warning against a scam that’s been making rounds online and is said to target Australian seniors.

The Bank of Queensland is urging Australians to stay alert.

According to the bank, they have received ‘an influx of reports’ claiming that their customers have been scammed by criminals posing as undercover police officers. They said that these scammers have been requesting customers to make cash withdrawals from their accounts.

This ‘undercover police officer’ scam involves the criminal claiming that they are police officers who are trying to stop a hacker from stealing the customer’s money.

‘The callers are targeting the elderly and vulnerable, claiming that the police are working on an operation to stop a hacker inside of BOQ from stealing your money. They introduce themselves with an alias, badge/staff number and fake reference number,’ the bank explained in a statement.

View attachment 15782

The Bank of Queensland revealed that the scammers use fake aliases and badge numbers. Credit: Anna Tarazevich/Pexels

To enhance their credibility, the scammer will claim that no money will be lost permanently since it will be ‘re-deposited later’. Then, another party will pretend to be a staff member of the bank to gather personal details from the victim, including addresses.

‘These callers coach you into withdrawing cash from a BOQ branch and provide a cover story (e.g., travelling overseas, work done on the house, and terminal illness-related bills),’ they shared.

According to the bank, cybercriminals will create layers of information and fabricate scenarios and identities of individuals to create the illusion of a sophisticated undercover operation.

‘After acquiring the cash, the scammers visit your address with a duffle bag to collect the cash and then disappear.’

Bank of Queensland’s Customer Advocate Ben Griffin stated: ‘We are urging Australians to keep a look out for unexpected phone calls from individuals claiming to be ‘undercover police officers’ and to not give in to the pressure they often put on their victims to comply with their demands.’

He added that ‘trusted organisations’ such as the police or the bank themselves will never ask for payment or for members of the public to ‘assist in police operations’.

‘If you are called by someone you believe is suspicious, take note of the name and badge number of the officer and contact your local police station,’ he explained.

He added: ‘Too often we hear from customers who wanted to question a suspicious interaction but were unsure whom to talk to.’ Mr Griffin also urged customers to ask questions or speak to a trusted family member, a friend, or the bank to prove if calls or claims are legitimate.

‘We’re highly trained and here to help,’ he said.

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Mr Griffin urged customers to remain vigilant against fraudulent online activities. Credit: David Peterson/Pexels

Mr Griffin previously warned that in online scams, once criminals have gotten a hold of your money, they will immediately transfer these funds to offshore cryptocurrency accounts. This makes it impossible for banks to retrieve lost funds. His statement comes after a scammer swindled a man out of his entire life savings in a matter of minutes. You can read more details about this story here.

To protect yourself, BOQ has advised the following:

• Do not disclose personal information in an unsolicited or unexpected phone call.
• Never send or give money to someone you haven’t met in person.
• End the phone call if the caller is threatening or forcing you to do something (like withdraw cash).
• If you’re feeling unsure, speak to a trusted family member, friend or your bank.

The Bank of Queensland urged customers to contact the police and their bank immediately.

To report a fraud or scam, visit your local branch or call Bank of Queensland’s hotline on 1300 55 72 72 (Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM AEDT, and Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM AEDT).

Moreover, the bank said that if you have any concerns about the legitimacy of correspondence or individuals who are contacting you, you may contact them directly via email ([email protected]) or using the details found on their ‘Contact Us’ page.

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Remember these tips. Credit: The Seniors Discount Club

Lastly, you can report a cybercrime or cyber security incident to the ACSC via ReportCyber at https://www.cyber.gov.au/acsc/report or call the Australian Cyber Security Hotline on 1300 CYBER! (1300 292 371).

Key Takeaways

• The Bank of Queensland is warning Australians about a new scam involving callers pretending to be representatives of undercover police officers.
• The scammer typically introduces themselves with an alias, badge or staff number and fake reference number and instructs victims to withdraw cash.
• BOQ says the scammers target vulnerable Australians, especially the elderly and vulnerable persons, and pressure them to comply with their demands.
• To protect yourself, BOQ advises not to disclose personal information in unsolicited calls, not to send or give money to someone you haven’t met, to end calls if the caller is threatening, and to contact BOQ if you have any concerns.

What are your thoughts on this story? Were you aware of this scam? Let us know in the comments! Remember, stay vigilant, and keep yourself safe!

I'm sorry but are people so gullible with all the scams going around why on earth would someone fall for this. I just don't understand

 

[mark godwin]

I'm sorry but are people so gullible with all the scams going around why on earth would someone fall for this. I just don't understand

calling people gullible when some of the scams are very good is a little harsh . some older people are not that savvy and they are new to lots of tech .