A scam is a crime involving trickery or deception to obtain a benefit. Scams target people of all backgrounds, ages and income levels across Australia. If you think you are 'too clever' to fall for a scam, you may take risks that scammers can take advantage of. Unscrupulous operators can target consumers, with the marketing of illegal schemes and scams. Some of the more common scams include:
get rich quick schemes;
miracle health products;
competitions & lotteries;
pyramid/referring selling/multi-level marketing;
Nigerian loan/investment scams; and
work at home schemes.
Unfortunately, many people in Australia are scammed every year. While it is very difficult to track down the person or group who has scammed you, there are some steps you can take straight away to reduce the damage. You may also be a target for a ‘follow-up’ scam, so you need to take action to stop the scammers succeeding again.
Scammers are not just after your money. Scams can also be designed to steal your personal details. The types of personal information that scammers might ask for include credit card and bank account details, passport details and name and address details. This is known as ‘identity theft’.
Scammers may try to give you something, such as a 'free' gift or assistance, to get something in return, such as your agreement later on. You are caught up feeling obliged to do something. Protect yourself from those sentiments by recognising the gifts and favours as nothing more than devices to influence you to return the favour.
Misleading or deceptive conduct or an action which is likely to mislead or deceive is likely to contravene section 52 of the Trade Practices Act. Contact the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission if you think you have been the subject of this type of conduct.
There is ample information available on the Internet in relation to scams currently marketed worldwide and the precautions to follow. The following links offer advice on spotting scams and methods to protect you from becoming a victim:
http://www.fido.asic.gov.au/
www.police.qld.gov.au/programs/crimePrevention/eCrime/scams
http://www.scamwatch.gov.au/www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/8135 http://www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au/
To subscribe to weekly updates of scams, send an email to FairTradingUpdate@dtrft.qld.gov.au
Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!!
