Cautions have been issued to Australians about the recent surge in government impersonation scams, with over $1.26 million lost with more than 7100 reports to date. According to specific reports, the losses are far more significant than reported. There has been a considerable climb in scams that occurred during this time, mainly when you are eligible for tax payments. Victims receive text messages stating to be from myGov or agencies promising to help them gain easy access to their superannuation.
“Scammers are increasingly reaping the benefits of the financial difficulties and uncertainties generated from the COVID-19 pandemic to trick innocent Australians,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard announced in an official statement. “We are witnessing two prime frauds impersonating governing departments; fake government warnings and phishing.” “Both of these scams can be quite persuading and can cause significant losses or even theft of identity.”
In a duped government threat, victims receive an automated call imitating to be from a governing authorization such as the Department of Home Affairs or the ATO. The scammer will accuse illegal activities such as tax frauds or money laundering in the victim’s name and that they should dial 1 to speak to an administrator. The scammer then tries to tame people by handing over money and may threaten to arrest if they disagree.
“Don’t be influenced by a threatening call or caller and take your time to determine who you might be connected to,” Ms. Rickard stated. “Government authorities will never warn you with immediate arrest warrants or ask for monetary charges by unusual means such as iTunes vouchers, gift cards, or even bank transfers.”
In a phishing case, victims will obtain an email or text alleging to be from a government unit. For instance, Services Australia asking personal details for confirming their eligibility for a government means of payment or for COVID-19 related precautions. The emails and texts encompass a link and seek personal information such as superannuation details, tax file numbers, or copies of identity certificates.
“Don’t tap on any hyperlinks sent through texts or emails to reach a government website. Always search the name of the website in the browser first,” says Ms. Rickard.
“Do not reply to texts or emails as the scammer will escalate their attempts to get your money.” “If you are not positive whether a call is genuine, hang up and call the relevant organization directly by finding the details through an independent search.
Background check on government impersonation scams:
In 2020 (1 January – 5 July), Scam reports :
- 67 reports of scams involving impersonation of the Department of Health, or state Department of Health and Human Services, with losses over $8700
- 443 reports of scams involving Australian Federal Police impersonations with losses over $176,000
- 1,070 reports of scams involving Services Australia impersonations with losses over $94,000
- 1,638 reports of scams involving myGov impersonations with losses over $105,000
- 2,016 reports of scams involving Department of Home Affairs impersonations with losses over $99,000
- 2,389 reports of scams involving ATO impersonations with losses over $905,000