Be alert as scam activity peaks during COVID-19
October is cybersecurity awareness month
Australians are being encouraged to be wary of potential scams.
New research has revealed that more than 1.2 million Australians have been scammed in the past 12 months.
According to a new study, more than 1.2 million Australians have been scammed in the last 12 months, with people under 30 being twice more likely to have been targeted during Covid-19.
One in every ten people under the age of 30 has been a victim of a scam in the last year, compared to only 6% of their older counterparts.
The analysis also indicated that scammers are increasingly targeting Australians, with investment scams increasing by 180% and remote access scams increasing by 370% since 2020.
Please be aware that there is a high level of scamming activity around COVID-19 rules and regulations and, in particular, grants and relief. These scams are increasingly sophisticated and many involve impersonation such that they may appear to come from legitimate advisors. If you’re in any doubt, contact us via phone before taking action.
Source: Westpac