Think you’re too tech-savvy to fall for a cyber scam? Think again. Here’s how to keep yourself safe and what to do if you’ve already been caught.
In an age where sliding into DMs is second nature and crypto is the new gold rush, scammers are getting sneakier than ever. We asked Sergeant David Mitchell from SAPOL’s Financial and Cybercrime Investigation Branch to shine a light on the dark corners of the internet – and help you avoid being the next victim.
Scams aren’t just for grandmas
Let’s get one thing straight: scams don’t discriminate. According to Sgt Mitchell, “scams affect all age groups”. Hundreds of thousands of Australians, from ages nine to 90, fall prey to scammers each year, risking not just their money but also a lot of heartache.
The takeaway? Don’t assume you’re safe just because you grew up with a smartphone in your hand. Scammers are constantly evolving, finding new ways to trick people into handing over money or personal information via cybercrime.
Here are four scams that are especially common among Gen Z and millennials, plus how to avoid them.
Sextortion scams: The dark side of the DM
One of the biggest threats to young adults is sextortion. Sgt Mitchell says it’s a massive issue among 14 to 30-year-olds, especially males, who make up 90 per cent of victims. It starts innocently – a random friend request, a few flirty messages – then quickly escalates when the scammer asks for an intimate image. They then demand money, threatening to share it with the victim’s friends and family if they don’t pay up.
This scam is so common that Sgt Mitchell’s team deals with reports daily. The trauma can be severe, often leaving victims too ashamed to talk about it. “We see a lot of emotional harm,” he says. “Even if no money is exchanged, it’s crucial to report it to the police.” For our deep dive into sextortion and what to do if it happens to you, click here.
Online shopping scams: Swipe left on social media shopping
Fashion lovers, listen up: Clicking through to buy the latest TikTok trend could lead to a scam that drains your bank account. Sgt Mitchell has three words of advice when it comes to shopping on social media: “Don’t do it”. Instead, shop directly from official websites, and double-check their URL to avoid fake “mirror websites” that look like the real thing.
Online marketplaces are also rife with scams, with scammers often using stolen images from legitimate retailers. Sgt Mitchell suggests using tools like reverse image search to verify a seller’s goods.
Rental scams: Don’t pay for a place you haven’t seen
In today’s tight rental market, desperate renters are falling prey to scams that involve fake listings on websites or social media. Scammers pose as landlords, advertising properties that either don’t exist or aren’t available. They’ll pressure you to pay a deposit upfront to ‘secure’ the rental before you’ve even had a chance to see it in person. It’s a classic bait-and-switch tactic designed to steal your money. Sgt Mitchell warns against sending money or personal information without verifying the property and the landlord first.
Scams targeting small businesses: No one’s safe
Small businesses aren’t immune to scams either. From fake invoices to phishing emails, scammers have a range of tactics to target business owners. Sgt Mitchell’s advice? Know the red flags to look out for, stay vigilant, and report any suspicious activity to your bank and SAPOL immediately.
The South Australian Government’s Cyber Uplift Step Program offers affordable cyber security education for small businesses, a small investment that could save you big time.
How to swerve the scams
So, how do you protect yourself? Here are some of Sgt Mitchell’s top tips for staying safe:
- Be “politely paranoid”: Don’t share money or personal information with people you don’t know.
- Stay sceptical of unsolicited messages: Always question the motive behind random contacts, and never click on suspicious links.
- Don’t trust caller ID or email addresses: Scammers can spoof them, so verify by calling back on an official number.
- Check the URL: Make sure the website you’re visiting is legit, especially when shopping online.
- Be wary of crypto: Requests to pay in unusual ways, like cryptocurrency, are a huge red flag.
- Never share an image or video you wouldn’t want to go public. Once it’s out there, you can’t control where it might end up.
- Stay informed: SAPOL offers a comprehensive guide to scams, warning signs and protection tips here.
- Trust your instincts: If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is.
What to do if you’ve been scammed
If you fall victim to a scam, don’t panic – help is available. Instead, act fast to contact your bank and report it to the police via ReportCyber. The sooner you alert the authorities, the better chance you have of recovering your money.
Don’t let shame or guilt stop you from seeking assistance. “It’s not your fault,” Sgt Mitchell says. “Scams can happen to anyone. There are support agencies available.”
SAPOL’s cyber unit is stepping up
The good news is SAPOL’s cybercrime unit is more equipped than ever to track down scammers and recover lost funds.
“Scammers are always looking for new ways to scam someone,” Sgt Mitchell says. “SAPOL is committed to developing innovative ways to find and stop scammers. Scammers cannot hide online and attempts to hide stolen funds in cryptocurrency do not prevent SAPOL from recovering the victim’s funds.”
He emphasises the importance of public awareness and reporting: “If everyone reports scams, we have more information to work with. It’s a collective effort”.
To report a cybercrime, visit your nearest police station or ReportCyber.
