Latest news with #scams
News.com.au
4 hours ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Australians warned against renting bank details to crime networks
Australians have been warned against some think is a 'harmless crime', by becoming 'money mules' and renting out their bank details to criminals. In its latest warning the Australian Federal Police said many Australians were knowingly or unknowingly becoming money mules for criminals who used their bank accounts to move illicit money into a personal account to make the funds appear legitimate. According to the Australian Banking Association, the major banks made moves to shut down almost 13,000 suspected accounts in the 2024 financial year, up from the 9000 accounts they had discovered in the previous year. The big increase was largely due to an increase in detection capabilities and greater intelligence sharing between the banks and law enforcement. These mules are paid anywhere between $200 to $500 plus a commission, which is usually 10 per cent on any money moved through the account. ABA chief executive Anna Bligh said mule accounts were a key part of a scammer's business model and banks were focused on identifying, investigating and shutting them down. 'Renting or selling your bank account may seem harmless, but you may be unwittingly helping a scammer to rip-off a family member or someone else you know,' she said. 'Don't let criminals cash in on your bank account. 'There's a good chance you're being recruited to hide the profits of criminal activity.' According to the AFP, criminals are targeting Australians through social media, messaging or gaming platforms, chat forums, online advertisements and even in face-to-face meetings. These individuals will then be recruited by money laundered in three main ways. •Employment scams – these are designed to exploit job seekers by offering what seems like quick and easy money for little work. Applicants are asked to have an Australian bank account to transfer funds and are promised a commission for their work. •Threat scams – scammers contact victims threatening criminal charges and arrest unless they transfer and receive funds. •Romance scams – scammers build a relationship online and then request the victim to transfer money to other accounts, typically overseas, using their personal bank account. From here the criminal networks are increasingly telling these money mules to move the funds into a cryptocurrency exchange or ATM and global money transfer apps to make it harder to detect. AFP Detective Superintendent Marie Andersson said it was illegal to rent, buy or sell bank account details. 'Your account may be housing money derived from scams, extortion, drug trafficking and terrorism,' Ms Andersson said 'If a criminal has access to your bank accounts and personal details, they may use this information to commit other crimes, potentially implicating you in their illegal activities.'
BreakingNews.ie
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Public urged to watch out for ticket scams ahead of Oasis and Electric Picnic
Social media posts advertising tickets for Oasis or Electric Picnic should be treated with a healthy amount of suspicion. Oasis will play two sold-out gigs in Dublin in the middle of August, while Electric Picnic will return at the end of next month. Advertisement Bank of Ireland is warning that it is expecting scammers to be highly active ahead of those major events. The bank said some red flags include pressure to buy quickly, unusually low prices, and no opportunity to meet in person. Bank of Ireland said fraudsters are increasingly targeting music fans with social media posts, and said its purchase fraud is up by almost a fifth in the first six months of this year, compared to 2024. Head of Fraud at Bank of Ireland, Nicola Sadlier, said: "With these gigs coming up, including the likes of Electric Picnic, we believe fradusters will be highly active. "We want customers to enjoy the music and not fall victim to fraud. Scammers know how much people want to see popular bands or attend festivals and they're using that to trick people inot handing over their money." Sadlier said people should not be embarrassed to get in touch with the bank if they have been scammed. "Get in touch and we will do our best to recover those funds for you as soon as we become aware, no judgment at all."
