There are quite a few scams circulating at present that you should be aware of.
Whitehorse survey scam
Whitehorse Council has advised us that scammers have been calling residents claiming they were doing a five question survey on behalf of the Whitehorse Council. The questions they have asked include “How much do you earn”, “Do you live on your own”, etc.
Whitehorse Council may survey residents but they never ask about financial status, earnings, if they live alone, or for banking or financial details over the phone.
If you receive a survey call asking for personal details, do not give out any information like this, hang up and report to Whitehorse Council.
Let your friends and neighbours know too!
Other current scams
(from Scamwatch – a publication of the ACCC)
Missed delivery, missed call or voicemail scams – Since August 2021, many Australians have been getting scam text messages about tracking a delivery, missed calls or voicemails, along with a link to download some software. If you receive one of these messages, do not click or tap on the link – the software is likely to include the Flubot malware. Delete the message immediately.
Phone-based scams – Scammers are pretending to be from companies such as Amazon or eBay and claiming large purchases have been made on the victim’s credit card. When they pretend to help you process a refund, they actually gain remote access to your computer and steal your personal and banking details. If you think you’ve been caught, contact the organisation directly using details you find in an independent search, not the details provided. Contact your bank if you think your banking details have been stolen. Report the scam to Scamwatch and check their list of where to get help .
Learn more to keep yourself safe
Be Connected is a website run by the eSafety Commissioner providing free learning materials designed for the older population.
Be Connected offers:
- conveniently sized learning modules on a multitude of topics including Avoiding scams and tricks,
- free online presentations. The next 1-hour webinar is on 9 November 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Go to https://beconnected.esafety.gov.au/bookings?ref=homepage-carousel#spot-a-scam to register.
U3A Nunawading is also offering a session “How to spot a scam” on Tuesday 9 November 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, in person at the Hub. Enrol on the member enrolment system (UMAS).