Australian banks are working to protect you against scams
14 February 2023
The Australian Banking Association (ABA) has issued an alert to highlight the importance of staying vigilant against romance scams.
With romance and dating scams the second most prevalent type of scam in Australia in terms of total losses, the ABA’s message supports the awareness-raising campaign launched by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Scamwatch.
“Vigilance is required at all times of the year as scammers grow increasingly persistent and sophisticated in their tactics”
ABA CEO, Anna Bligh
Scamwatch received almost 3700 reports of dating and romance scams last year, with more than $40 million lost – an eight per cent increase compared to the previous year.
People aged over 65 are particularly vulnerable to this type of scam, losing $13 million with more than 600 incidents reported.
While women are reporting the highest dollar value losses ($27m) to romance scams, men are making the higher number of reports (2012 reports), Scamwatch found.
ABA Chief Executive Officer Anna Bligh said it is important to remain vigilant against scammers in all aspects of digital life, given many romance scammers operate online.
“Vigilance is required at all times of the year as scammers grow increasingly persistent and sophisticated in their tactics,” Ms Bligh said.
“However, around Valentine’s Day particular attention is needed for would-be romance scammers who are predominantly reaching out via mobile apps, social networking and increasingly via text message.
“Always pause to question the authenticity of these messages.”
Romance scammers tend to have fake online profiles, communicate frequently, will typically avoid video chats and will work hard to gain their victim’s trust, often with gifts and emotional anecdotes and stories, the ACCC reports.
“Always pause to question the authenticity of these messages.”
ABA CEO, Anna Bligh
How to spot a romance scammer:
- Search profiles online and see if anecdotes appear from romance scam survivors.
- Check photos provided by doing a reverse image search on Google to see if the photo has been attached to other profiles.
- Compare profiles on the dating website with social media pages to identify inconsistencies.
- Analyse photos of documents provided for evidence of forgery e.g., travel bookings, airline tickets or visas.
Source: ACCC
More information:
- Report scams via on the Scamwatch report form.
- Get advice on helping a friend or family member who is a victim to a scam here.
Latest news
Transcript
Anna Bligh Interview with ABC Radio Brisbane, discussing future of cash and Digital ID
Read more
3 April 2024
Steve Austin Well as you know, the Commonwealth Government has made it clear they consider access to cash a priority for the Australian economy and the country’s largest banks, as well as Coles, Woolworths, companies like Wesfarmers and Australia Post have been trying to put together a short term lifeline for Armaguard, who’s the company… Read more »
Transcript
Anna Bligh interview on Sunrise about the future of cash
Read more
3 April 2024
Natalie Barr And to the cash emergency hitting our country. Emergency talks are being held this week, with our top banks preparing for a potential cash crash. It comes as Australia’s key money supplier Armaguard fights to stay afloat. Spearheaded by the Australian Banking Association, the banks are now pulling together a contingency plan to… Read more »
Media Releases
ABA statement on financial support for Linfox Armaguard
Read more
2 April 2024
The Australian Banking Association acknowledges Linfox Armaguard (LFA)’s statement that they won’t be taking up the offer of financial support from a collective of banks, retailers and supermarkets. We welcome Armaguard’s commitment that they will continue to operate and have secured funds from their parent company to maintain their full suite of services. Australia’s largest… Read more »