Scams like these

Bundy Bear said:
I seem to get one every night

View attachment 367712
Click to expand...
Below is a link on the Smishing in USA that indicates on average about 1.5 smishing (SMS) per day....

techreport.com

60+ Smishing Statistics in 2024 (SMS Phishing Attacks)

Explore the latest smishing statistics of 2023, revealing the alarming rise in SMS phishing attacks. Stay informed to protect yourself.
techreport.com techreport.com

It seems that there is no recent info or report on Australian smishing, but only Government report on the Cyber Attacks.

ASD Cyber Threat Report 2022-2023 | Cyber.gov.au

www.cyber.gov.au www.cyber.gov.au

The AU data for year 2022 indicate that 13.2 million Australians was exposed to scams.

www.abs.gov.au

13.2 million Australians exposed to scams

www.abs.gov.au www.abs.gov.au
 
I would say, smishing/sms scamming, is very prevalent now.
Just how many people between midnight and dawn, get the fake linkt and fake Auspost misdelivery sms.
Must be lots, would be thousands, all up, if I get say 1/2 every am, and everyone on here gets 1/2 every am, multiply that by the numbers on here, and the numbers of Aussies with mobiles, it must be a lot.
Am sure there are systems to shut these people down, but must be too hard and complicated.
Maybe the Optus and Medibank phone numbers that were released on the dark web, have been bought and are now being used to send smishings to.
I was a Medibank customer for a long time, as well as Optus.
---
Soon, my phone will silent alarm me that my "fake" car and fake linkt reader invoice needs to be paid.
 
prozac said:
Was listening to a security fella on the TV today describing the latest "Mum, I've lost my phone" scam. The scammers are using AI to replicate your family member's voice to leave a message. They only need a few seconds of a voice online to replicate a good impersonation. Watch this space.
Click to expand...
Yes this one has a high hit or success rate tugging on heart (purse) strings
 
Collaboration of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance has identified Russian citizen Aleksandr Ermakov as being instrumental in the Medicare hack in 2022. Financial sanctions and a travel ban have been imposed on him, not that I think it will cramp his style much.

A photo in-case you bump into him and want to punch him in the nose. ;)
Cyber-criminal Aleksandr Ermakov had been linked to the attack. Picture: DFAT

Cyber-criminal Aleksandr Ermakov had been linked to the attack. Picture: DFAT
 
Last edited:
If that fellow lives in Aust, the Aust govt could do something, but I don't think he lives in Aust, so what Senator Wong has done, like the ACCC's anti scam centre, is a sort of a toothless tiger procedure.
There was also someone on one of the news channels, saying that AI has helped scammers a lot.
And even in Windows11, if you have that on your laptop, its smart enough to answer questions, very realistically.
Even mobile phones also have it.
Anyone with Alexa will know too, how daring the developers were.
Card fraud is quite easy for scammers, we all know that cards are 16 digits, and what 4 and 5 starts, AMEX has 15 digits, and starts with a 3, and most cards have a life of 2/3 years, and CVC/CVV is 3 digits, except AMEX has 4.
They just have to use computer systems to match, once they ping, thats it for the poor card holder.
Banks too more and more, now have closed their branches, and even if a person with a fraud problem goes to their bank and branch, the branch staff will have to call up their fraud section.
Its all phone related now, and scammers know it, so they use the phone to call "clients" up.
Its a vicious world, cash was best, but govts don't want this.
They prefer a digital world, which scammers also love.
Aust is also getting rid of cheques, pay id, hah, isn't that also helping scammers even more.
Cheques were also easy to scam with.
Cash, ah, cash, how I miss it.
Sorry for the dirge.
 
Check out the latest credit card signup bonus point offers
Read our AFF credit card guides and start earning more points now.

