Beware of fake puppies and other holiday scams
Fraudsters are hard at work trying to con you over Christmas, says the Assistant Treasurer.
Fake online puppy breeders and bogus unwanted presents are two ways that scammers will try to catch you out this Christmas, warns Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones.
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Sham messages from family members requiring funds, fake websites and delivery links were other methods that swindlers would use to capitalise on holiday goodwill, he said.
“Christmas holidays are a time for celebration and relaxation,” said Mr Jones. “But it’s also a time that scammers and fraudsters use to target unsuspecting consumers.”
“That’s why the Albanese government is urging Australians to be on guard against scams as they head into the summer break.”
Mr Jones warned that in the rush to purchase gifts, consumers — especially the elderly and other vulnerable groups — had been caught out.
The top five scams Mr Jones warned consumers to be aware of this Christmas:
Online shopping scams
Over the Christmas period Mr Jones said fake websites posing as online retailers pop up in an attempt to trap those looking to make holiday purchases.
He said consumers should only shop with trusted websites and always pay through secure means such as PayPal.
Delivery/parcel scams
These scams send a link to the victim telling them that they have received a package and that to collect it they need to click the link sent to them which subsequently allows scammers to hack the consumer's phone.
Mr Jones said these scams are most common in the lead-up to Christmas with the increase in online shopping. He warned consumers to never click on a suspicious link received through text or email.
Unwanted present scams
Unwanted present-for-sale ads are placed on classified websites across the Christmas period by scammers. Mr Jones warned consumers to use caution and to only buy from reputable online auction sites.
‘Hi Mum’ scams
These involve scammers impersonating a family member claiming to have lost their phone. The scammer then asks the victim to transfer funds into an account to help them out of their predicament.
Mr Jones said an easy way to combat the scam was by speaking to the ‘family member’ before transferring any funds.
Puppy scams
Puppies are a common Christmas gift, but many scammers take advantage by impersonating an online puppy breeder and the dog does not exist.
Mr Jones said consumers should consider adopting a dog from the RSPCA or buy one only from reputed breeders.
“Simple safety techniques like never giving personal details over the phone, and avoiding clicking on suspicious links in text messages or emails, can help keep us all safe,” he said.
