3d (edited) • Online Safety Matters!
Safety Message - Telephone and Online SCAMS
March 3, 2022| Online Safety
Protect Yourself from Scams: A Real-Life Lesson
Recently, I got a random call from a salesperson trying to sell me a business card-sized ad in a magazine supporting our emergency services. He claimed my $345 ad (discounted from $440) would greatly benefit the service.
Despite never hearing of the publication, I found myself almost convinced, especially when he began sending emails and directing me to websites to validate his claims.
He asked me to reply with "I agree" to an email, and I did. But what really raised red flags was when he said a representative would call in 30 minutes to arrange payment.
I quickly Googled and discovered it was likely a magazine advertisement scam, where businesses get billed for ads they never receive or in publications with a very limited circulation, contrary to the 14,000 copies he claimed.
I immediately replied to the email, attaching an article I found online about such scams, and cancelled the agreement.
Later, I got an email from someone else at the organization insisting they weren’t a scam and had been supporting emergency services for 21 years. Despite their assurances, I remained cautious.
This week, another unsolicited call came, asking if their email satisfied my concerns. When I declined to proceed, the caller became aggressive, threatening a 50% cancellation fee.
Now, I might be dealing with collection agencies over a bogus invoice.
How to Protect Yourself from Scams:
Research Before You Agree:
If you get an unexpected call or email, take time to research the company. Use independent sources to verify their legitimacy.
Check Credentials:
Verify charities or organizations using their ABN (Australian Business Number) or equivalent. For investments, consult your state securities regulator. Check commercial products with your state ACCC.
Hang Up on Suspicious Calls:
If you receive calls claiming to be from government bodies or involving emergency services, hang up and contact the organization directly using verified contact information.
Avoid Relying on Provided Information:
Don’t trust phone numbers or emails given by the caller. Use independent searches or sites like reverseaustralia.com to verify.
Never Wire Money or Share Personal Info:
Don’t send money via wire transfer to unknown parties. Never share personal, credit card, or online account details unless you initiated the contact and verified the source.
Beware of Upfront Payments:
Legitimate offers don’t require upfront fees for free products or services.
Resist High-Pressure Tactics:
If a caller pressures you to act quickly or uses scare tactics, hang up. Legitimate businesses don’t operate this way.
Report Scams:
Stop Telemarketing Scams:
Register your number with the national “Do Not Call” registry at donotcall.gov.au to reduce unsolicited calls.
Act Fast if Scammed:
If you think you’ve been scammed, contact your bank, utility providers, credit card companies, and other relevant businesses immediately.
By staying vigilant and informed, you can protect yourself from telemarketing scams and ensure your hard-earned money stays safe.
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Safety Message - Telephone and Online SCAMS
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