Instead, we have seen criminals turn to online frauds and cybercrime. Such crimes can be committed from almost anywhere in the world and by just about anyone. The anonymity of the internet coupled with hacking techniques, ransomware campaigns and/or data breaches means crimes are relatively easy to commit and are notoriously difficult to investigate and prosecute successfully.
With the world’s economies struggling and more people at home and online during the coronavirus pandemic, cybercriminals and fraudsters have tailored their techniques to take advantage of the situation. There have been numerous reports of COVID-19 related scams and frauds, and we can all expect this to continue.
During these uncertain times, if you're looking for the best lawyer in Sydney CBD, NSW, Jeffrey of JCL Legal is available by mobile phone. Please call him on 0419 233 670.
What Is Cyber Or Online Fraud?
Pursuant to section 192E of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), fraud is committed when a person, by way of any deception, dishonestly obtains property belonging to another or obtains any financial advantage or causes financial disadvantage.
Some common-related offences include blackmail, embezzlement, false pretences and obtaining credit or money by deception. Common offences for Directors include omitting certain entries, destroying books, publishing false statements, cheating and defrauding.
The Australian Federal Police refer to ‘online fraud’ as any type of scheme using email, web sites, chat rooms or message boards to conduct fraudulent transactions and activity.
Common COVID-19 Scams Or Frauds
There are many types of cyber fraud. Scammers are using the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) to take advantage of people across Australia. Some examples of current COVID-19 scams:
Vaccination Scams
Scamwatch is aware of scams relating to COVID-19 vaccines both in Australia and overseas. These include:
• requesting payment for vaccines or for early access to vaccines
• offers to mail vaccines
• offers to pay money as an investment opportunity in the Pfizer vaccine
• fake surveys related to vaccines that offer prizes or early access.
Government Impersonation Scams
Scammers are pretending to be government agencies providing information on COVID-19 through text messages and emails ‘phishing’ for your information. These contain malicious links and attachments designed to steal your personal and financial information.
In the examples below the text messages appear to come from ‘GOV’ and ‘myGov’, with a malicious link to more information on COVID-19.
Applications For Financial Assistance Or Other Payments
Fake emails and application forms for financial assistance or government payments relating to the COVID 19 assistance packages are also being circulated. Such emails and forms are designed to look official and seek that you provide your financial information on the form or online.
Superannuation Scams
There has been an increase in the number of people receiving calls purportedly from a superannuation provider. The caller offers people assistance or benefits if they are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 in an attempt to gain access to personal information, financial information and superannuation funds. There have also been offers of an unnecessary service in exchange for paying a fee.
False Coronavirus Products
Some online stores are purporting to sell expensive medical face masks, hand sanitiser or fake coronavirus home tests. In some cases, the product never arrives. In others, people are delivered items that are not what they purport to be such as regular face masks instead of medical-grade ones or alcohol-free hand sanitiser.
Facebook Questionnaires
There has been an increase in the number of people being duped into posting their personal information online under the guise of Facebook statuses containing questionnaires. The answers to questions such as “What is your mother’s maiden name”, “Where did you grow up” and “What school did you go to” can reveal sensitive personal information which can be used by hackers to get access to accounts by answering your “secret questions”.
No one really cares about the “name of your first pet” and the “street where you grew up” except for people trying to get access to your Gmail account.
How Scammers Contact You
During a crisis like COVID-19, you may be isolated and using online services more than ever, so it is important to think about who might be really contacting you. They may find you by:
• calling you or coming to your door
• contacting you via social media, email or text message
• setting up websites that look real, and impersonating government, business or even your friends
• collecting information about you so that when they make contact they are more convincing.
How You Can Help Others
You can help others by talking and sharing information about scams when connecting with your friends, family and colleagues.
Ask the businesses you connect with regularly about scams they see, how they can protect you and how you can protect yourself.
If you use social media or particular applications — learn how to report scams to them and choose services that will identify and remove scammers from their platform or website.
Ask your bank or financial institution about how to protect your financial information and how they will help you if you get scammed.
Government, law enforcement, individuals and businesses all play an important role in helping to protect the community from scams.
Hire The Best Sydney Lawyer Who Cares About Your Needs
A good Sydney lawyer like JCL Legal will be able to assist you with any legal issues in an efficient manner. To better your chances of meeting your goals in a timely manner, they can handle negotiations on your behalf and if needed, represent you in court.
During these uncertain times, if you're looking for the best lawyer in Sydney CBD, NSW, Jeffrey is available by mobile phone. Please call him on 0419 233 670.
Contact JCL Legal now! We are a law firm that cares about your needs.
sources: ngm.com.au, armstronglegal.com.au, scamwatch.gov.au, turnbullhill.com.au
