It’s ‘Fraud Fortnight’
Member for Ballina Don Page has announced his support for the fraud awareness campaign, known as ‘Fraud Fortnight’.
The campaign, being run by the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce, is a two-week consumer fraud and scams awareness campaign running from February 24 to March 8.
“I am extremely supportive of the ‘Fraud Fortnight’ campaign aimed at raising awareness of fraud and scams within the community,” Mr Page said.
The key message this year is ‘Scams Target You – Protect Yourself’.
Mr Page said: “Increased mobile phone and internet use is providing greater opportunity for unscrupulous people or companies to make fraudulent or misleading offers.
“The old saying ‘if it sounds too good to be true it probably is’ applies more than ever before.”
The first week of the campaign focuses on the ‘too good to be true’ type of scam such as promises of lottery wins or easy money. The second week focuses on identity fraud.
“We’ve all seen the get-rich-quick types of offers advertised on internet sites and in magazines or newspapers,” Mr Page said.
“Sadly, it is usually the most vulnerable members of the community who are victims of these types of scams.
“This campaign is aimed at raising awareness among all members of the community to enable them to protect themselves.
“There is some great information available to protect yourself against scammers on the Taskforce’s website.
“I also encourage anyone who is aware of a scam to report it to the Taskforce.”
For more information go to the Taskforce website at www.scamwatch.gov.au or telephone the Taskforce on 1300 795 995.
