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Tim Bull warns of East Gippslanders seniors being scammed online out of considerable amounts of money

Tim Bull encouraged East Gippslanders being scammed out of considerable amounts of money residents to beware of scammers, not rushing through money transfers.

By news@gippsland - 13th March 2022 - Back to News

"If it's too good to be true it probably is", is a well-known phrase and Gippsland East Nationals MP, is asking locals to take heed. It comes on the back of a number of East Gippslanders being scammed out of considerable amounts of money. "These mongrels' prey on the vulnerable and are almost impossible to trace and it is heartbreaking to see the trail of disaster they leave in their wake," he said.

Don't rush into any money transfer requests until you have checked with someone, remember, if it's too good to be true, it probably is

Being more aware

Mr Bull also said, "One local has been scammed out of $20,000 ironically after trying to update their virus protection software. When payment didn't go through, a pop up directed them to call a number up and that is where the coercion began."

"Another fell victim to a Facebook messenger referral after she thought it reasonable given it came from the friend, but it was a fake account that had lifted her friend's profile picture and details." Mr Bull said.

Targeted age group

Mr Bullalso said, "The person was conned into sending through identification, address, photo and phone number before the scammer said she would qualify for a grant and all she then needed to do was pay a fee into the nominated bank account."

Mr Bull said the unfortunate reality is that while many seniors were more than accomplished on social media, it was that age group that was being targeted. "For those who are a little unsure on social media, I urge them to check settings on their accounts with family or friends and also be very wary of any requests for money online." Mr Bull concluded.

Pictures from Tim Bull MP website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com