6 common scams to watch out for

1. QR code scams

The resurgence of QR codes during the pandemic has made it easy to place orders or visit websites with a simple scan. But scammers are taking advantage of our willingness to scan a QR code by hijacking trustworthy codes and directing you to a fraudulent site designed to get you to input payment information.

Scammers will print out stickers of their fraudulent QR code and overlay them on top of existing codes in public places. This includes cafés, car parks and entertainment venues – essentially, places you’d expect to scan a QR code and enter payment information.

These QR codes look worryingly legitimate, making this an easy scam to fall for. To stay safe, think before you scan. Check whether the code has been tampered with, or whether anything feels off about the placement.

2. AI-powered scams

Artificial intelligence (AI) is now being used to generate more content than ever. But this lends itself to dangerous scams. AI-generated images allow scammers to do things like:

• advertise products that don’t exist
• impersonate celebrities or public figures with ‘deep fake’ video footage
• create fake identities on dating sites with generative images and text
• impersonate company bosses or generate fake video/phone calls.

Plus, generative AI enables scammers to produce professional and legitimate-sounding communications, making it harder to spot scams that may otherwise have had spelling errors.

3. Ticket scams

The return of live events along with global megastars hitting Australian shores has created a prime environment for scammers to strike. Some popular events attract huge demand for tickets, leaving wannabe concert-goers vulnerable to bogus ticket sales.

Scammers target ticker buyers in a few different ways:

• setting up fake websites and selling tickets that don’t exist
• selling bogus “VIP” packages to charge inflated prices for general admission tickets
• impersonating friends and family on social media to sell fake tickets.

Be extremely cautious when buying tickets from anywhere other than the official ticket retailer, and remember – if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

4. Business email compromise scams

Businesses and their staff and customers are now common targets for scam activity. Scammers will hack company email servers to send seemingly legitimate emails to try to capture fraudulent payments or personal information.

Scammers may replicate a similar email address that looks almost identical, or manage to send an email from a genuine email address. These emails contain things like invoices with fraudulent payment information, instructions to transfer funds or buy gift cards, or unusual requests to provide company information.

For example, a conveyancing firm may be hacked by scammers who send emails to customers requesting payments of fees or deposits into fraudulent accounts. These emails look completely legitimate, making it difficult to spot.

Handle all communications to do with money with extreme caution. Don’t act until you’re certain the request is legitimate.

5. Phishing scams

Scammers continue to conduct phishing activity by sending urgent alerts pretending to be a bank, government or service provider notifying you of immediate action required on your account. These messages often come from seemingly legitimate numbers or email addresses, too, and may even appear in threads from genuine messages from that provider. Never click links in messages or emails. It’s always best to contact the provider manually using a public telephone number on their website to verify that it's legitimate.

6. Social media investment scams

Social media has become a popular area for scammers. By impersonating public figures, particularly in the business and finance space, scammers capitalise on the trust people have built with their audience and convince them to transfer money to an investment scheme.

Beware of messages you receive from people out of the blue. Often fraudsters will strike up a conversation with you before asking if you’re interested in trading online and making money. Don’t give out any personal information or enrol in any investment platforms that you’re invited to via direct messages on social media.

As scam activity gets more advanced, it’s important to remain extra vigilant online. Read our top 10 tips for protecting yourself from scams.

To stay safe, remember to Stop, Think and Protect

• Stop - before you make a quick decision, stop. Could this be a scam? Scammers benefit from rushed decision making.
• Think - what are the red flags here? Why have I been contacted? How can I verify this is legitimate?
• Protect - act quickly if something feels wrong. Contact your bank for support if you’re transferred funds. Report the scam to Scamwatch.

If you notice unusual activity or if a scammer gets your money or information, visit www.bendigobank.com.au/security to report it and get support. If you think you have transferred money to a scammer, call us immediately on 1300 236 344.

If you have provided personal information, particularly photo identity documents like passports and driver’s licences, contact IDCARE to take steps to protect your identity.