Leading Senior Constable Tracy Pierce informing people on the dangers of different types of scams.
Cybercrime and online theft left everyday Australian’s out of pocket to the tune of $134.47 million last year.
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From August 25 - 29 the Australian Charities and Non-for-Profits Commission held Scam Awareness Week, with this year’s theme focusing on three ways people can protect themselves from cybercrime.
More than 80 people gathered in the Endeavour Room at ClubMulwala last week, to learn about the dangers and ways to prevent potential scams.
More than 80 people attending the scam awareness night, held by Central Murray Bank and the Yarrawonga Mulwala Community Learning Centre.
The event was held by Central Murray Bank and Yarrawonga Mulwala Community and Learning Centre, with special guest speakers from Yarrawonga Police and Service Australia addressing the room.
They urged people to stop, check and protect themselves when they receive a message, email or phone call which requests their personal details or money to be handed over.
Services Australia agent Nicole Jackson said scammers will target anybody, regardless of their circumstances.
Service Australia agent Nicole Jackson told the audience about the ruthless nature of scammers.
“While a lady was in hospital undergoing cancer treatment, scammers got into her pension money,” Ms Jackson said.
“She needed that money for treatment.
“The scammers had changed her bank details, so her pension went to their account instead of hers.”
Leading Senior Constable Tracy Pierce said not to feel overwhelmed if people do fall victim to a scam.
“Scamming is their (scammers) full-time job, they’re professionals at tricking people,” she said.
“They copy real company logos and colours, create fake websites that look real, call pretending to be from your bank.
“They promise easy money or threaten bad things will happen.”
Central Murray Bank operations manager Sally Eales outlined which types of scams were commonly used.
She said scammers used social media, websites, phone calls, emails and text messages, which impersonated legitimate companies as ways of deception.
“They’ll pretend to be from places that you trust,” she said.
Central Murray Bank chief executive John Pattison said the event was important for the people of Yarrawonga and Mulwala to be aware of potential scams which could impact them.
“If it sounds too good, it’s too good to be true,” Mr Pattison said.
“If there’s anything to do with banking, talk to your banking people, it’s about protection.”
People are encouraged to contact their bank or telecommunication provider in the first instance of any suspicious activity.
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