In today's world, Australians face a big threat from overseas phone scams. These scams come from abroad and aim to trick people out of money. They use missed calls, phishing, and pretending to be someone else to do this.
Scammers keep changing their ways, using new tech and playing on people's fears. It's important for Australians to know about these scams and how to spot and dodge them.
Key Takeaways
- Overseas phone scams are a growing threat, with Australians losing millions each year to these sophisticated schemes.
- Scammers use a variety of tactics, such as missed calls, phishing, and impersonation, to deceive and manipulate their victims.
- It's important to be vigilant and know how to identify the warning signs of a scam, such as urgent or threatening language, requests for personal information, or offers of grand rewards.
- Taking proactive steps, such as being cautious of unknown numbers, verifying the legitimacy of any requests, and reporting suspicious activity, can help protect Australians from falling victim to these scams.
- Staying informed and educating others about the dangers of overseas phone scams can help build a more resilient community against these criminal enterprises.
What Are Overseas Phone Scams?
Overseas phone scams are a big problem in Australia. Scammers call people to steal their info or money. They often use fake international phone numbers and pretend to be from a real company or service.
Types of Phone Scams
Here are some common overseas phone scams:
- Technical support scams - Scammers say there's a problem with your computer and want to access it remotely.
- Phishing scams - They pretend to be from a trusted group and ask for your personal info.
- Missed call scams - They make a quick call, hang up, and hope you call back at a high cost.
- Fake online shopping scams - They create fake websites to steal your money or details.
Last year, the ACCC received 2,000 complaints about overseas phone scam calls. But, it's thought many more people didn't report being scammed. Only about 5% of victims usually report these scams.
"Wangiri" is a scam tactic used worldwide. It's been reported in many countries. When people call back missed calls from international numbers, they get hit with high phone bills. A lot of the cost goes to the scammers.
In 2022, there were 63,821 reported phone scam calls in Australia. Bank impersonation scams, a type of phone scam, cost Aussies $20 million. Victims like Arthur and Annie lost thousands of dollars to these scams.
The Tactics Used by Scammers
Scammers are getting smarter and using scary tactics to target Chinese students in Australia. They pretend to be Chinese police or other authorities. They threaten to arrest or deport victims unless they pay money or share personal info. They use fake documents and spoofed phone numbers to look real.
They also watch and scare their victims using video surveillance for a long time. This is all to get people to give up their personal and financial info. They want to steal bank and passport details too.
The National Anti-Scam Centre and the ACCC have warned about these scary phone scams. In 2022, over $2 million was lost to these Chinese authority scams.
Consumer research by the ACCC shows scammers use many ways to scare and steal from people. These include:
- Posing as law enforcement or government officials to threaten deportation or legal action
- Using technology to spoof legitimate phone numbers to appear more credible
- Creating fake documentation to support their claims
- Monitoring victims through video surveillance and other invasive methods
- Pressuring victims to provide personal, bank, and passport details
ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe says, "Scammers are getting smarter. People need to know how they steal personal info and money."
The Australian authorities, including the police, are fighting these scams. They want to protect people. They ask everyone to watch out and report any suspicious activity.
Phone scams and overseas calls
Scammers often use the 'missed call' or 'Wangiri' scam. They quickly call a number and hang up before you answer. They want you to call back, which means you'll pay a high rate for the call.
Scammers also keep victims on hold or play music to increase the charges. To avoid these scams, don't call back unknown numbers, especially those from abroad. Also, block international calls on kids' phones to reduce risks.
If you're scammed, it's key to talk to your phone company and the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman. They can offer advice and help fix the problem.
- Watch out for 'missed call' or 'Wangiri' scams where scammers quickly call and hang up, hoping you'll call back and pay a high rate.
- Scammers might also keep you on hold or play music to increase charges on international calls.
- Don't call back unknown international numbers, and think about blocking international calls on kids' phones.
- If you've been scammed, reach out to your phone company and the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman for help.
Stay alert and take steps to protect yourself and your family from overseas phone scams.
Protecting Yourself from Phone Scams
It's vital to keep your personal and financial info safe from phone scams. Scammers might try to scare you or ask for sensitive details. But, real companies won't ask for money or info over the phone right away.
Warning Signs and Prevention Tips
Be careful with any calls, messages, or emails that seem off. If a call seems fishy, hang up and call the company back using their official number. Don't call back numbers you don't know, especially those with 19xx or international codes. Think about blocking international calls on kids' phones to keep them safe.
- Watch out for calls or messages saying you're in trouble or need to share personal info.
- Real companies won't scare you or ask for money over the phone right away.
- Don't call back numbers you don't know, especially those with 19xx or international codes.
- Think about blocking international calls on kids' phones to keep them safe.
If you've fallen for a scam, tell the ACCC's Scamwatch, the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), and your phone company. You can also get help from IDCARE if your identity has been stolen.
- Tell the ACCC's Scamwatch and the ACSC about scams to help stop them.
- Inform your phone company about any suspicious calls or messages.
- Get help from IDCARE if someone has stolen or used your personal info.
Stay alert and follow these tips to keep your info safe from phone scams. Always check if contact is genuine before sharing any personal details.
Conclusion
Phone scams from overseas are a big worry for Australians, causing financial and personal harm. Scammers use scary threats and new tech to get victims to share sensitive info or make expensive calls. It's important to know about these scams and how they work.
Being alert and taking steps to protect yourself can lower your chances of getting scammed. Watch out for missed calls from international or premium-rate numbers. Always question who's calling and never share personal or bank details over the phone.
Telling the authorities about suspicious calls can help stop more scams. Call the Australian Cybersecurity Centre (ACSC) or the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman if you're unsure. Also, tell your friends and family about these scams to keep everyone safe. Click here to find out information about the number calling you.
FAQ
What are overseas phone scams?
Overseas phone scams happen when scammers call people in Australia from abroad. They try to steal personal info or make you pay money. These scams include tech support scams, phishing, missed call scams, and fake online shopping scams.
What tactics do scammers use to target victims?
Scammers use smart tricks to target victims, especially Chinese students in Australia. They might pretend to be Chinese police or authorities. They threaten arrest or deportation unless you pay a fee or share personal info.
They also fake official phone numbers and create fake documents to seem legit.
What is the 'missed call' or 'Wangiri' scam?
The 'missed call' or 'Wangiri' scam is a trick where scammers quickly call and hang up. They want you to call back, which costs you more. They might keep you on hold or play music to increase the bill.
How can I protect myself from phone scams?
Be careful with any unsolicited calls, messages, or emails that seem fishy. Real companies won't threaten you or ask for money over the phone. If a call seems off, hang up and check with the company directly.
Don't call back numbers you don't know, especially those with 19xx or international codes. Think about blocking international calls on your kids' phones.
What should I do if I've been the victim of a scam?
If you've fallen for a scam, tell the ACCC's Scamwatch, the Australian Cyber Security Centre, and your phone company. Get help from IDCARE if your identity was stolen.
