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Scammer
Australia Cyber Attacks fake payment cards fake websites Malicious Link MyGov App Online Payment Fraud Payment Fraud Scammer

Scammers Use Fake Centrelink Promises to Target Australians Online

 

Australians have been cautioned about a recent wave of scam websites falsely advertising significant Centrelink payments. These sites promise financial boosts, sometimes hundreds or thousands of dollars, to low-income residents and seniors, exploiting people facing financial challenges. Fraudsters create convincing websites that mimic government agencies like Centrelink, Service Australia, and myGov, claiming these funds are aimed at helping Australians manage the rising cost of living. To create legitimacy, scammers have designed sites that appear to offer eligibility checks, which are actually tactics to gather personal details. 

These scams largely stem from international sources, including countries like India, and often display website URLs ending in “.in” instead of “.gov.au,” an indicator of their inauthenticity. If Australians are lured into these sites, they might be asked to enter personal information, leading to risks of identity theft, unauthorized access to accounts, or financial loss. Scammers also contact victims through text messages, emails, and even direct calls, adding urgency by claiming that immediate action is required to avoid consequences such as account closures or legal threats. The National Anti-Scam Centre has warned users not to trust unsolicited links or messages, as legitimate government organizations do not send out emails or texts asking for login credentials. 

To safeguard against these scams, Australians should only rely on official government websites such as servicesaustralia.gov.au and my.gov.au, as these sites have secure government domains that are easily recognizable. If users are unsure about a message or website, they should verify through official contact channels or report the suspected scam to authorities. Fake Centrelink promises have targeted people’s vulnerabilities by exploiting the challenging economic conditions many Australians currently face. As such, the National Anti-Scam Centre and Services Australia have been actively educating citizens on how to spot fake offers. Scams typically feature enticing language, such as “life-changing benefits,” or make claims about “one-off payments” to attract attention. 

Although these offers may sound appealing, it’s essential to remember that if a promise sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Identifying and reporting such scams can help prevent others from falling victim to these frauds. Authorities urge everyone to double-check website URLs, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and never disclose personal information to unverified sources. The Australian government has intensified efforts to address these scams, working to identify, block, and take down fraudulent sites where possible. While scammers’ techniques evolve, Australians can protect themselves by staying informed, cautious, and vigilant.
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warn victims
Cyber Fraud fake payment cards Japanese police support scam tech support fraud warn victims

Japanese Authorities Deploy Counterfeit Payment Cards to Alert Victims of Support Scams

 

Japanese police has initiated a unique strategy involving the placement of counterfeit payment cards in convenience stores to safeguard elderly individuals from tech support scams and unpaid money fraud. These fake cards, labeled as "Virus Trojan Horse Removal Payment Card" and "Unpaid Bill Late Fee Payment Card," were devised by the Echizen Police in Fukui prefecture as a preemptive measure.

The primary objective behind these dummy cards is to alert elderly victims who might be instructed by fraudsters to acquire such payment cards. This initiative comes in response to the significant financial losses, amounting to around $7.5 million, incurred by Fukui prefecture due to various online frauds in the past year. Notably, in January 2024 alone, there were 14 reported complaints of investment scams causing an estimated damage of $700,000.

In a bid to combat tech support scams, the Echizen Police undertook a trial run of this innovative approach by distributing the counterfeit cards across 34 local convenience stores. Store employees were thoroughly briefed about the purpose of these cards. Whenever customers attempted to purchase them, employees intervened, explaining to the potential buyers that they were likely targeted by scammers.

This collaborative effort not only aims to prevent further victimization but also facilitates the identification of potential victims for subsequent investigation by law enforcement. Reports from local media outlet Fukuishimbun indicate that this strategy, implemented since late November 2023, has already proven effective in aiding at least two elderly men who were nearly swindled into paying fees for non-existent malware cleaning services.

The distinctive messaging on these dummy cards makes them conspicuous to potential victims, who may believe they offer solutions to the issues presented by scammers. Yayoi Tanaka, a convenience store employee who thwarted a scam attempt with the help of these cards, noted that they significantly ease the process of explaining to customers that they have fallen victim to deception.
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