Scammers are always changing the tactics they use, which means newer types of scams are catching both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people out.

This week, the National Anti-Scam Centre released a report on the types of scams that are costing people the most money. Knowing about how these scams work can help to protect you and your Mob from fraudsters.

Here are the five scams that have cost Indigenous communities the most in the past year and a bit more about each of them.

Source: National Anti-Scam Centre Targeting Scams report 2023; released April 2024.

1. Investment scams

Investment scams often involve someone promising a big return for very little risk. They are the most costly types of scams for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

Recently, scammers have been using fake celebrity endorsements to try and con people into thinking an investment product has made the celebrity a lot of money. This is not how celebrities make their money.

2. Identity theft scams

These scams involve someone posing as someone else in order to get access to the bank accounts and other identity documents. When the scammer gets access, they can do things like apply for loans and credit cards using someone else’s identity.

Here’s what to do if you think your identity may have been stolen.

3. Online shopping scams

With online shopping scams, fraudsters may set up fake websites to look like real shopping sites. People go on there to buy a product, but it never arrives and instead, the scammer may then have access to your bank details to use in the future.

4. Jobs and employment scams

Job scams involve a fake offer of employment. They may come in the form of an unsolicited message on WhatsApp or other messaging platforms. Sometimes, the fake jobs claim to pay a lot for little work or experience.

5. Dating and romance scams

Dating and romance scams may involve meeting someone on an online site who isn’t who they say they are. They may become very loving or affectionate in their messages quickly, but have a ‘crisis’ that requires financial help.

You can read more about these scams here.

How to protect yourself

1. Never click a link if you’re unsure who sent you the email or text. If in any doubt, don’t click.
2. Change your passwords regularly and consider two-factor authentication (this is where you get a code texted or emailed to you after you’ve entered a password – it’s another layer of protection).
3. If something is low risk, high reward, be very wary. Often, if something sounds ‘too good to be true’, it is.
4. If someone knocks on your door offering a deal or wants to sign you up to something, you can always say no or tell them you need time to think about it.
5. If you’re aware of a scam doing the rounds, warn your friends and family.

Source: Scamwatch