Helping the Sydney community with relationships, parenting, ageing, disability, pastoral services and mental wellbeing.
The internet has revolutionised all aspects of life, from shopping to banking. However, this convenience has also opened the door to a range of cyber scams. While many people associate online fraud with the holiday shopping season, the reality is that this is a year-round threat. It’s important to learn to identify these threats quickly to make sure you’re able to avoid them and safeguard your finances and personal information.
The most common scams to watch out for:
1. Online shopping scams
Scammers are now able to set up fake websites to mimic major retailers. The deals will often seem too good to be true (and often are). Once you purchase on these sites, the scammers will have access to all the money on your card and leave you empty-handed.
To avoid this, ALWAYS check the online shop’s name and its website URL before making any purchase, being vigilant for lookalike sites. You should also seek out reviews from new or unfamiliar retailers.
2. Delivery scams
Scammers will send you fake messages claiming you owe money to receive a delivery. These texts will include a link asking you for personal information and to provide payment.
This type of scam has become very common, and so it's important that you can recognise it. Always be cautious of unexpected messages requesting payment, and never open any links shared from an unverified source. It never hurts to contact the delivery company through official channels (locate their contact details on their official site) to verify the claim.
3. Marketplace scams
Platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree have become hotbeds for scams. The most common is the PayID scam, where scammers will claim to have:
Accidentally transferred extra funds and will ask you to ‘refund’ them, or
Request additional temporary funds while your original transferred funds are ‘on hold’
The easiest way to avoid these scams is to prioritise cash as a payment method for marketplaces. It's best to meet the sellers in a safe location and to always avoid anyone requesting extra funds for unexpected reasons (like to cover ‘transfer fees’).
Protecting Yourself with Cyber-Safe Practices
Keep your devices secure.
Use strong passwords and always enable two-factor authentication when possible.
Monitor your accounts, including regularly checking bank and card statements to make sure all transactions are authorised. Immediately contact your bank for anything that looks suspicious.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
If you suspect you’re a victim of a scam, it's important to act quickly (even if you aren’t sure).
Report the possible scam to your bank immediately. They are very understanding and will support you. They may be able to block any unwanted payments or help you explore recovery options.
Contact IDCARE. IDCARE is an Australian and New Zealand national identity and cyber support service. They can offer you a free consultation to limit the damage.
Report the scam to Scamwatch.
Watch out for any follow-up scams. 1 in 3 victims are unfortunately scammed more than once.
Be Connected
Taking all this computer and cyber information at once can be overwhelming. At CatholicCare Sydney, we do our best to ensure your comfort, safety and wellbeing on every level. Our relaxed and supportive Be Connected digital safety classes run multiple times throughout the year with participating Parishes and at our Liverpool office for Home Care clients. Meet like-minded people, learn valuable skills, and have a cuppa with us!
Be Connected provides a focus on how to safely and confidently utilise the best parts of the internet, from managing doctor appointments, talking to grandchildren on video calls, filling in online hospital application forms, using MyGov, Service NSW, and other important apps and websites.
From Jacqui Willoughby
Volunteer Manager:
“Lifelong learning is a key principle to ageing well and contributes significantly to quality of life. As part of CatholicCare Sydney’s Ageing Well, Communities of Care program, we invite any parishes interested in hosting these fun and free Computer workshops in their parish for the enjoyment, safety and connection of parishioners.”
Get in contact with us below to find out when the next classes are and how you can register.
If you require more support, visit the ACCC for more information about avoiding scams: https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/stay-protected/scams.
Reach out to IDCARE here: https://www.idcare.org/.
Includes information from: https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/stop-check-protect/what-to-do-if-youve-been-scammed
