Recover From Scams

InfinIT Computers Will Help You Recover From Scammers

Common scams target individuals via telephone, email and online platforms like Facebook Marketplace. The aim is to steal your personal information, money and assets – usually via debit/credit cards, bank accounts and social media account access.

These scams, often called phishing or social engineering, leverage psychological tactics like fear, urgency or greed to trick victims.

Here are just some of the types of email, telephone, and online scams:

Impersonation and Phishing Scams

Phishing (Email/SMS)
Fake emails or texts (smishing) are sent disguised as reputable organisations (government agencies like myGov or the ATO, banks, telecommunications providers like Telstra, Optus, and TPG Telecom) – asking you to click a link to ‘verify’ details.

Business Email Compromise (BEC)
Fraudsters impersonate a senior employee (CEO/CFO) or vendor via email to trick staff into changing bank details on invoices or transferring funds.

Police and Government Impersonation
Scammers call or message threatening fines, immediate arrest or deportation – unless a payment is made.

Acting as Friends and Family (‘Hi Mum’)
Scammers pose as a family member or friend on messaging apps (WhatsApp, SMS), claiming they lost their phone and need money for an emergency.

‘Quishing’ (QR Code Phishing)
Watch out for malicious QR codes in emails, online or on physical posters that lead to fake login or payment pages. Always check that the URL or website name looks genuine. Check the actual email name, not the email title or ‘from’.

Telephone Scams (Vishing)

Technical Support Scams
Scammers call pretending to be from companies like Apple, Microsoft or Telstra, claiming your computer has a virus and requesting remote access to ‘fix’ it. Never give anyone your login details to anyone, and most certainly not from an incoming call.

Bank or Financial Institution Scam
Scammers call posing as a bank fraud officer and claim there is suspicious activity on your account. They then request your One-Time Password (OTP), PIN, or ask you to move money to a ‘safe account’. Never hand out your account information.

Telecommunications and NBN Disconnection
Watch out for automated calls claiming your internet will be disconnected within hours due to illegal activity, or that your service needs an upgrade. Ignore such calls and do not call back.

Online and Social Media Scams

Investment and Crypto Scams
Keep an eye out for promises of high-return, low-risk investments (often in gold or cryptocurrency) promoted on social media. Watch out for AI-generated fake celebrity endorsements.

Dating and Romance Scams
Scammers create fake profiles on social media and dating apps, then cultivate a long-term ‘relationship’ to gain your trust – before asking for money for medical procedures, emergencies or travel.

Online Shopping and Classifieds
Watch out for fraudulent listings on websites like Facebook Marketplace or eBay. Often these products do not exist or are never delivered.

Job and Employment Scams
Scammers offer high-paying, ‘work-from-home’ jobs that require an upfront fee for equipment, training, or that involve acting as a ‘money mule’ (laundering stolen money).

Technical and Malware-Based Scams

Ransomware
Scammers can install software or malware that locks your computer or encrypts your files, then demand a payment in cryptocurrency to restore access. Do not pay – ever.

Browser Pop-ups and Fake Security Alerts
Scammers create fake notifications that your device is infected – prompting you to click a link or call a number.

MFA Fatigue – Push-Bombing
After stealing a password, hackers spam your phone with multi-factor authentication (MFA) requests until you accidentally approve one, granting them access. Bring your device into the shop straight away.

Key Warning Signs

Urgency
The message demands immediate action to avoid a penalty or lose an opportunity – do not fall for it.

Unusual Payment Method
Requests to pay via crypto, gift cards or direct wire transfers – not not comply.

Unexpected Contact
Scammers pretend they are a trusted organisation – contacting you out of the blue to ask for personal details. Do not reveal your details to incoming calls.

Safety Tip – Incoming Calls or Emails
If you receive an urgent request – stop. Only contact an organisation or person directly through a trusted, known phone number, email or website. Do not reply to an incoming telephone number, text message, email or email link – verify via known telephone numbers, emails and websites.

If unsure – Stop!
If ever in doubt get in touch with Kieran or Corey at InfinIT Computers to help ensure you are safe and secure.

In Store or On Site Support
InfinIT Computers offer a full safety and security service either in store or on site.

Avoid Scams – Workshops and Tutorials
Kieran and Corey are available to host digital security and safety workshops and provide tutorials for individuals, groups and businesses.

To find out more call (07) 4192 7171 or email info@infinitcomputers.com.au
Or, drop by the shop and say hello: InfinIT Computers – Shop 6/5 Torquay Road, Pialba, Queensland, 4655