Some months back I wrote about the dangers of computer scams and what measures could be taken to help prevent yourself or a loved one from being a victim.
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These scammers not only try and do it through your computer but also through your phones.
In years gone by everyone loved having a chat over the phone.
The time people used to spend speaking to those phones that were attached to the walls for hours and hours and hours.
The way we communicate has changed over the time as technology continues to advance.
Going from telephones stuck on the wall, to talking over the mobile phone to then being able to text message using these mobile phones.
Did you know the telephone was invented in 1849, it was not until 1973 until the mobile phone was invented.
It weighed 1.1 kilograms, and was 23cm by 13cm by 4.5cm. The prototype only had 30 minutes of talk time and took 10 hours to recharge.
Read more: Valley cop jumping out of his skin to help
The option of sending text messages from these mobile phones did not come around until 1992.
Now you look at all the options of communicating on the mobile phone and all the different platforms and applications which it could be done through.
These scammers from around the world will try and use means to try and target victims and swindle them of their cash - 60.6 per cent of all scams are made through telephone calls with 14.4 per cent being conducted through text messages.
The different techniques they use to trick you come in various ways like offering fake investments, having you donate to fake charities, offering to sell you items at unbelievable prices, offering unexpected winnings or straight up offering unexpected money.
These fraudsters may portray themselves as business or government agencies.
On most occasions the scammers are using these tactics in an attempt to gain personal information about yourself to use your identity in fraudulent ways or getting access to your finances.
I think we have all had the occasional call where we answer only to hear an automated message advising us that the Australia Tax Office has issued a warrant if we fail to supply credit card details or Ebay advising us that they have money to refund us, if only they had our bank account details.
Again we have to be cautious with how we supply our information.
Do not open any links which may be texted to you if you do not know where they are from.
Do not reply to any texts which are out of the ordinary.
Do not make contact with any phone numbers which the automated messages may suggest you to.
Do not supply bank account details to persons over the phone.
Do not send money to persons or accounts you don't know.
Sometime you just need to trust your gut.
If an out of the blue offer seems to be too good to be true, it probably is.
As I always found it funny when Ebay wanted to refund me with money from my account, even though I have never had one with them.
Make sure if you come across these scams you can always have then reported it to places like www.scamwatch.gov.au/.
Remember that you can Dob in a Druggie any time you like by contacting Nowra Police on 4421 9699 or ringing Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000. If it looks suss, report it. Do not drink and drive. As always, in case of emergency, call (000). Non Emergencies contact Police Assistance Line on 131444 or your local police. To provide anonymous information call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Domestic and Family Violence Info visit www.police.nsw.gov.au. Shoalhaven Domestic Violence Officers. 4421 9666 or 4421 9665. Email shoaldvlo@police.nsw.gov.au
Don't forget. Cops are tops.
Read more: Crime/Court