Scams and cybercrimes continue to be a problem in 2024. While many of us are enjoying the new year, scammers are busy working on new scams.
As a result, two of Australia’s main four banks, NAB and ANZ, have warned their customers about the dangers of scams and identified prevalent tactics used by scammers.
According to the National Australia Bank, the top emerging scams in 2024 include:
- QR code phishing scams: Criminals use QR codes to cover up malicious links, which is known as QR phishing. They try to convince individuals to give over their personal information or download malware.
- Remote access scams via chat: Scammers try to persuade customers to download an app or software that grants them remote access to their computer. After getting inside, they search for your financial information and other personal information.
- Ticket scams: Music, sports, and entertainment events provide great scam opportunities to scammers. According to the NAB, frauds generally began on social media, with criminals reacting to fans who posted, asking for tickets or listing fraudulent tickets themselves.
- AI voice impersonation scams: In these scams, a person will receive a call from a close one who is going through a trouble. They can say that unless the person gives money, they won’t be released since they were attacked or kidnapped.
- Term deposit investment scams: In these scams, Scammers impersonate banks or financial companies offer fixed-term deposits with appealing rates, glossy brochures, and professional follow-up.
According to the major bank, 70 per cent of scams involve impersonation, and in 2023, NAB clients reported 1,500 scam incidents on average per month.
Laura Hartley, NAB manager stated that the scamscape is constantly changing, and that the use of artificial intelligence will take scams to another level this year.
Scamwatch states that the number of individual scam reports peaks every January, and ANZ found that 57,000 reports were submitted in just January and February of 2023.
Scamwatch states that the number of individual scam reports peaks every January, and ANZ found that 57,000 reports were submitted in January and February of 2023.
According to Scamwatch, Australians aged 25 to 44 have reported the highest losses due to recruiting scams. In addition, ANZ has issued a warning against phishing attacks and recruiting scams that target job searchers at the start of the year. These scams typically involve sending out job offers by text, email, and social media that may have links that seem authentic.
In order to protect themselves, Australians need to know about these frauds.
NAB has released some measures to combat scammers. Examples include removing links from client texts and implementing payment warnings in digital banking.
So dear Aussies stay informed & stay secure with these scams in 2024.
