Watch out for online scams

Protect yourself from digital thieves by recognising the warning signs

DIGITAL technology, social media and email has changed the way we communicate, as it provides easy access to people and such detailed information.

The only problem is that the technology gives crooks easier access to you.

Online scams are so sophisticated and appear so authentic that they are conning thousands of Australians out of millions of dollars. And the scams are like cockroaches: you can’t seem to kill them.

It has been particularly distressing for us to receive emails from readers and viewers who have lost money on Facebook scams claiming “Kochie” recommends investing in Bitcoin or endorses an erectile dysfunction lotion.

We are constantly reporting them to Facebook, which assures us it takes them down, but then they reappear, apparently using a different server.

Be assured we don’t endorse any products other than our book (Kochie’s 11-Step Money Plan … for a better life) and online financial literacy course (moneymakeover.com.au).

The worst scams doing the rounds to be aware of are: • Fake emails claiming your account has been blocked

Netflix:

because of payment issues. It asks for bank details to resume service.

•

An automated voice on the

phone claiming you

Tax office impersonators:

haven’t lodged a tax return and to call a number or legal action will commence immediately. A similar scam claims to be from a law enforcement agency.

• Fake emails wanting your bank passwords and details to confirm account.

•

PayPal: Gift cards:

Fake emails claiming you owe a company payment and they only want to be paid by gift cards like iTunes, Google Play, Amazon and Australia Post Load&Go prepaid debit cards.

Celebrity endorsement scams:

•

Using a well-known personality to sell products ranging from cosmetics and weight loss to investments.

• Scammers are even pretending to be the regulator and asking for personal details to renew business or company names online.

•

ASIC: Surprise inheritances or money owed:

Usually posing as a lawyer or accountant, these scammers notify you they are holding money in your name from an inheritance or lost superannuation and want your bank details to transfer it over. • Fake invoices and statements from Telstra and Optus as well as Origin

and AGL,

Telco and energy bills:

demanding immediate payment. Or they claim you’ve overpaid and want bank details to send the money.

• These are authentic-looking emails supposedly from your bank,

Phishing:

Now we’ve scared you with ways you can be conned, here are some key ways to protect yourself:

Never give your password, PIN, bank details or Tax File Number to anyone online or over the phone. If someone rings us and asks for us to verify our details, we’ll ask them to tell us what information they have.

Review your security and privacy details on social media and be careful with whom you connect.

Choose passwords carefully. It is important to make them hard to crack. Use a password authenticator app or a password keeper on your smartphone.

Check for clues on the authenticity of an email. Fakes often have bad grammar, sound overly official and are poor quality.

A lot of scammers work outside traditional financial systems. Anyone who wants payment by gift card or virtual currencies (like Bitcoin) is usually a crook.

Don’t agree to deals straight away. Tell the asking you to click a link to the bank website and verify all your details and passwords. It’s a con.

The list is almost endless, and we haven’t even got to pyramid schemes, dating scams and online shopping.