Service FinderLoyalty points programs have become an integral part of our shopping experience as we eagerly collect points with every purchase. However, it is important to remain vigilant with any program that collects our personal information.
The National Anti-Scam Centre has detected a new scam targeting customers of loyalty points programs with large, well-known Australian companies.
The National Anti-Scam Centre is warning consumers about a new text message scam currently targeting Qantas Frequent Flyer, Telstra and Coles loyalty programs’ customers, following 209 reports to Scamwatch in the past several months.
HOW THE SCAM WORKS
- Consumers receive a text message or email stating their loyalty points are
- The text or email includes a link to a fake website, which prompts customers to Customers may also be prompted to provide credit card details to use loyalty points.
- Scammers steal customers’ Scammers also steal customers’ login details and personal information to use on other platforms and commit identity fraud.
PROTECT YOURSELF
- Don’t ever click on a link included in a text
- Access the app or website independently to check on the status of your points
While the National Anti-Scam Centre has contacted the companies that have been impersonated by scammers and is working with web host providers to have the fake websites taken down, to minimise harm to the community, there are steps you can take to avoid being scammed.
TOP TIPS FOR AVOIDING SCAMS
STOP – take your time before providing any personal information.
THINK – ask yourself if the message could be fake?
PROTECT – act quickly if something feels wrong.
Contact the company referenced in the loyalty program message and report scams to Scamwatch.
A suspicious text purporting to be from Qantas, claiming a recipient’s points are about to expire.
Source: choice.com.au
For more information on the latest scam reports or support services visit scamwatch.gov.au
Posted: December 12, 2023