Scams and fraud are major issues in Georges River affecting residents, business owners and employees.
It is important that you remain vigilant while online to ensure that you do not become another statistic. Cybercrime can be summarised into three different categories:
- Monetary benefit (financial loss).
- Information (identity theft).
- Acknowledgement (showcase themselves).
Some examples of cyber-attacks include denial of service attack (DOS), hacking, malware, phishing, spoofing, ransomware and spamming. The attacks are all executed in different ways and can result in losses.
Common Types of Scams
A few of the most common types of scams include:
- Threat and Penalty – threats to frighten you into handing over your money.
- Unexpected Money or Prizes – trick you into giving money or details to receive a prize.
- Online Shopping - fake websites that look real with prices too good to be true.
- Investment – fake investment opportunities or promises of risk-free investment.
- Dating and Romance – fake profiles on legitimate dating websites and apps.
How to reduce your chances of being a victim?
To reduce the chances of becoming the next victim follow these steps to increase your online security:
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Use strong passwords
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Avoid using the same passwords across different accounts, always use a strong password using a combination of letters, numbers and special characters. Avoid writing them down or storing them in a place that could be access by someone other than yourself.
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Secure your computer, laptops and smart phones
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Remember all your devices need to be secure. This includes installing and maintaining reputable anti-virus, anti-malware and anti-spyware software on your devices as well as firewall protection where possible.
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Protect sensitive data
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Ensure you encrypt, and password protect sensitive data that contain financial or personal details, ensure important and sensitive files are backed-up on regular intervals and store these files in a different location.
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Secure your social media accounts
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Make sure you monitor and regularly update account settings on your social media accounts to ensure that your accounts are set to private and you do not publish you’re your mobile or email details publicly. Be cautious on the information you publish online to assist in keeping your accounts secure.
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Complete regular system updates
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When updates are available, instal them. Often these updates are deployed to resolve known bugs or gaps in software that can be used to compromise a system, where possible utilise automatic updates.
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Secure your Wi-fi network
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An open network could allow a possible hacker to launch an attack. Ensure you protect your wi-fi network with a strong password. Also be cautious of free wi-fi networks, avoid accessing confidential or financial transactions when accessing an unknown wi-fi network.
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The Little Black Book of Scams can also help you recognise common scams and warning signs, and learn how to protect yourself. It is also translated into the following languages:
Watch the 2022 Scam Awareness Week 2022 video on more ways to identify scams.
Reporting
To report a scam or any fraudulent activities please contact the Police. You can also report incidents to:
- Scamwatch run by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission for scams that are overseas or interstate
- Service NSW, if the scam originates in NSW and you know the name of the business or trader
- ACSC, the Australian Cyber Security Centre if you are the victim of identify theft or cybercrime
- Services Australia for scams and ID theft linked to myGov accounts
- Australian Tax Office, to verify or report a scam
Georges River Council works closely with NSW Police to deliver a safety and scams awareness talks year round. If you are interested in attending a workshop to learn more about scams and fraud please contact us.
Further information
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