SCAMwatch warns consumers about death threat scams
A SCAMwatch radar alert, distributed to almost 7000 subscribers, warned the Australian community to beware of death threat spam text messages from scammers pretending to be hired hit men.
SCAMwatch and several police and law enforcement agencies across Australia received reports of text messages warning the recipient that they have been 'targeted for death'—but will be spared if they pay up.
These hoax death threats typically involved an SMS text arriving out of the blue from what appears to be an international number. In some cases the number appears to be blocked.
Anyone who receives emails or text messages of this nature is advised to: • ignore them—do not respond and delete them • don't send any money or provide any personal details to the scammers • visit the Report a scam page on SCAMwatch or call the ACCC Infocentre on 1300 302 502 to report the scam • contact local police if they are concerned about their physical safety.
Consumers are advised to explore SCAMwatch for more tips on how to recognise and protect themselves against scams and to subscribe to future SCAMwatch radar alerts.
The ACCC and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) jointly held a phone-in day dedicated to debt collection concerns on Thursday, 31 July 2008.
The debt collection day was designed to assist consumers who have experienced problems with debt collectors or creditors. The ACCC and ASIC are concerned about ongoing reports of unlawful debt collection practices—for example, heavy-handed collection tactics such as persistent and unreasonable levels of contact adopted by debt collectors and creditors when attempting to secure repayment of debts.
The purpose of the initiative was to gather information about issues of concern relating to debt collection and unlawful conduct by debt collectors or creditors, and increase consumer awareness of their rights and avenues for complaint. A large number of calls were received and the ACCC and ASIC will be evaluating the need for further investigation of any issues raised.
