NSW Fair Trading Deputy Commissioner Steve Griffin today warned consumers that the type and number of scams designed to trick people into giving away their money and personal details are on the increase.

Mr Griffin’s warning comes at the commencement of National Fraud Week (7 -13 March), with this year’s theme on the personal side and impact of scams.

“Every year, 1 in 20 Australians fall victim to scams, either in person, by phone, by mail or online,” Mr Griffin said.

“Scammers stop at nothing to target victims, including adopting a personal touch.

“Increasingly, scammers are finding ways to get information about your personal profile and use this to play on your relationships with people and organisations you know and trust.”

Mr Griffin said one scam last year involved emails being sent to people in Sydney supposedly from a friend travelling overseas asking for money to be sent to them urgently to get them out of trouble.

“At least five friends sent money, one of whom sent $2,000.

“Fortunately, that person was able to stop the transaction after realising she had been scammed,” Mr Griffin said.

The past 20 years has seen the emergence of a new type of criminal who uses the internet to steal money and people’s identities.

Online scammers often target their victims via phishing emails, which are designed to con consumers into divulging their personal details.

Fair Trading received reports earlier this year of scammers contacting flood victims offering to help them process government relief payments if they provided their bank details.

Mr Griffin said the important message was – don’t let scammers into your life – protect your money and your identity.

To find out more about scams, including personalised scams and how to protect yourself, visit SCAMwatch, the Australian Government’s website.

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