Alert: Fake product emails scam

Friday, 19 April 2024 11:44

Alert: Fake product emails scam Featured

By Gordon Peters

Consumers have been warned about a new scam involving emails advertising fake products, with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) issuing a national alert.

“Have you received an email trying to sell you a fantastic deal on a product? Be careful – it could be a scam,” the ACMA says.

“Emails advertising fake products are a common type of scam designed to tempt the reader by offering products that are too good or too cheap to be true.

“These scams will often impersonate known brands and products,” ACMA cautions, adding that “the scammers are trying to deceive you into handing over money or your financial details.”

On what to look out for, ACMA notes that signs that an email may be a fake product scam include:
A sense of urgency – they may tell you that time is running out, offer you a massive discount, or claim it is your last chance to buy.
An unusual-looking email address – these often start with random letters, include misspellings, or have a domain name that is not related to the product in the email.
An incorrect website address – the website linked in the email will usually have a different address to the real brand’s website, although they may look similar.

And if you want to know how to protect yourself, ACMA advises:

If you are unsure if a message is genuine – stop and think. Don’t rush to act.
Never click on any links or provide any personal or financial details if the sender is unknown or suspicious. If you need to check a message is genuine, contact the business using details you confirm yourself – for example, via an official website, bill or app.
Scammers target everyone. Talk with your friends and family – especially if they are in potentially vulnerable circumstances – about how to identify scams. Learn more about how to protect yourself from phone scams on the ACMA website.
If you think you’ve been scammed, contact your financial institution immediately to stop any payments and make a report to Scamwatch.The Scamwatch website also has helpful information about other steps you can take.

ACMA says IDCARE can help if your identity has been compromised or stolen - call 1800 595 160 or visit www.idcare.org.

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