MELBOURNE, VIC. — The victim, Kate, was conned into transferring $118,000 from a family business to fraudsters and has recovered the money after reporting the scam to police.
Kate works for a family business which sells furniture in Melbourne’s Bayside area and was targeted in a Business Email Compromise scam, which is operating across the nation.
The scam has been targeting businesses and suppliers via email by impersonating them and pressuring clients into redirecting legitimate payments into fraudulent accounts the fraudsters control.
Victoria Police’s Cybercrime Squad has received 107 reports of the scam since July this year.
Between August 25 and September 5 this year, Kate received several legitimate emails from a business supplier to organise shipping of outdoor furniture items for $118,000.
In the days following, from September 7 to September 25, hackers intercepted the same email thread and impersonated the supplier, sending further emails to state that the bank account information had changed.
The hackers then pressured Kate into making the payment, claiming it was urgent, and Kate complied.
Kate was then alerted to the potential fraud by her bank, which then led her to contact her supplier via phone and reveal the emails did not originate from them and it was a scam.
Kate immediately reported the matter to police via ReportCyber for investigation.
Kate also contacted her bank, but they were unable to recall the transaction.
The Cybercrime Squad quickly followed it up, and with support from the Joint Policing Cybercrime Co-ordination Centre (JPC3) based at the Australian Federal Police, they were able to block the funds and return the money to Kate.
It’s prompted a police warning for individuals, businesses and suppliers to be on alert for this scam and make a report if they fall victim.
If you receive an email from someone in these circumstances or who you believe to be a scammer:
- Do not continue any conversations that you suspect are scams
- Do not reveal any personal information such as your address, bank accounts, financial information or other contact details
- Independently contact the business or supplier using a verified phone number
If you are unsure:
- Report any suspicious scam or behaviour to Victoria Police and ReportCyber
- Speak with friends and family, especially older relatives, about the scam for support and guidance
To help with the investigation, police encourage the community to keep records of the conversations by retaining emails and taking screen shots of any messages.
Anyone who believes they are in danger and needs immediate police assistance should call Triple Zero (000).
More information and advice about this scam can be found online by visiting the Scamwatch website.
If you have any other information about this scam and wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential online report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
The police warning coincides with Cyber Security Awareness Month, which is held in October every year to raise awareness about online safety and how people can protect themselves from scams.
