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Scams

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Settlement agents are being urged to be aware of potential property scams.

A Yanchep block was being sold for $900,000 – but something didn’t add up

Ten settlement agents received identical emails from someone claiming to be the block’s owner. Soon, the authorities were investigating.

  • Michael Philipps

Latest

Card skimming devices were allegedly installed at businesses and ATM across 48 Brisbane suburbs.

Brisbane shoppers, ATM users caught in massive card-skimming operation

The alleged scammers installed card-skimming devices at businesses and ATMs in no fewer than 48 suburbs between February and May.

  • Marissa Calligeros and Julius Dennis
Icons for the smartphone apps TikTok and WeChat are seen on a smartphone screen in Beijing (Photo: August, 2020)

Scammers posing as Chinese cops target international students

The criminals claiming to be cops and government officials have swindled nearly $800,000 from four victims this month, police say.

  • Megan Gorrey
Mud Islands

This Victorian island sounded like paradise – but something was off about the rave reviews

Mud baths, friendly locals and restaurants with great service. Mud Islands sounded like an experience not to be missed – until I went there myself.

  • Benjamin Preiss
Millions of Australians are still falling victim to scams every year.

These four scams could cost you thousands. Here’s how to spot them

In Australia, more than $2.1 billion was lost to financial scams between 2020 and 2025. Sadly, the true figure is likely even higher.

  • Victoria Devine
Craig Baills and his 17-year-old son Angus were the targets of a sports sponsorship scam.

Angus was offered a $3.5 million racing deal. Then he received a death threat

In a sport where financial support is the difference between greatness or failure, race car drivers are particularly vulnerable to online scams.

  • Frances Howe
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Criminals were able to successfully target HSBC’s Australian customers for years.

After years of blaming victims and denying fault for scams, HSBC gives up fight in court

The bank’s Australian customers lost over $100 million to scams; many of those ripped off thought they were speaking to bank staff.

  • Aisha Dow
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A shakedown from the great beyond

And a number crunch in the riff.

Perth resident and mother of six, Leah Lewis, was scammed out of $4540 in 2025.

Leah thought she prevented a scam. Then her ‘bank’ called

A total of 773 people were scammed out of $24 million in 2025 with investment scams catching people out the most.

  • Indigo Lemay-Conway
Dominique Grubisa is arguably one of Australia’s most persistent scammers.

Meet Australia’s most persistent scammer, now ascending to the cloud

Dominique Eva Grubisa made a career and a fortune out of what courts now say was misleading and deceptive conduct. Nothing, so far, can stop her.

  • Michael Bachelard