AFF Supporters can remove this and all advertisements

AustraliaPoochie said:
If that fellow lives in Aust, the Aust govt could do something, but I don't think he lives in Aust, so what Senator Wong has done, like the ACCC's anti scam centre, is a sort of a toothless tiger procedure.
There was also someone on one of the news channels, saying that AI has helped scammers a lot.
And even in Windows11, if you have that on your laptop, its smart enough to answer questions, very realistically.
Even mobile phones also have it.
Anyone with Alexa will know too, how daring the developers were.
Card fraud is quite easy for scammers, we all know that cards are 16 digits, and what 4 and 5 starts, AMEX has 15 digits, and starts with a 3, and most cards have a life of 2/3 years, and CVC/CVV is 3 digits, except AMEX has 4.
They just have to use computer systems to match, once they ping, thats it for the poor card holder.
Banks too more and more, now have closed their branches, and even if a person with a fraud problem goes to their bank and branch, the branch staff will have to call up their fraud section.
Its all phone related now, and scammers know it, so they use the phone to call "clients" up.
Its a vicious world, cash was best, but govts don't want this.
They prefer a digital world, which scammers also love.
Aust is also getting rid of cheques, pay id, hah, isn't that also helping scammers even more.
Cheques were also easy to scam with.
Cash, ah, cash, how I miss it.
Sorry for the dirge.
Click to expand...
We all wish that Australian Gov will introduce a fight back on cyber crime and also some obligatory responsibility to filter smishing for Telcos.

It seems that Europe is starting their fightback in this matter.
They created the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT) is an integrated approach against organised and serious international crime in the EU.

And it seems that in EU countries by 2025 smishing might be filtered out...👍

 
I love the specifics on the parcel down to the colour. I've sent all my details and can't wait for my card haha! But a bit annoyed I can only get $10k out at a time? Very inconvenient.

International Monetary Fund (IMF)
From the desk of:Dr. Kristalina Georgieva.
Managing Director International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Attn: Your payment Update!!!

Dear Beneficiary,

I decided to contact you via my private email for confidence.
We hereby notify you about the present arrangement to pay you your over due funds which you could not complete the process of the release of your transfer Pin Code through the Digitized Payment System. We have decided to pay your funds through ATM Master Express Credit Card. This process was initiated/constituted by the World Bank, United Nation and International Monetary Fund (IMF), due to fraudulent activities going on globally.

The World Bank, United Nations and International Monetary Fund (IMF) introduced the payment process to enable all approved beneficiaries to receive their funds without any interference, and the ATM Master Express Credit Card was contracted and powered by GOLD CARD WORLD WIDE. Special program (Modus operandi) for beneficiaries (Residence) in the United States of America. Though, beneficiaries from outside United States of America with required criteria could be considered.

The ATM MASTER EXPRESS CARD is credited with the sum of $10,700.000.00 USD (Ten Million Seven Hundred Thousand United State Dollars), it is already loaded in the Master Card which you can use to access your fund in any ATM Stand/location worldwide and remember that the maximum withdrawal daily limit is Ten Thousand United States Dollars (US$10,000.00). We have concluded delivery arrangements with the below courier service companies and their delivery time is stated below.

UPS First class ======= 24hr 1 DAY
FedEx First class======== 48hrs 2DAYS
DHL fisrt class ========= 48hrs 2 DAYS
TNT first class ========= 72hrs 3 DAYS

DESCRIPTION OF PARCEL:

ATM card/original certificate of weight :—----–0.20kg
Bonded draft of weight :——————0.17kg
Total weight of parcel :——————–0.37kg
Color of Parcel :—————————-Dark Brown
Length of days :——————————24hours
Delivery Type:——————————-Premium Service
Delivery Status:——————————Virtual Pending
Customer Number:————————–FRAl45771001

Your parcel contains ALL the legal documents from the higher offices.

Kindly provide the below details in your response to this email and let us know which courier company you would prefer for the shipment of your ATM Card to you:

FULL NAMES: __________________________________
DELIVERY ADDRESS: ___________________________
COUNTRY: __________________________________
SEX: _______________________
OCCUPATION: __________________
TELEPHONE NUMBER: _____________________

CONGRATULATIONS IN ADVANCE.

Thank you & God bless you.
Dr. Kristalina Georgieva.
Managing Director International Monetary Fund (IMF).
 
prozac said:
They only need a few seconds of a voice online to replicate a good impersonation. Watch this space.
Click to expand...
Yes, there are already AI software that can in a few seconds replicate a good impersonation if they get enough samples of your speech.

And this could be scary if it would be used for whatever purpose....🤔
 
I have been receiving emails from... WeIIsfаrgo Bаnk ...and...Ваnk Оf Аmеricа

So far 8 emails asking me to verify this and that, and click on this or that link !!!
 
Major said:
I have been receiving emails from... WeIIsfаrgo Bаnk ...and...Ваnk Оf Аmеricа

So far 8 emails asking me to verify this and that, and click on this or that link !!!
Click to expand...

