December 9, 2016
With the festive season fast approaching, police are warning people about a new scam targeting consumers who access accommodation provider websites.
The scam occurs when consumers submit email inquiries in relation to securing accommodation over Christmas and New Year.
Scammers ask the consumer to pay a deposit directly into a bank account to secure the accommodation. If the victim later tries to contact the scammer, there is no answer to calls or emails.
Acting Detective Superintendent Terry Lawrence, from the Fraud and Cyber Crime Squad, said the scammers would often go to great lengths to “sell” the accommodation.
“The scammer will go above and beyond to secure a sale, emailing back and forth with the consumer, but once a deposit has been transferred all communication ceases,” he said.
“We urge all consumers to be cautious before acting on any emails received.
“Triple check that the URL, website and email address are correct and be aware that links may redirect you to a fake address.
“Ask to speak to someone on the telephone if possible, and be wary of any email asking you to directly transfer money into a bank account.
“Never click on links in these emails and do not reply to them.
“The majority of complaints received so far have involved consumers specifically seeking accommodation on the Gold Coast over the Christmas period.”
Police are urging consumers to be vigilant when conducting any transaction online, and recommend the following:
- Only use a reputable accommodation provider website
- Look for reviews of the accommodation provider as well as the accommodation you are interested in booking prior to making a transaction
- Do not pay directly into a bank account – use PayPal
- Always check website and email addresses. Scammers often use near-identical email addresses with only the ‘.au’ missing
- Contact the accommodation provider by telephone if possible
