In our modern world, where communication and transactions are increasingly done online, a subtle yet pervasive issue has become a part of our daily lives.
This issue, though often unseen, affects Australians at an alarming rate, resulting in substantial financial losses. Fortunately, there’s a powerful tool we can use to combat this: open communication.
Television personality Jessica Rowe and her mother, Penelope, are spearheading a new campaign that highlights the importance of discussing this issue with family and friends.
This initiative, supported by the Commonwealth Bank (CBA), aims to remove the silence and stigma surrounding those affected and encourages Australians to share their experiences.
‘I’m thrilled to be part of a campaign that encourages these crucial conversations and empowers Aussies to protect themselves and their families.’ she said.
The statistics are concerning: more than 90 per cent of Australians acknowledge that discussing this issue raises awareness, yet only 8 per cent feel comfortable admitting to their family that they’ve been affected.
This reluctance is particularly noticeable among Generation X and Baby Boomers, with 37 per cent preferring to deal with the issue alone or not at all.
Jessica Rowe’s own encounter, where she was lured into a fraudulent interview by someone impersonating US comedian Chelsea Handler’s team, demonstrates the sophistication of these schemes.
The attempt, which aimed to hijack social media accounts, appeared convincing with professional-looking emails and graphics. Only when the communication became increasingly suspicious did Jessica realise something was amiss.
‘It all looked really legitimate: the email address they used, the artwork at the bottom of the email—all of these things,’ she said.
Her mother, Penelope, also narrowly avoided a similar situation when she received a text message from a friend’s number, requesting $500 worth of gift cards.
The message, which began with an uncharacteristically personal nickname, raised alarms due to its demanding tone and the unlikelihood of her friend making such a request.
These personal stories serve as a stark reminder that anyone can be targeted and that those behind these schemes are constantly evolving their tactics. CBA’s head of group fraud, James Roberts, emphasises that education is crucial in prevention.
‘The research shows older Australians feel particularly exposed to scams, so we hope this education campaign helps change that, and all Australians learn how to spot a scam and stay safe,’ he said.
The CBA campaign arrives at a critical time, as Australians reported losing a staggering $2.74 billion to scams in 2023, averaging $100 per person.
This figure is significantly higher than losses reported in the UK and the US, making it clear that Australians must be especially vigilant.
It’s time for a cultural shift where discussing scams is not seen as a source of embarrassment but as an act of community service and self-defence.
By bringing these conversations to the forefront, we can demystify the tactics used by scammers and create a more informed and resilient population.
‘By sharing our experiences and supporting each other, we can create a safer environment for everyone,’ Jessica said.
Let’s ask ourselves: Are we doing enough to protect each other from scams? Have you ever been targeted, and if so, have you shared your story?
It’s not just about recovering from a scam; it’s about preventing the next one. Your experience could be the warning that saves someone else from financial and emotional distress.
Also read: Don’t let scammers turn your Easter getaway into a costly mistake