They might be good at technology, but how dumb are scammers targeting average aussies with US banks. I’ve had emails about my Walmart login - as if 🙄
 
Booking.com seems to be taking the cake with scams lately. We booked a heap of overseas accommodation for a trip in a few months. About a month after booking we got a message from within the booking.com app that one hotel hadn't been able to process our payment and to please re-enter our card details. Seeing as it wasn't a random text or email I started to enter it but got some error. Then I wrote directly to the hotel to confirm and they said it was a scam and it wasn't them. So how did it work that the internal app messaging system was producing these scam messages? The stories I've heard have all been about emails which are usually easy to track as scams if you just simply mouseover the purported email address to see what it really is.
Currently having a dispute with Booking about something else entirely. It may be the last time I deal with them.
 
Warks said:
Booking.com seems to be taking the cake with scams lately. We booked a heap of overseas accommodation for a trip in a few months. About a month after booking we got a message from within the booking.com app that one hotel hadn't been able to process our payment and to please re-enter our card details. Seeing as it wasn't a random text or email I started to enter it but got some error. Then I wrote directly to the hotel to confirm and they said it was a scam and it wasn't them. So how did it work that the internal app messaging system was producing these scam messages? The stories I've heard have all been about emails which are usually easy to track as scams if you just simply mouseover the purported email address to see what it really is.
Currently having a dispute with Booking about something else entirely. It may be the last time I deal with them.
Click to expand...
Plenty of reports around of people getting these messages through the messaging system provided in the App.
 
Maybe not a scam, but just got an sms from (supposedly) KFC, not sure if the phone number is a legit KFC Au phone number.
Wants me to sms them/that number back, who will wein the BBL, as in cricket, by 6pm tonight.
If I got it right, I get the $6 meal deal or something.
I don't follow the int cricket league, ...
Deleted the message.
===
Re: the fake Wellsfargo, or any US store, well, they have sent us the fake US tax due stuff (we are coming to get you), and the fake US CIS (you are going to get deported)...
Hover over the sender of the email, and you will most likely find the backtrack, of the real senders path, or raw message to find who the real sender is.
Email is easily traceable, not like the linkt sms tho.
===
Even Aust citizens/residents do get the (you will be deported, esp Indians living in Aust), so the scammers are not picky or choosy.
---
Its like the Family died and a Lawyer in the UK wants to link you with said family, and that you can claim a lot of $.
---
Edit: and now, with the stage 3 tax cuts now spread to those earning $40,000 scammers will pick up on this, and start all their runs again.
$0.19 down to $0.16 per dollar, for those earning upwards of $18,200, this means those on min wage/min hourly rates.
 
Last edited:
I like the address 958 Main Street, Sydney, Australia and the toll free number isn't a toll free number


PayPal

Payment and Order Confirmation

Dear User

Order Date: Jan 25, 2024

We are Pleased to inform you that your Payment of ($479.77) for the recent purchase of Antivirus for your System via PayPal has been processed.

The Transaction will appear on your billing statement as “PAYPAL PAYMENT STATEMENT” Thank you for choosing us!

Please find below your order details:

* Product Antivirus (McAfee)

* Quantity: 1 Year

* Customer ID: DS-20732

* Invoice Id: #287392

* Total Amount: $479.77

Customer Support

If you notice any suspicious or unauthorized charges on your bill, please contact on our customer care support immediately at:

Toll-Free Number- +61 2 8006 8138

Thank you

44958 Main Street, Sydney, Australia

4001-6001|| PayPal@2024|| All Rights Reserved||
 
Last edited:
Whoa! Can't take anyone seriously who can't even spell the word correctly!

Important Message for:

I know that you are a pedophile. I know about your interest in young children 🔞.
I also know that you like to watch pictures and videos of children.
Some time ago when you looked at cough videos, you downloaded a virus to your device.
This virus enabled me to connect from a distance and take over the full control over your device and your camera.
I also downloaded a contact list for your family and work colleagues.
I caught you several times how you watched coughographic videos with children, and I recorded the entire incident.
I have secured a copy of your webcam video with your face and body as well as your device screen capture - naked children.

I am the member of hacker group Anonymous.
With such incriminating evidence of your sexual fantasies, I am confident that I can ruin your life.

I have 4 videos of you clearly masturbating while watching to videos of
children:
....

If you want me to forget the whole thing, you have to pay me 2500 pounds.
I know that is a lot of money, but that's the price for my silence. You only have 96 hours from the time of reading this message to do this.
If not, I will make these videos public and distribute them to your family, your colleagues and the police.
You have to pay via Bitcoin transfer. If you don't have enough bitcoin, research how to buy bitcoin and transfer it to me.
You can use online exchanges such as Coinbase, Binance or other to buy bitcoin.

