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From caller ID spoofing to severe weather recovery scams and fake websites, these are the latest scams to watch out for right now.
Cyclone Alfred scam
In the aftermath of Alfred, Westpac and ANZ both issued warnings for severe weather scams, which involve attempts to steal personal and financial information via email, SMS, social media messages or phone calls.
According to Westpac, if you are asked to share online banking passwords, security codes or personal identification numbers, it is likely a scam. The real bank will never ask you to share these details or install software that allows access to your device.
Impersonation emails and flash SMS messages
A flash message is a type of temporary SMS that appears directly on your phone screen but is not scored in your inbox. These messages are designed to capture attention and are often used for urgent alerts or time-sensitive notifications.
Fake websites
In 2024, NAB identified and assisted with the removal of 600 illegitimate websites impersonating the bank and its products. In the same period, thousands of scam website takedowns were ordered by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
NAB has issued a warning about fake websites impersonating banks. Source: Supplied / NAB
Similar to fraudulent emails and SMS alerts, fake websites are often used in phishing and investment scams. They typically use urgency and fear tactics, have authentic-looking branding, and use fake testimonials or endorsements to appear credible.
These websites can often be identified by a website URL or email address that contains odd spelling or numbers, spelling and grammar errors, and offers that appear too good to be true.
Investment scams
These text messages typically encourage recipients to contact them via WhatsApp rather than official CommSec channels.
CBA advises customers not to respond to (or click on) links in unexpected messages claiming to be from CommSec and to be cautious of anybody requesting to communicate via messaging apps.
