Uncover the six sneaky scams that are out to get you this 2024!
- Replies 13
As we welcome the new year, it's not just resolutions and fresh starts we need to be mindful of. The ever-evolving world of scams also ushers new tactics to trick unsuspecting victims.
From AI voice scams to QR code phishing, fraud is becoming increasingly sophisticated and diverse.
According to the National Australia Bank's (NAB) fraud and cybersecurity experts, 2024 is set to see a surge in chat-based remote access scams, romance scams, ticket scams, and term deposit investment scams.
Laura Hartley, NAB Manager for Advisory Awareness, warned that the 'scamscape' is in a constant state of flux, with the integration of AI expected to elevate scams to unprecedented levels this year.
'When many of us are relaxing [and] enjoying the new year, scammers are busy working on new scams,’ Hartley cautioned.
‘Criminals are targeting Aussies enjoying their break by using sophisticated technology to manipulate victims when and where they least suspect it.’
‘We have identified these six scams based on what we're seeing overseas and key issues and challenges in society. These are scams every Australian needs to know about so they can recognise the red flags and protect themselves.’
In 2023, bank customers reported an average of 1500 scam cases every month, with a staggering 70 per cent involving some form of impersonation. Hartley explained that urgency is a common strategy employed by scammers.
'Scammers create a sense of urgency to encourage you to act quickly,' Hartley explained.
‘It could be a phone call from your “son” or “daughter” in distress and needing money, a fantastic term deposit rate that's only available for a limited time or cheap concert tickets going quickly.’
She continued: ‘AI voice scams are one of the six we are closely watching in 2024. They can be created with as little as three seconds of audio taken from a social media post, voicemail or video on a website.’
These scams have already made their mark in the UK and the US, and experts predict they will soon hit Australian shores.
NAB continues its battle against scammers as part of a comprehensive bank-wide strategy, which includes removing links from customer text messages and introducing payment alerts to digital banking.
Hartley underscores the severe financial and emotional toll scams can take.
'Our fraud team receives an average of almost 80,000 calls each month. That's up from an average of 63,800 calls a month a year ago,' she revealed.
'If you suspect you've been scammed, contact your bank immediately.'
As mentioned, scammers quickly adapt and constantly change their tactics to outwit their victims and authorities.
In a previous story, a couple received a phone call from someone claiming to work for the NAB and spun an elaborate lie about uncovering ‘internal fraud' and needed the couple’s help to catch a ‘corrupt’ staff member. Read more about this story here.
To stay updated on the latest scams, you may visit our Scam Watch forum for the latest news.
Have you encountered any of these scams mentioned above? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!
From AI voice scams to QR code phishing, fraud is becoming increasingly sophisticated and diverse.
According to the National Australia Bank's (NAB) fraud and cybersecurity experts, 2024 is set to see a surge in chat-based remote access scams, romance scams, ticket scams, and term deposit investment scams.
Laura Hartley, NAB Manager for Advisory Awareness, warned that the 'scamscape' is in a constant state of flux, with the integration of AI expected to elevate scams to unprecedented levels this year.
The NAB revealed the six scams emerging in 2024. Credit: Pexels
'When many of us are relaxing [and] enjoying the new year, scammers are busy working on new scams,’ Hartley cautioned.
‘Criminals are targeting Aussies enjoying their break by using sophisticated technology to manipulate victims when and where they least suspect it.’
‘We have identified these six scams based on what we're seeing overseas and key issues and challenges in society. These are scams every Australian needs to know about so they can recognise the red flags and protect themselves.’
In 2023, bank customers reported an average of 1500 scam cases every month, with a staggering 70 per cent involving some form of impersonation. Hartley explained that urgency is a common strategy employed by scammers.
'Scammers create a sense of urgency to encourage you to act quickly,' Hartley explained.
‘It could be a phone call from your “son” or “daughter” in distress and needing money, a fantastic term deposit rate that's only available for a limited time or cheap concert tickets going quickly.’
She continued: ‘AI voice scams are one of the six we are closely watching in 2024. They can be created with as little as three seconds of audio taken from a social media post, voicemail or video on a website.’
These scams have already made their mark in the UK and the US, and experts predict they will soon hit Australian shores.
NAB continues its battle against scammers as part of a comprehensive bank-wide strategy, which includes removing links from customer text messages and introducing payment alerts to digital banking.
Hartley underscores the severe financial and emotional toll scams can take.
'Our fraud team receives an average of almost 80,000 calls each month. That's up from an average of 63,800 calls a month a year ago,' she revealed.
'If you suspect you've been scammed, contact your bank immediately.'
As mentioned, scammers quickly adapt and constantly change their tactics to outwit their victims and authorities.
In a previous story, a couple received a phone call from someone claiming to work for the NAB and spun an elaborate lie about uncovering ‘internal fraud' and needed the couple’s help to catch a ‘corrupt’ staff member. Read more about this story here.
To stay updated on the latest scams, you may visit our Scam Watch forum for the latest news.
Last edited:
.png){kind=icon}
