Beware of new phone scams

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has warned about recorded telemarketing calls offering an ‘unexpected holiday prize’ that are being made to Australian consumers on the Do Not Call Register.

How can you protect yourself?

Read the Holiday Prize scam warning now and find out how to protect yourself against scams and fraud. See also the ACCC’s Scamwatch website for more information.

Receiving unwanted telemarketing calls?

If you haven’t already done so, list yourself on the Do No Call Register.

You can find information on their site as to which types of calls are still allowed and which are banned.  You can then lodge a complaint if calls persist.

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We’ve previously warned about it, and this week the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Authority (AMTA) is also again warning about the risk of mobile phone scams and spams.

“What do you need to know?”

They have released a handy guide to help identify possible SMS scams from subscriber and other more sinister sources.

The main points to remember when you receive a text from an unknown source:

• Be sure to check the number before replying, particularly if all you can see is a name. If the number begins with ‘19’ it is a premium rate service and you are likely to be charged at a higher rate for a text or call
• You may be charged for future text messages that you receive as well as messages you send
• If you don’t think you subscribed to the service, it could be a scam.

The best way to deal with dodgy texts?

Read their guide and most of all, use your common sense.

Same as you would with emails, at the very least, simply ignore and delete them!

Related story: Check out the AMTA Online Guide for more info on how to identify and deal with such sms’.

Stay vigilant peeps

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