Queenslanders urged to ‘talk scams’ with loved ones
Queenslanders have been urged to talk to their friends and family about scams this Scams Awareness Week (8-12 November), after new RACQ Bank research revealed half of those surveyed had been contacted by a scammer in the days prior.
RACQ spokesperson Kirsty Clinton said fraudsters were becoming more prevalent and sophisticated, after 64 percent of Queenslanders surveyed said they had noticed more scam activity in the past six months.
“Unfortunately, we’re hearing all too often from our members that they’re being targeted by scammers,” Ms Clinton said.
“Scams can come in many forms, with victims often contacted through emails, phone calls, text messages and social media.”
Ms Clinton said people should trust their gut and not feel pressured into giving away any personal information, no matter who the person contacting them claims to be.
“Scammers pose as legitimate organisations like banks, insurance companies, health organisations or the government to gain your trust,” she said.
“Awareness is your best defence so talk to your loved ones about the latest scams, so everyone knows what to be on the lookout for.
“Don’t click on links in unexpected messages, use strong passwords for your accounts and don’t share them, install anti-virus software on your devices and keep it up to date, and limit what personal information you share about yourself online.
“Remember your bank will never ask you for your PIN or internet banking password. They will also never ask to gain remote access to your computer or device.
“Everyone is vulnerable to scams, so if you believe you may be the victim of one, don’t hesitate to come forward and contact your bank as soon as possible. You should also report the scam to the platform you were contacted on to help prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.”
The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives, financial situations and needs.
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The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice, not intended as legal advice or professional advice and does not take into account any person’s particular circumstances. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives and needs.
Insurance products (excluding Travel Insurance) are issued by RACQ Insurance Limited ABN 50 009 704 152 (RACQ). Conditions, limits and exclusions apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and any applicable Supplementary PDS before making a purchase decision on this product. You can also access our Target Market Determinations on this website.
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RACQ Operations Pty Ltd (ABN 80 009 663 414 AR 000234978) and Members Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 45 144 538 803 AR 000432492) are acting as an Authorised Representative of the issuer of the insurance, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548). Any advice set out above is general in nature only, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before purchasing any travel products, please consider the RACQ Travel Insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Target Market Determinations (TMDs) that apply to these products. Whilst the PDS outlines the Terms and Conditions of these products, the TMDs outline the intended class of customers that comprise the target market for these travel products. This will allow you to consider which products best suit your objectives, financial situation and needs and consider the products appropriateness to your personal circumstances. TMDs also outline matters involving the distribution and the review of these products. The PDS, Supplementary PDS and TMDs for each travel product can be found here.