Remote access and investment scams topped the list of the most reported scams targeting Australians in 2022, with NAB warning consumers to remain vigilant over the festive period.
According to NAB data, the top five scams of 2022 (by number of reported cases) were:
- Remote access scams
- Investment scams
- Business email scams
- Romance scams
- Phone phishing scams (often using ‘spoofed’ numbers)
Visit NAB News to read NAB’s scam explainer.
NAB figures show scams reported to the bank increased by 38% year-on-year and NAB Executive Group Investigations & Fraud Chris Sheehan said with Christmas approaching, now was not the time to let your guard down.
“Heading into the holiday season, we urge all Australians to remain alert to scammers,” Mr Sheehan said.
“At this time of year many people are purchasing presents online, waiting for parcels and often sending and receiving payments as gifts, and scammers know this and can make anyone their target.
“Every day we are seeing scammers directly targeting people through texts, emails, phone calls, computer messages and other sneaky tactics.
“Scammers are sophisticated and constantly developing new ways to steal your details and hard-earned money, so while the bank is working hard to keep people safe, the best defence is being educated and alert.”
NAB monitors customer accounts 24/7, to detect and respond to suspicious indicators that may signal a customer is being scammed.
When suspicious indicators are observed, NAB’s fraud team acts quickly to try and block the transaction or the payment before it occurs and then contact the customer to try and understand what’s happened.
“Each year we invest millions of dollars into technology and expertise to prevent scams and protect our customers, and we are working with the Australian Federal Police and other partners to do more, particularly around education,” Mr Sheehan said.
“We urge Australians to never be pressured to click a link, pay immediately for something, or provide personal and banking information because once the money or your details are handed over to criminals, they usually cannot be recovered.
“If you’re unsure something is legitimate stop, think about your options and protect yourself by running extra checks on the caller or sender before you respond. Your money is safe while it is in your account.”
Educational resources are offered by NAB’s Security Hub, the ACCC and ACSC to help guide people on what to look out for and how to stay safe.
This festive season, NAB is encouraging Aussies to use what is typically a very social time to educate family and friends on scams.
Mr Sheehan offered the following steps to follow before you click a link or handover any information, in line with advice from the ACCC:
- Stop – Take your time and never be pressured to click a link, pay immediately for something, or provide personal and banking info. NAB will never ask you for your banking log-in details.
- Think – Ask yourself ‘could the message or call be fake’? If something is too good to be true it probably is. Seek advice from online trusted sources like NAB’s security hub.
- Protect – Act quickly if something feels wrong. Call your bank immediately.
-ENDS-
Stay up to date with the latest scams and fraud advice available on NAB’s security hub.