Fox News
11 hours ago
- Fox News
How to hand off data privacy responsibilities for older adults to a trusted loved one
When I think about my golden years, I picture myself enjoying new hobbies and spending more time with loved ones. Yet, some of the very things that mark a well-lived life, like a fixed address, a long-time phone number, and a healthy savings account, also put you at risk of scams. That's why you must protect your personal information. Today, it stands as the number one target for fraud. According to recent studies, 72% of elder fraud cases involve exposed personal data. Managing data privacy for older adults has become increasingly difficult. Threats evolve constantly, security settings change frequently, and scammers get smarter. Fortunately, you don't have to handle this alone. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my One of the best ways to protect your data is by bringing a trusted loved one into the loop. This person can serve as your privacy partner, helping you stay safe while respecting your independence. That person could be a grown child, a niece or nephew, a sibling, or even a longtime friend. The key is finding someone tech-comfortable and dependable, someone who respects your boundaries. Keep in mind, almost 58% of financial exploitation of older adults is perpetrated by family members, so being related doesn't automatically make someone trustworthy. Before giving anyone access to your accounts or personal information, ask yourself: Think of this like walking through your house and checking which doors need locks. Your digital life needs the same attention, and it helps to know where you might want backup. Here's a quick rundown of what to look at, why it matters, and when help is appropriate: Your cell phone number is often tied to two-factor authentication (2FA), account recovery, and scams like SIM swapping. It's smart to set up call blockers and lock your SIM. This is something someone tech-savvy can help you with. Your address can be used in phishing attacks or even in-person scams. If it's listed on people-search sites, someone can help you remove it. This is the gateway to most of your online life. Setting up strong two-factor authentication and email filters is a good idea. You might want help, but only if you trust the person completely. These are high-value targets. No one should have your passwords, but you can accept help setting up fraud alerts or reviewing account settings together. They hold sensitive health and billing info. You might want help making sure your logins are secure, but no one else needs access. These can be used to impersonate you or collect information. It's okay to get help locking down your privacy settings. Many store your address and credit card info. A trusted helper can assist you with clearing out old or unused accounts. Pro tip: Jot this list down or print it out. Check off the areas where you'd like help, and mark the ones you'll handle solo. This makes conversations with family, caregivers, or tech support much easier and sets clear boundaries. And remember: you don't need to give full access to anyone. A little help is fine, but your privacy is yours to control. Once you've got your privacy partner and checklist in place, it's time to start locking things down. These basic protections stop most scams before they start, and you don't need to be a tech expert to get them working. Get more details about my best expert-reviewed Password Managers of 2025 at Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Staying safe online doesn't mean giving up control. It means using the right tools and the right people to support your privacy. A few smart steps today can protect everything you've worked so hard to build. Have you had the privacy conversation with your loved ones yet? Why or why not? Let us know by writing us at Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
WIRED
14 hours ago
- WIRED
How to Spot and Guard Against Wrong Number Scams
Jul 22, 2025 7:00 AM Ever gotten a text from a number you didn't recognize? These communications are not as innocent as they might seem. Photo-Illustration:Something you can be sure of when it comes to scams and swindles is that the methods used to try to part you from your data, your money, or both are constantly changing—which of course makes it more difficult to spot scenarios where someone is attempting to trick you. One simple scam that's continuing to get more common starts off with text from someone who has apparently messaged the wrong number. There's no mistake though: Your number is being deliberately targeted by a fraudster. A wrong number scam can lead in multiple directions. The aim might be to con you out of money or to get into some of your most important digital accounts—either belonging to you or your company. Here's how to spot these scams and how to make sure you don't get taken in. How a Wrong Number Scam Works Wrong number texts can take many forms. David Nield The US Federal Trade Commission says wrong number scams are on the rise, but they're an old trick. Quite simply, you get a text message that appears to be for someone else. They might pretend to be confirming a delivery order or asking if you are free to work a shift tomorrow. They could even be from a family member telling you about their 'new' number. Sometimes, the message is a simple 'hey' or 'hello,' while in other cases it will seem to be following up on a previous conversation—something like 'did you get the documents I sent over?' or 'are we still OK to meet up tomorrow?' The original message will be designed to seem as innocuous as possible. There are lots of variations, which makes them more difficult to spot. The manipulation doesn't really get started until you reply. That confirms to the scammer that the number is active and that there's another person on the line. If you do reply, expect further messages to follow, trying to establish some kind of relationship. The follow-up messages can take many forms, just like the original text. You'll most likely get a few questions, the answers to which will be used to try to gain your trust. The trick is sometimes called pig butchering, because the intended and unfortunate victim is being 'fattened up' and ready to be exploited. Most often, once some kind of friendship or even romantic connection has been established, you'll be asked for money. Maybe your new contact is in a bit of trouble, finance-wise, and just needs a quick loan; or maybe they've found a fantastic investment opportunity for you, though you'll need to act very quickly to take advantage of it. How to Spot and Respond to Wrong Number Scams Don't respond to messages, and block the sender. David Nield First and foremost, you need to be on the lookout for any kind of unexpected contact over a messaging app. You might think that's easy to spot, but fraudsters (and the AI they use) are very good at sounding convincing. They may even offer up photos and videos to help prove they are who they say they are. Remember that the people you're communicating with may well have done their homework on you. They may claim to be a friend of someone you actually know, or be part of an organization you used to volunteer for, in order to seem more believable. You should definitely double-check any claims like this. Ideally, don't respond at all, because this will mark you out for future scam attacks. If you feel like the message could be genuine—people do get numbers wrong, after all—run as many checks as you possibly can before replying. For example, if it's related to something happening at work, check around with your colleagues. If you are taken in by the first message, the scam should get easier to spot as the exchange progresses. The bots and the people at the other end of the conversation will try to engage you in chatting, perhaps by asking questions or maybe sharing photos and videos. Some kind of attempt to grab money or data will then follow, as the FBI warns. Whenever you realize you're being targeted by scammers, just stop replying. In the US, you can forward the messages to 7726 to report them as fraudulent. You can also block future messages from the number: In Google Messages on Android, tap the three dots (top right in the chat) then Block and report spam. In Messages on an iPhone, tap the header at the top of the chat, then Info and Block Caller.