So often simple tasks can help avoid big and complex problems when it comes to fending off clandestine approaches made by cyber criminals using the internet.

Especially in these COVID-19 times, where cyber criminals have increased their illegal activities, hoping to catch potential victims off-guard as the focus of communities around the world is on the pandemic. Australian bank Westpac, reports that through its own research 85% of Australians agree that there has been a noticeable increase in scam activity since the pandemic.

At IFW Global, we agree with that sentiment too, especially with the increased number of enquiries to our office on a daily basis.  The latest report by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission makes for very interesting reading about scam activity surrounding COVID- 19. It’s worth reading to see who criminals are targeting and how they are doing it, through the research conducted by a Federal Government agency.

Targeting scams: report of the ACCC on scam activity 2020

Now, here are some ways you can educate yourself further about how to protect yourself, your business, your family, and your finances against online scammers.

Westpac Bank has published some helpful web pages that are easy to understand and worth spending just a few minutes of your time to learn about scams and strengthen your defences against them.

Security checklist

Three short films

Types of scams

IFW Global Investigations is a private intelligence and investigations firm that represents investors who believe they have been scammed or duped into fraudulent investment schemes. We are strictly vetted by the NSW Police Force in Australia and the State of Florida in the USA, and you can view and verify our investigator licences at https://www.ifwglobal.com/about/credentials