Losses to imposter bond investment scams have nearly tripled in the first half of this year with consumers losing more than $20 million to these sophisticated scams.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said imposter bond scams usually impersonated real financial companies or banks and claim to offer government/Treasury bonds or fixed-term deposits.

People often fall victim to them after searching online for investment opportunities and completing enquiry forms via fake third-party comparison sites.

The latest Scamwatch data revealed there were 228 reports of imposter bond scams between January and June, compared with 82 reports in the first half of last year.

Losses suffered by Australian victims of imposter bond scams increased by 265% in the first half of the year, compared with the same period last year.

However, the true losses to these scams are likely to be much higher, as research shows that only about 13% of scam victims reported their losses to Scamwatch.

Investors fall victim to scam

“We are seeing an alarming increase in imposter bond scams, so we are urging Australians to be very cautious when presented with investment opportunities,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said in a media release.

“As interest rates rise, people looking to invest in bonds are falling victim to these scams after searching online for investment opportunities. This is often after they complete enquiry forms on fake third-party comparison websites.”

“These comparison sites can appear very convincing, and people are providing their details under the impression that these are legitimate Australian sites comparing real financial services.

“Convinced they are making a long-term, legitimate investment, it’s common for victims to deposit larger sums upfront and not check their account for months before realising they were scammed.”

Losses total $11 million

More than half of those who reported losses to imposter bond scams were first contacted by phone, accounting for $11 million in losses.

“It’s critical to independently verify the financial institution or bank issuing the bonds by calling the bank or financial service directly, using details you have sourced yourself – rather than using any phone numbers or links provided. If you seem to have been dealing with someone from the institution ask to speak to them.” Ms Rickard said.

“Always have an accredited financial or legal advisor check any potential investment opportunity before you send any money or provide your credit card details and only ever invest as much as you can afford to lose.”

“Bonds can be purchased via the ASX. If you are thinking about doing this, follow ASIC’s safety advice.

“Investment opportunities that promise a high return with little to no risk are likely to be a scam.”

What to do if scammed

Victims of imposter bond scams are usually directed to transfer funds into a bank account, which are sometimes based in Australia.

“If you have reason to believe you have been scammed, contact your bank or financial institution as soon as possible as they may be able to find where the money went, block scam accounts and help others to avoid sending money to scammers,” Ms Rickard said.

If you have given away personal information, as most victims have, then also contact IDCARE as soon as possible.

More information about scams can be found in the ACCC’s latest Targeting Scams report.

The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives, financial situations and needs.