Tech

Frightening scam targeting mothers is on the rise

Published

6 months ago

December 12, 2022

William Howard

Authorities say a frightening scam targeting mothers is on the rise, so how can you stay safe?

Criminals are constantly coming up with new ways to rob us of our hard earned cash.

One scam that’s seemingly growing in popularity at the moment is known as the ‘Hi Mum’ tactic.

Dating back to January, this particular method preys on the most sacred relationship – a bond between a mother and her child.

It alone has helped criminals steal a whopping $7.2 million from 11,000 Australians – and this is only what’s been reported to authorities.

So what is it and what do you need to be on the look out for?

Usually, the scammers will send a WhatsApp or a text message from an unknown number, impersonating a child.

It will read something along the lines of “Hi Mum, I’ve lost my phone – and I’m using this number for now.”

Once they receive a response, the criminals continue to message and eventually ask for personal information or a funds transfer.

Victims will then transfer funds to bank accounts provided, which are often fraudulent.

At this stage it’s too late, your money is gone.

So how can you protect yourself?

Always do your best to verify someone’s identity if they contact you out of nowhere
Ask the question – has your child actually lost their phone?
Try contacting your child another way – via social media, email or even just give them a call
Never send money unless you’re absolutely sure you know who you are sending it to

ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard says “it’s important to stop and think if you get a message, especially on WhatsApp, because chances are it’s not your family member or friend – it’s a scammer.”

It’s scamming season and we all need to be extra vigilant.

Related Topics:cyber Featured scam trending

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William Howard

William is an Executive News Producer at TICKER NEWS, responsible for the production and direction of news bulletins. William is also the presenter of the hourly Weather + Climate segment. With qualifications in Journalism and Law (LLB), William previously worked at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) before moving to TICKER NEWS. He was also an intern at the Seven Network's 'Sunrise'. A creative-minded individual, William has a passion for broadcast journalism and reporting on global politics and international affairs.

Business

Can new tech hires be sustained?

Published

6 hours ago

June 9, 2023

ticker NEWS

As technology companies continue to lay off staff, Australian research shows the future may be brighter

Australia has a target of delivering 1.2 million critical tech workers by 2030.

However, the sector has been battered by changes and layoffs since the pandemic came to light.

Kate Pounder is the CEO of the Tech Council of Australia, who said the pandemic changed the playbook for many companies across the sector.

“There is some evidence that there was a boom in job creation and company formation during the pandemic.”

The Tech Council of Australia recently revealed an 8 per cent increase in tech jobs last year.

It means Australia’s tech workforce is around 935,000.

“When there’s change in the labour market, you see people using that to start a business,” Ms Pounder said.

Despite the rapid layoffs across many major technology companies, Ms Pounder said for every job lost over the past quarter, 20 have been created.

“We are finding that the ease of people moving into jobs is getting a little better.

“It’s still challenging to find people in Australia, particularly for people in specialised roles,” she said.

Business

Tech layoffs reach their highest point in over 20 years

Published

1 day ago

June 8, 2023

ticker NEWS

There have been over 130,000 layoffs across the technology sector in the last five months

The technology sector was billed as the most exciting industry to work in.

Big offices, big dreams, big money were all part of the parcel for many companies attracting staff.

As many organisations caught onto the momentum of the pandemic, the same energy has not been particularly met on the other side.

Thousands of workers have since been laid off as the good times stopped rolling.

In fact, the technology sector’s layoffs are the highest since the dotcom bubble burst 22 years ago.

The BT Group is one of the latest companies cutting staff.

Fifty-five thousand have lost their jobs as part of a corporate restructure.

CEO Philip Jansen will freeze his £1.1 million salary until he retires, according to reports from Sky News.

The ground is also shifting as artificial intelligence takes hold and the economy worsens.

BT Group said it is laying off 11,000 staff because of the increased capacity for artificial intelligence in the workplace.

At the same time, companies like Apple and Goldman Sachs are among those restricting or banning the use of tools like ChatGPT amid privacy or data concerns.