Community News

URGENT SCAM ALERT FOR PARENTS

There is a new scam circulating on mobile devices setting out to trick parents into communicating with a fake number by posing as their child in urgent need of help. This is affecting parents of all ages!

Doing the rounds on mobile devices, this scam is one of many of this nature and one that parents need to be alerted of as soon as possible as the element of fear being instilled may cause them to contact scammers or reveal highly sensitive information to them. Please consider sharing this on your school Facebook page or within your newsletter.

See below for the scam that is circulating: 

There are a number of things you can do to make sure you and others do not fall victim to scams of this nature:

1. Call your child immediately to check on their welfare, chances are they will answer and confirm their phone isn't broken. 
2. If you don't recognise a number, DO NOT reply or click on any links. 
3. Delete it immediately. This is a great reminder to change your passwords, create highly secure passwords and keep them safe. 
4. Use a call-blocking App or just block the number when these things creep through. 
5. Tell YOUR parents and any seniors you know – they fall for these ones all the time thinking it is their kids (I called my 75yr old Mum about it)
6. Keep an eye on your phone bill and bank statements for any suspicious activity. 
7. Remain vigilant. There are a load of scams happening through text so if you are not sure, don’t respond. If it is something important your family will find a way to call you.

If you or your community of parents, grandparents and carers have any concerns about this message, or you/they think they may have shared their information, please follow the advice from Scamwatch.