The Albanese Labor Government is urging people and businesses to be vigilant to scammers.
People across Darwin and Palmerston have no doubt experienced the persistent calls, texts, and social media accounts attempting to scam them out of money.
Top tips to avoid scams:
- Don’t click on blue links in text messages or emails
- Stop – don't rush to act. Scammers will often put time limits on offers so people feel they have to act quickly or they’ll miss out.
- Think - Ask yourself could the website or sale item be fake? Search for independent reviews or contact the retailer using contact information you source independently, so you can verify the deal is real.
- Protect - Act quickly if something feels wrong. Contact your bank immediately if you think you have lost money to a scammer.
The Australian Government is doing its bit to help protect Territorians from scams by establishing a world leading National Anti-Scam Centre, funding ASICs fake investment website takedown service, and working on new initiatives with banks.
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Solomon (Darwin and Palmerston) Luke Gosling OAM:
“While the Albanese Labor Government continues to fight scams, it is important that people in Darwin and Palmerston remain vigilant to scammers.
“There has been an increase in scammers targeting Taylor Swift fans with fake ticket sales through social media.
“If there’s an offer you couldn’t have imagined in your wildest dreams or that seems suspicious it probably is – and no one wants a blank space in their bank account.
“I encourage Territorians – and all Tay Tay fans – to be the opposite of an anti-hero and not just shake it off but report any suspicious contact or activity to scamwatch.gov.au.”
