Chances are you or someone you know has been scammed. From fraudulent texts to crypto cons, this type of crime has permeated every aspect of our lives.
Financial investigator and former ASIC adviser, Niall Coburn, said scammers target individuals. He said scammers build a database of information and personal profiles.
But who’s pulling the strings, and where does the money go? The Crime Insiders podcast asked forensic financial investigator Niall Coburn:
Crime Insiders host Kathryn Fox asked, “Most people I know have received texts saying your parcels can’t be delivered to the post office. Give your address. […] What do they get out of that?”
Coburn explained that once scanners have information about you, they can find what bank you’re in, what your address is, or access your rates notices.
“Once you give them information, they can then use their tentacles to get other information about you,” Coburn said.
Coburn said while scammers target everyone, young and elderly people are particularly at risk, particularly with phone call scams.
“What you have to understand is that they are very good in the art of manipulation so they can read you… And that’s all part of the art of the scam.”
For more information on scams and how to protect yourself and your family, visit www.scamwatch.gov.au.
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