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
New Social Network Media.com to Champion Online Consumer Protection as Australian Banking Association's Annual Conference Sponsor
SYDNEY, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- the world's first and only social network built entirely on verified users and trusted content, is proud to announce its sponsorship of the Australian Banking Association's (ABA) Annual Banking Conference taking place July 23–24, 2025 at the International Convention and Exhibition Center (ICC) in Sydney. As an Event Sponsor of this important industry event, will play a visible role throughout the two-day program, where leaders from Australia's banking sector, regulators, policymakers, and technology innovators gather to address the future of banking in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. will host an interactive exhibition booth where attendees can experience live product demonstrations, learn about how protects consumers, and why is the trusted alternative for social networking. With an interest in fueling critical conversations and connections among attendees, the company is also hosting the conference coffee stand. According to the Australian government's 2024 National Anti-Scam Centre Report, 'the most reported contact method leading to financial loss was social media,' and more Australians lost money via social media in 2024 than the year prior. These social platforms - where fake identities, bots, and anonymity reign - have become the primary vehicle for scammers targeting consumers and banks alike. However, offers a credible, secure social networking experience where every user is verified before they can join the network, create content or connect with others. This simple, powerful safeguard drastically reduces the risk of scams, impersonation, and misinformation - protecting users all while stabilizing the financial ecosystem. 'Becoming a sponsor of the ABA's flagship event was a strategic priority for us given the challenges the banking industry is facing from the misuse of social networks to target consumers,' said James Mawhinney, founder and CEO. 'The ABA and its members have shown great leadership by prioritizing consumer protection, a mission that closely mirrors that of which aims to restore public trust in online information and support the banking sector's immediate need for solutions that protect consumers from harm. This is why we've integrated the same best in class user verification technology on our network that banks use worldwide to verify customers, as we know the solution begins with accountability and transparency – two of the principles embedded in DNA.' A Critical Call to Action By supporting the adoption of a verified network like banks can help shield consumers from the social media-driven scams eroding trust and impacting financial stability. Banks can: Create verified profiles on to provide a safer digital touchpoint for customers Promote to their customers as a safe and trusted alternative to traditional social networks Lead a movement toward digital accountability and trust in Australia's online banking landscape 'A stable, trusted banking environment is critical for the future of Australia,' said Mawhinney. 'We've built the infrastructure for safer online engagement—one that not only protects consumers, but also helps reduce fraud, improve trust, and ultimately protect their bottom line. This isn't about competing with social media—it's about replacing what's broken with something better.' This year's ABA conference focuses on the difficulties and opportunities ahead for financial services, including consumer protection, regulatory shifts, sustainable finance, risk management, and the sector's broader digital transformation. participation underscores its commitment to helping industries like banking embrace technologies that uphold user trust and safeguard information. Knowing how important consumer protection is, commitment to trust, transparency, and innovation aligns with the values that underpin Australia's banking sector. Launched in Beta in late 2024, is transforming social networking by verifying every user, ensuring all content is traceable to its source. This approach fosters a safer, more accountable digital space—free from fake profiles, bots, and misinformation—designed for people and businesses seeking meaningful, credible engagement online. With attendance from banking CEOs, regulators, and global thought leaders, the ABA conference offers a unique opportunity to demonstrate its impact, engage with decision-makers, and align with the collective vision for a stronger, more trusted digital future. About is a next-generation online social network designed for people who value trusted content and verified engagement. On the network, all user profiles are verified, which means every piece of content is traceable to its source, so users are accountable for their online engagement which boosts trust and credibility while reducing the risks of online harms. houses the best features of existing social networks all in one place, combining the best of each and empowering users to post, host and share their content from a trusted source. empowers users to showcase their personal or business brand using a Media Wall feature comprised of visual tiles and folders the user has control over to organize, categorize and manage their content in a highly visually impactful format. operates with a 'freemium' business model – free for individuals to join, set up a verified profile and post content through its Basic Plan. For businesses, organizations, associations and charities, offers affordable profile creation and publishing tools. By requiring identity verification, its all-in-one platform empowers users to create, host, and distribute content across text, video, audio, and more—safely and authentically. Headquartered in New York City, is currently in Beta and growing a global user base across 130+ countries. Find & Follow:Web | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube | TikTok Press Contact:For media inquiries or to book a product demo, please contact Laura Hall at Lhall@ or via WhatsApp at +1 917 544 6344 (New York, New York).This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.
