Computer scamming is the new black for fraudsters and a local man has been stung for a huge amount of money in an investment scam.
A month ago the victim was on his computer when a ‘pop-up’ ad appeared. The Northern Rivers man was offered a huge financial return for a small investment. The victim paid a small amount and the scammers kept asking for more and more money, which he paid. This included four payments of $20,000.
The company he paid to was taurenfx.vip. It’s no surprise that the website was used for the scam has been taken down and they are not answering their phones. There is no prospect of recovering the money.
Richmond Police District Senior Constable, David Henderson says the public need to be very very cautious with people offering investment opportunities where they offer huge returns for little or now outlay.
‘Always research any company you are interested in investing in and always seek independent financial advice before sending any money.’
Henderson is also asking that the public share this post with elderly relatives, friends and neighbours, a group who are particularly susceptible to phone and online fraud.
If you are part of a social group that has regular meetings Senior Constable Henderson says he is happy to come along and speak to you about fraud prevention. Email [email protected].
And a new phone-based scam appeared this week:
The caller (with a refined Australian accent) claims to that one’s landline / ADSL service will be disconnected within 24 hours because the NBN is now available. “Press 1 now!”
I know, from monthly checking, that there’s no likelihood of NBN (National Ballsup Non-network) in my area before 2020, so I didn’t press 1, then told the caller she was full of shit and hung up. Further, in rural regions, landlines will, by law, be retained if the only other option is fixed wireless for NBN.
A friend from back of Kyogle, where there’ll only ever be NBN satellite “service”, received the same call on the same day – and he doesn’t even have or use the internet.
Hint for the unwary: No matter what a suspect caller asks or says, NEVER say Yes in answer to any question. They can record that Yes and use it to fraudulently sign you up to something that costs money.
Also be aware of an ATO scam where a computerised message tells you that you have been anonymously reported for income tax fraud and that if you do not contact the ATO in 24 hours you will be arrested. You are then offered the chance to speak to a rep immediately by dialing ‘1.’ The recorded message while waiting for someone to answer is very American. When a ‘rep’ answered (she had an Irish accent) she asked to confirm my name (but fortunately no other details were taken) and upon giving my name the line was cut off.
After speaking with the actual ATO (all recorded messages/ instruction in an Australian accent), I was told that they will never threaten arrest and will never initiate a call with a computerised message.
Everyone, If you have a landline get an answer phone. Once they hear a message they hang up, or, if they do leave a message you can simply delete it.
OR if you have a ‘walkabout landline phone always check the number on the screen. If it sass’unlisted’ or you don’t recognise the number (sometimes with an 03 code) don’t answer.
And Gordon is right. Never say Yes !
I have had that call claiming to be from NBN and threatining to cut off my phoneline within 24 hrs several times!! They want you to log into your computer while they are on the phone…never do that as they will then hack into it! I even told them the AFP was on the other line wanting to speak to them. They just laughed. And they kept calling…they are the worst kind of fraudsters!
There are scam emails from ATO and iinet service provider ‘regarding an unpaid bill’ ..all fake! Other suspicious emails have links in them…never click on any of the links…just delete. BEWARE!!