Don't be a victim - scams could happen to you! Mutuals urge members to protect themselves against scams
02 March 2009
Every year, one in 20 Australians fall victim to scams.
To help raise public awareness and to help people combat scams, credit unions and building societies have partnered with the Federal and State Government joint taskforce’s annual campaign, National Consumer Fraud Week, happening this week, the 2nd-8th of March.
The theme for this year’s campaign is “Scams target you – protect yourself!”
Louise Petschler, CEO of Abacus, the industry body for credit unions and mutual building societies, said a survey on personal fraud published last year by the Australian Bureau of Statistics found that almost 6 million Australians are exposed to scams and fraud during any given year - resulting in over 800, 000 people falling victim. The financial losses are huge, with almost $1 billion dollars in losses.
“Credit unions and building societies have been successful in establishing technological security barriers to protect their members against fraud. As a result, scam-artists have now turned to other ways to deceive people into parting with their money; often using more sophisticated and elaborate schemes to reel people in,” Ms Petschler said.
“They may attract people with emotive pleas or get-rich-quick schemes. Most scams need you to do something before they can work; like provide your personal information or send money,” Ms Petschler said.
“Do not respond to these kinds of requests. Never give out your PIN or personal information to anyone. Remember, your mutual will never ask you for your password, PIN or personal banking details in an email, an online message or an unsolicited telephone call.
“Do not send money to anyone you don’t know. You can also check if the request is legitimate – research the person, company and offer. Identity fraud is also a real threat, so don’t just throw out old bills, records and expired cards - destroy them.”
If you come across a scam – report them to Scamwatch, call 1300 795 995 or go to www.scamwatch.gov.au.
For more information, contact:
Leanne Vale, Senior Manager - Financial Crimes
0414 488 030
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Pamela Eldrige, Media Manager
02 8299 9094, 0423 843 790
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