Online scams warning for Queenslanders
Queenslanders were scammed out of more than $51 million across 46,734 reported scams in 2024, according to ScamWatch.
Head of Bank Resilience and Transformation Sarah Richardson said scams were becoming more sophisticated and anyone could fall victim.
“Scammers often exploit trust and urgency to manipulate individuals into making high-value transfers,” Ms Richardson said.
“We’re urging everyone to remain alert and ‘stop, check and report’ before responding to any message, email or phone call.”
How scammers get in touch
Scammers employ various contact methods known as ‘phishing’, with text, phone calls, popup windows and social media being the most common tactics reported by RACQ Bank members.“The rise in digital communication and online marketplaces has given scammers more ways to connect with individuals, making vigilance more important than ever,” Ms Richardson said.
“According to our latest survey, one in four Queenslanders have been contacted online by a suspected scammer yet, alarmingly, 86% admit they don’t know where to report such incidents.”
Supporting online safety
RACQ is committed to improving online safety and is supporting the Be Connected program, an Australian Government initiative delivered in partnership by the eSafety Commissioner, the Department of Social Services and Good Things Australia.“We are thrilled to support the Be Connected program, as it aligns with our mission to protect our members and the broader community,” Ms Richardson said.
The Be Connected website, managed by eSafety, offers hundreds of free short online courses and learning resources to help improve the online confidence, skills and safety of older Australians.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said we all had a role to play in helping to make the online world a safer, more positive place.
“It’s encouraging to see businesses and organisations like RACQ throwing their support behind innovative initiatives like Be Connected, which are designed to foster digital resilience in Australians,” Commissioner Inman Grant said.
“Particularly, as the digital landscape continually evolves, older Australians, who may not feel as comfortable as people who have been online their whole lives, will likely find Be Connected’s vast resources help develop confidence and skills to explore and embrace their online worlds safely.”
RACQ Bank encourages members to access the Be Connected program to remain informed about the latest scams and learn tips to improve online safety.
Visit the Be Connected website for resources and support.
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