Payment Interception Scams

Making payments online is now a routine part of life for many of us, but we all need to stay vigilant both at home and in the workplace where interception scams continue to be an issue. Many of us are already aware that we should take precautions when paying online for goods. Some of us may not realise that payment scams can target anyone exchanging money, including business and property transactions.

Also known as a ‘man in the middle scam’, payment interception takes place when bank account details are changed, usually notified via emails, so the money ends up going into the wrong account.A grandmother based in Perth was recently robbed of $375,000, in an elaborate email interception scam. She emailed the aged care facility asking for bank details when hackers intercepted and replied instead, giving her details of a bank account in Sydney. This is a reminder to everyone that hackers are indeed out there to get anyone, so it is important to stay alert!

Scammers hack in to email accounts and send messages from that email address, which are hidden within the system so the owner doesn’t see them, or from a different email address that looks almost identical so it is difficult to distinguish.

Here are a few ways to avoid payment interception scams:-1. Spend a few minutes checking the validity of emails and bank account details. If you get an email advising of details for making a payment, including changes to bank account details, then call the agency or business to verify the details. But it is important not to use the contact details provided in the email as these could divert you to the scammers. Instead, use the contact information on previous correspondence or look them up online.

2. Revert to arrange to make payment through a bank cheque instead or organising for your bank to complete the deposit if possible are also quick and simple ways to ensure the funds go to the intended recipient.

3. Do not to click on links or open attachments unless they are from a known and trusted source. Anti-virus software and firewalls should also be up-to-date to help protect your computers and devices.