There have now been over 5,000 scam reports to Scamwatch from scammers using the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) to take advantage of people to the tune of over $6 million!
People are falling prey to scammers through phishing for personal information, from online shopping, and from supernnuation scams and it's important that you remain cautious and alert to coronavirus scams.
Never provide your personal information, your banking details or superannuation details to strangers over a phonecall, via text or email.
From robocalls with voice recordings proporting to be from a government agency such as Services Australia threatening your arrest, or calls from online shopping stores with fake expenses, scammers are still out in force trying to get your details or money. Some are offering to help you with an application for financial assistance or a payment to stay at home.
Half of the scams reported to Scamwatch show the telephone was the method, and text messages and emails made up a third of scams. So be aware and never provide personal information by clicking a link in an email or text, or returning a call from a voice recorded service. If you want to check go directly to the website by typing the full web address into your browser. And hang up on callers or voice messages before they put you through for more information.
Visit the Scamwatch for more examples on what to look for.
Reviewed 19 July 2022