Can you pick the Black Friday scam text message??
The Australian Federal Police has released two text messages - one from a legitimate retailer and one that is AI-generated - to warn Black Friday shoppers how hard it can be to detect scams.
The one on the right is from a genuine seller.
The one on the left is an AI-generated image of the kind used by Black Friday scammers.
Cyber criminals often use phishing scams as a method to deceive victims into providing personal information through fraudulent emails or text messages.
The emails contain malicious links which enable the scammers to gain access to a victim's computer.
If a person clicks on the link, criminals attempt to steal online banking passwords, and credit card details which may result in the loss of money and identity theft.
Scamwatch data shows more than 114,000 phishing reports were made in Australia in the 2023-24 financial year, which resulted in more than $18 million of recorded thefts.
AFP Cyber Operations Acting Commander, Dean Chidgey said cybercriminals were looking to target shoppers during the Black Friday and Christmas rush.
"With the rising cost of living and Christmas fast approaching, many Australians are looking to pick up a bargain this Black Friday or Cyber Monday and unfortunately cybercriminals will be looking to target unsuspecting customers shopping online," Chidgey said.
"We're calling on Australians to 'think before they click' this shopping season. We know that online shoppers will be bombarded with promotional text messages and emails designed to create a sense of urgency – this is why it's important to tread with caution. You may think you are clicking on a good deal, but it may actually be a phishing scam instead.
June 28
Telstra have revealed the latest trick in the scammer's playbook - using AI to mimic dinky-di Aussie lingo. Or, at least, try to.
"While we use AI to help protect our network and our customers, scammers also like to use generative AI tools to produce highly personalised messages," Telstra said, providing a screenshot of an example they had spotted (pictured).
Telstra also reported scam messages were most likely to be sent on Friday and Saturday - though every day of the week was a possibility.
Telstra customers can report a scam to the telco by forwarding the offending message to "7226", or by using the "report junk" feature on an Apple device.
People can also report scams to the ACCC's Scamwatch online.
Telstra is warning customers about a scam text message claiming their Telstra points are about to expire.
The company said the first indication the text is not legitimate is the incorrect spelling of Telstra.
"The wording a scammer uses might change from one text to another, which is why we all need to remain vigilant," the company said.
"Unfortunately, Telstra – like other well-known brands - are often impersonated in this way."
Victoria Police is warning customers to be aware of fake emails claiming to be from Australia Post.
This email might look real, but Australia Post will never call, text or email asking for personal or financial information, including passwords, credit card details or account information, or to request a payment.
Scamwatch has issued a warning about false "PayID" emails targeting Australians.
"If you receive an email from PayID it's a scam," they said on X.
As Scamwatch pointed out, PayID is managed through banks, and does not contact users directly.
Anybody who receives one of these emails is being urged to delete it.
Australians are warned to keep an eye out for maybe the most tempting scam to hit inboxes yet.
The National Anti Scam Centre said on X that people were receiving emails purporting to be from Bunnings and offering a $500 gift card.
But, NASC warned, "this is a scam".
People are urged to not click on the link and to report the phishing email to Scamwatch.
The HSBC Australia Bank has warned scammers are targeting its customers through a series of scam calls and texts.
The calls and text are sent from a number that claims to be HSBC and appear valid, but ultimately scam customers into sharing their banking information over the phone.
The scam texts and calls claim hackers are attempting to gain access to a customer's account, and asks victims to call a number.
The bank has warned customers that the number is a fake one used by scammers in an attempt to access account details.
The scammers then ask for a username, personal details and bank codes in order to gain access to a victim's account.
The bank has urged its customers to never provide online banking passwords, one-time security codes, pine or token to anyone over the phone.
CBA warns of new 'security alert' scam
The Commonwealth Bank is urging customers to be on the lookout for new scam texts circulating in 2024.
The latest con involves scammers posing as Commbank to issue a fake "security alert".
The text message includes a link which asks customers to secure their account.
Commonwealth Bank has urged customers not to click the link and to delete the message immediately.
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