Scamwatch: October 1

Flubot scams ramp up

• Scamwatch has advised that flubot scams, those that trick you into downloading malicious software to your device, are adapting in an attempt to steal your personal information.
  
• Since August, Australians have been getting scam text messages about missed calls, voicemails or deliveries. Scamwatch has received more than 12,000 reports of these scams.
  
• Scam text messages or a voice message ask you to tap on a link to download an app to track or organise a time for a delivery. The message is fake. Following a link like this may infect your device with malware that can steal your contacts and banking information.
  
• Scammers are frequently updating the Flubot text message format. Starting in September, many Flubot messages now talk about a delivery. Unlike earlier Flubot messages, new text messages may not contain spelling mistakes. However, they do contain a website link followed by six to eight random letters and numbers.
  
• If you receive one of these messages, do not click or tap on the link. Delete the message immediately.
• More information on missed delivery, call or voicemail scams is available at scamwatch.gov.au.

Too good to be true

• A text message scam offering recipients a part-time job with a monthly salary of between $6000 and $30,000 has prompted Scamwatch to warn that if a "job opportunity seems too good to be true, it probably is". No legitimate part time job will pay you this much. These messages, which include a WhatsApp number to phone, usually lead to some kind of Ponzi scheme or other scam. If you get a text like this, delete it and block the sender.