11 Mar Scams, Fraud and More…

Posted at 09:00h in Business Basics by Paul Barrs

As more and more people get online, more and more people are also getting scammed. These days it isn’t just the non-techie’s who are getting ripped off, it’s also the web-savvy.

We ALL need to be more vigilant in helping our fellow web users know more about what they can do to prevent online fraud…. and if you run an online business like I do – then even more so!

Please SHARE this post to help get the word out.

– Paul Barrs

2012 Fraud Week: 19 – 25 March

National Consumer Fraud Week is an initiative of the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce (ACFT). Formed in March 2005, the ACFT comprises 22 government regulatory agencies and departments in Australia and New Zealand with responsibility for protecting consumers against frauds and scams. The Office of Fair Trading is a long time member of the ACFT.

Fraud and scams can strike a business at any time, and Fraud Week serves as an opportunity for everyone to review personal and business financial security procedures. It also raises awareness on new types of fraud and scams which have recently surfaced.

Slam scams! Press delete, throw it out, shut the door or just hang up is the 2012 theme and that highlights the many ways scams are delivered. A phone call, SMS, mobile app, letter, email, fax, or blog scammers will use any of these means to target business victims.

You can protect your business from scams by following these tips:

Don’t respond

Ignore suspicious emails, letters, house visits, phone calls or SMS press delete, throw them out, shut the door or just hang up.

Watch out for slick tricks

Scammers use sophisticated tricks to fool you such as fake websites, glossy brochures, technical jargon or posing as someone that you know and trust don’t fall for them!

Don’t let scammers push your buttons

Scammers will play on your hopes and dreams to get what they want. Romance scams hurt emotionally as well as financially – protect your self.

Protect your identity

Your personal details are private and invaluable, keep them that way and away from scammers.

More information on how to protect your business from scams is available on our website. If you have spotted a scam, or unfortunately been a victim, you can report it on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commissions ScamWatch website.

2012 scam survey now online

Have you been the victim of an online scam or noticed any new or persistent scams over the last year?

The ACFT and the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) are gathering the most up-to-date information on fraud and scam trends in Australia through their annual online survey. The information helps to improve the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of scam offenders.

Participation in the online survey is voluntary and anonymous. All responses are treated in confidence. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and can be found on the AIC website.