Chanel Nine presenter Allison Langdon has been used by criminals trying to scam Aussies. (Source: Getty / Scamwatch)
Aussies have been issued a fresh warning about online scams, especially those on Facebook, after Nine presenter Allison Langdon’s image was used by criminals.
“Beware of a fake news ad on Facebook promoting an investment scam,” The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Scamwatch said.
“The segment shows a news presenter and the Assistant Treasurer but the voiceover is fake. Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones does not endorse this. Don’t click the link or register your details. It’s a scam.”
Australians lose more money to investment scams than any other type, according to Scamwatch, and they can often be hard to spot.
“Don’t lose your life savings to a money-making opportunity that’s too good to be true,” Scamwatch said.
“Scammers use convincing marketing and new technology to make their investment sound too good to miss. They promise you big payouts with little or no risk. They often use pressure tactics to get you to act fast, so they can steal your money.”
Warning signs something might be a scam:
Fake news stories or ads that claim a celebrity recommends this scheme to make big money.
An online contact (a friend or romantic interest) that you’ve never met in person starts talking to you about investing.
Emails, websites or ads with testimonials and over-the-top promises of big returns.
High-pressure tactics designed to rush you to act so you don’t ‘miss out’.
The ‘adviser’ who is helping you claims they don’t need an Australian financial services (AFS) licence.
You are asked to promote the scheme to friends and family to earn commission.
“Always stop, think, and check before you act. These scams will often pressure you to act quickly. Don’t let them rush you into a bad decision,” Scamwatch said.
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