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Consumer Protection urges people to be ‘very suspicious’ of Facebook messages telling them they’ve won a prize

Daryna ZadvirnaThe West Australian
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Business pages can’t message users direct, so that’s another reason to be wary.
Camera IconBusiness pages can’t message users direct, so that’s another reason to be wary. Credit: seksan Mongkhonkhamsao/Getty Images

Facebook competition entrants are being targeted by scammers who are stealing personal and financial information by posing as legitimate WA businesses.

WA ScamNet at Consumer Protection issued a warning to social media users today after discovering that some business pages have been hijacked by scammers on Facebook, who create a bogus page using a similar or only slightly modified name of the real business.

Competition entrants are promised the possibility of winning a prize if they share, like or comment on the competition post and that’s when the scammers strike.

Entrants then receive a message from the fake profile saying they have won but they need to register their details by clicking on a link.

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The link goes to a fake website requesting the “winners” provide their personal and financial details to get the prize.

Competitions targeted in recent months are mostly run by tourism and hospitality businesses, and include hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars and breweries.

Consumer Protection commissioner Gary Newcombe said these businesses are being hit with a double whammy.

“Operators in this industry are already struggling with the effects of COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions, so now they have to contend with social media scammers disrupting their promotions that aim to boost their business,” he said.

“It’s a common marketing method to increase the followers of a Facebook page by running competitions offering prizes of free accommodation, meals and liquor. But things soon turn sour when entrants are targeted by scammers.”

Mr Newcombe urged people who receive “congratulations, you’re a winner” messages to be very suspicious and check that the message is from the actual business.

“Send a message via the original page or call them if in doubt before being led to a fake website and giving away vital personal information that could be used to steal your identity or money,” he said.

“It’s also worth knowing that business pages can’t message users direct, so that’s another reason to be wary. Normally, the business will announce the winner in the original post and provide instructions on how to collect the prize.”

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