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Look Out for Scams!
Learn how to identify and avoid common scams.
Scams are running rampant and you only need to fall for one to get hit with the devastating consequences.
Scams come in many different forms but some general advice for identifying and avoiding scams is:
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Never give out personal information online.
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Ensure emails messages are from proper, verified accounts by looking at the domain closely.
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Be extra weary if you are contacted from an unusual platform such as WhatsApp.
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If you get a call from someone claiming to represent a company, ask them for their details, hang up and verify the details online before contacting them again.
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Always check ScamWatch whenever you receive unprompted communication.
At Jacaranda, our staff have noticed a certain type of scam gaining prevalence among older, especially aboriginal, people. These are romance scams. In a romance scam the scammer makes you feel as if you are in a relationship with them before extracting either money or sensitive information from you. These scams usually occur online over text chats and often come from outside the country from places such as the Philippines and India. The scammers may even use manipulation tactics such as sending you small gifts all to build your trust in them.
To avoid this type of scam you should:
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Never give money or personal information to someone you have only met online.
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Be cautious of sharing intimate material online as scammers are known to blackmail.
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Be wary if someone seems eager to communicate outside the dating website after only a few exchanges.
It should be noted that if you are receiving centre link payments and send the received money to people overseas this can constitute fraud.
For more information about scams check out the ScamWatch website where you can learn how to identify scams or limit the damage if you do fall for one.
Date Published: 1/05/2025
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