Consumer scam warning - WA ScamNet

Consumers looking for loans online are again being stung by paying fees or charges upfront to scammers who have stolen the identity of legitimate credit providers.

In the latest case reported to Consumer Protection, a small Sydney based operator, Finance Money Australia Pty Ltd, had their identity stolen.

A WA consumer has lost $4,000 by paying upfront taxes and insurance fees for an unsecured loan. Consumers throughout Australia are feared to have lost up to $20,000 after falling victim to the fake website. This website has now been closed down. 

This type of scam targets consumers who may have had difficulties getting loans from traditional sources. 

Consumers are warned to:

• not reply to what may be a scam email
• not click on links in these emails and 
• be wary of online ads.

You can report scams to WA ScamNet via email or by calling 1300 30 40 54.