Impersonation scams
Impersonation scams
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Impersonation scams are designed to look like they have come from a legitimate organisation or a person whom you know. Most impersonation scams try to get you to send money by using a sense of urgency, though some also want to get your personal information including passwords and banking details.
In this activity, you’ll learn how impersonation scams work, the range of methods scammers use, and how you can avoid falling victim.
Start activitySpoofing
Spoofing is a technical term that means using technology to make a call or message appear to be coming from a trusted source. For example, you might receive an email that looks exactly like the ones your bank usually sends you, but in fact it has come from a scammer.
How to spot a spoofed message
Spoofed messages and calls can be hard to spot at first, but they almost always ask for personal information such as passwords or banking details.
If you are aware of the most common kinds of impersonation scams, and remain scam savvy, you should soon be able to spot a spoofed message or call and avoid the scam.
Bank impersonation scams
One common impersonation scam is when you receive a call or text message that appears to be from your bank, informing you of a suspicious transaction. The scam might ask you to confirm personal details, or even insist that you quickly transfer funds to a temporary account to protect your money. This account is owned by the scammers, and any money you transfer will disappear immediately.
How to spot a bank impersonation scam
Some bank impersonation scam text messages and emails will include a link, that will take you to a fake website designed to look like your bank. On this fake site, any account number or password you type will be seen by the scammers.
It's not uncommon to get a banking scam message from a bank you do not have an account with, but the scammer hopes you will just send money or personal details anyway.
eSafety tip
Your bank will never ask you to confirm account details via email, or to transfer funds to an account that isn’t in your name. Also, banks will not call you and ask you to confirm your password or PIN.
If you keep this in mind, most bank impersonation scams should be easy to spot and avoid.
Tech support scams
You may receive a call from an internet service provider or computer company, saying that a problem has been detected on your computer, or that your internet is about to be disconnected. To fix the problem, the scammer guides you to download an app that gives them remote access to your computer.
Legitimate companies won’t call you about an issue with your connection or device, or ask you to download apps or other software. You can safely avoid this scam by hanging up on the caller.
Account suspension scams
You may receive an email or text message from a company you know, such as Amazon, PayPal, or Netflix, warning you that because of suspicious activity, your account will be suspended unless you make a payment immediately.
If you think this could be a legitimate request, it’s safer to contact the company yourself to check, otherwise you may end up sending money to a scammer.
eSafety tip
Keep in mind that the scammer doesn’t know if you really have an Amazon or Netflix account. If you receive an email or text like this, and don’t have a relationship with that company, you can just ignore it.
Unsuccessful delivery attempt scams
You will receive an email or text message that claims to be from Australia Post or a courier company, saying that there’s a problem or delay with your delivery. It might ask you to pay a shipping cost or update your details on a website.
If you aren’t expecting a delivery, you can just ignore this. If you think the message could be legitimate, check using the company’s tracking app or online service. You can also call the company and ask.
Toll road scams
You might get a text or email that claims to be from a toll road operator, saying your toll payment is overdue. The message will include a link to a fake website that may steal your personal information.
If you get a message like this, you can visit the toll operator’s official website and put in your licence plate number or your toll account number if you know it. The site will show any legitimate toll payments that are owing.
Fake website scams
You might see an ad on Facebook or Instagram for a heavily discounted brand item that you want (for example, a $2000 TV for just $500). The ad will direct you to a fake website that asks for payment details like a regular e-store, but if you provide these, the scammer will just take your money and not send you the product.
How to spot fake website scams
Fake website scams can be hard to spot because legitimate companies also advertise discounts on social media. But if the deal seems too good to be true, you should be suspicious. The e-store website might also ask for odd payment methods, or try to get you to do a bank transfer rather than use a credit card. This is usually a good sign that the deal is really a scam.
Why it’s important to be scam savvy
There are many kinds of impersonation scam, and scammers use every trick to make themselves look legitimate. Keep in mind that impersonation scams cannot harm your computer or device or access your personal information if you simply ignore them.
If you receive something that is obviously a scam, don’t panic! These scammers cannot hack your device or steal your money just by sending a spoofed email or text.
Well done!
You’ve now completed the Impersonation scams activity and learnt what an impersonation scam is. You should also know about the different forms it can take, and that the safest way to avoid such a scam is to ignore it.
Next up, we look at Unexpected money scams and how they try to trick you into paying money.
