Time to scam: Tech expert reveals scammer’s preferred time slots to dupe Aussies
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As the digital age advances, so too do the tactics of those looking to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals.
Scammers are indeed everywhere, and with the looming tax season, they are working double time to spend other people's hard-earned money.
A leading telecommunication company recently shed light on the cunning strategies used by scammers.
According to Telstra's cybersecurity experts, Australians need to be particularly vigilant on Fridays and Saturdays, especially during the early hours of the morning.
These unscrupulous individuals attack at times when people are less likely to be on their guard.
Their data showed an alarming 11 per cent increase in scam activity on the days mentioned above, with a significant number of fraudulent attempts occurring between 1 am and 4 am.
Darren Pauli, one of Telstra's cyber security experts, explained that this timing is far from random.
'Scammers try to take advantage of lapsed judgement,' Pauli said.
'They pose as real and recognisable companies or agencies and threaten everything from cancelled car registrations through to damage to your credit report, or even legal action.'
'Scammers will try to manipulate you into responding quickly before you have a chance to stop and think. By targeting you at these times, scammers maximise their chances of success, exploiting moments when potential victims are not fully alert,' he added.
Interestingly, Telstra's data also indicated a 20 per cent decrease in scam attempts on Sundays.
However, this is no reason to let down our guard, as the overall trend is an uptick in fraudulent activities.
Scamwatch's Targeting Scams Report for 2023 showed an 18.5 per cent surge in reported scams compared to the previous year.
Text messaging remains the preferred method for scammers, with over 109,000 SMS scams reported in 2023 alone.
This marked a staggering 37 per cent increase from 2022.
Nowadays, scammers use artificial intelligence (AI) software to enhance their deception.
They're using generative AI tools to craft highly personalised messages and, more worryingly, mimic Australian accents and colloquialisms in calls.
This tactic was to lower the locals' guards by sounding 'true blue', making the scam seem more legitimate and increasing its success rate.
So, what can you do to protect yourself from these digital predators? Here are some tips:
The SDC forum's Scam Watch section contains the latest schemes and tips on how to prevent scams.
What do you think of Telstra's findings? Share your experiences with us in the comments below.
Scammers are indeed everywhere, and with the looming tax season, they are working double time to spend other people's hard-earned money.
A leading telecommunication company recently shed light on the cunning strategies used by scammers.
According to Telstra's cybersecurity experts, Australians need to be particularly vigilant on Fridays and Saturdays, especially during the early hours of the morning.
These unscrupulous individuals attack at times when people are less likely to be on their guard.
Their data showed an alarming 11 per cent increase in scam activity on the days mentioned above, with a significant number of fraudulent attempts occurring between 1 am and 4 am.
According to reports, text messages remain the preferred method for scammers. Image Credit: Pexels/SHVETS Production
Darren Pauli, one of Telstra's cyber security experts, explained that this timing is far from random.
'Scammers try to take advantage of lapsed judgement,' Pauli said.
'They pose as real and recognisable companies or agencies and threaten everything from cancelled car registrations through to damage to your credit report, or even legal action.'
'Scammers will try to manipulate you into responding quickly before you have a chance to stop and think. By targeting you at these times, scammers maximise their chances of success, exploiting moments when potential victims are not fully alert,' he added.
Interestingly, Telstra's data also indicated a 20 per cent decrease in scam attempts on Sundays.
However, this is no reason to let down our guard, as the overall trend is an uptick in fraudulent activities.
Scamwatch's Targeting Scams Report for 2023 showed an 18.5 per cent surge in reported scams compared to the previous year.
Text messaging remains the preferred method for scammers, with over 109,000 SMS scams reported in 2023 alone.
This marked a staggering 37 per cent increase from 2022.
Nowadays, scammers use artificial intelligence (AI) software to enhance their deception.
They're using generative AI tools to craft highly personalised messages and, more worryingly, mimic Australian accents and colloquialisms in calls.
This tactic was to lower the locals' guards by sounding 'true blue', making the scam seem more legitimate and increasing its success rate.
So, what can you do to protect yourself from these digital predators? Here are some tips:
- Be sceptical of unsolicited calls or messages, especially if they demand immediate action or payment.
- Verify the contact person's identity before taking any action.
- Never give out personal information—passwords, bank details, or Tax File Numbers—to anyone unvetted.
- Keep your devices and security software up to date.
- Do not click any links or attachments from suspicious messages. Immediately report it to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) via Scamwatch.
The SDC forum's Scam Watch section contains the latest schemes and tips on how to prevent scams.
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