1 Bitcoin now costs exactly 31500 GBP.
So send exactly 0.0797621 BTC to the address below.
Copy and paste (note the upper and lower case!).
Transfer:
0.0797621 BTC to:
<....>

Remember that you only have 96 hours to do this and you have to transfer the exact amount of 0.0797621 BTC (2500 GBP)!
If you send the Bitcoin transfer, I will forget the whole thing and remove the virus from your device and we will never see each other again.
But if you don't do it, I guarantee that your family and all your friends will be amazed by your fantasies..
Don't cheat ... I keep an eye on you!

You only have 96 hours from the time you received this message. I will be notified when you read this.
If you have problems to transfer or buy bitcoins, I may give you few more days and will contact you again, but I have to see that you are trying to buy btc to send me the money!

Because I have access to your devices and data, I know a lot about you and I know that you earn well..
So don't try to fool me because I know that you can afford to pay!

I send the details for the Bitcoin transfer below.
You have to transfer the equivalent of 2500 GBP to BTC.
Transfer exactly:
0.0797621 BTC to the Bitcoin address:
<...>
(Copy this address because the upper and lower case is important!)

I am waiting for your transfer ... you should better pay, otherwise everyone will find out about your deviations ..


---
Anony.mo.us
/We do not forget. Expects us./
 
TheRealTMA said:
Whoa! Can't take anyone seriously who can't even spell the word correctly!

Important Message for:

I know that you are a pedophile. I know about your interest in young children 🔞.
I also know that you like to watch pictures and videos of children.
Some time ago when you looked at cough videos, you downloaded a virus to your device.
This virus enabled me to connect from a distance and take over the full control over your device and your camera.
I also downloaded a contact list for your family and work colleagues.
I caught you several times how you watched coughographic videos with children, and I recorded the entire incident.
I have secured a copy of your webcam video with your face and body as well as your device screen capture - naked children.

I am the member of hacker group Anonymous.
With such incriminating evidence of your sexual fantasies, I am confident that I can ruin your life.

I have 4 videos of you clearly masturbating while watching to videos of
children:
....

If you want me to forget the whole thing, you have to pay me 2500 pounds.
I know that is a lot of money, but that's the price for my silence. You only have 96 hours from the time of reading this message to do this.
If not, I will make these videos public and distribute them to your family, your colleagues and the police.
You have to pay via Bitcoin transfer. If you don't have enough bitcoin, research how to buy bitcoin and transfer it to me.
You can use online exchanges such as Coinbase, Binance or other to buy bitcoin.

1 Bitcoin now costs exactly 31500 GBP.
So send exactly 0.0797621 BTC to the address below.
Copy and paste (note the upper and lower case!).
Transfer:
0.0797621 BTC to:
<....>

Remember that you only have 96 hours to do this and you have to transfer the exact amount of 0.0797621 BTC (2500 GBP)!
If you send the Bitcoin transfer, I will forget the whole thing and remove the virus from your device and we will never see each other again.
But if you don't do it, I guarantee that your family and all your friends will be amazed by your fantasies..
Don't cheat ... I keep an eye on you!

You only have 96 hours from the time you received this message. I will be notified when you read this.
If you have problems to transfer or buy bitcoins, I may give you few more days and will contact you again, but I have to see that you are trying to buy btc to send me the money!

Because I have access to your devices and data, I know a lot about you and I know that you earn well..
So don't try to fool me because I know that you can afford to pay!

I send the details for the Bitcoin transfer below.
You have to transfer the equivalent of 2500 GBP to BTC.
Transfer exactly:
0.0797621 BTC to the Bitcoin address:
<...>
(Copy this address because the upper and lower case is important!)

I am waiting for your transfer ... you should better pay, otherwise everyone will find out about your deviations ..


---
Anony.mo.us
/We do not forget. Expects us./
Click to expand...

Ermm Why would you be paying in GBP? Is the exchange rate on the rouble appalling of late. ;)
 

Become an AFF member!

Join Australian Frequent Flyer (AFF) for free and unlock insider tips, exclusive deals, and global meetups with 65,000+ frequent flyers.

AFF members can also access our Frequent Flyer Training courses, and upgrade to Fast-track your way to expert traveller status and unlock even more exclusive discounts!

AFF forum abbreviations

Wondering about Y, J or any of the other abbreviations used on our forum?

Check out our guide to common AFF acronyms & abbreviations.

Recent Posts

Currently Active Users

Total: 115 (members: 6, guests: 109)
Back
Top