Following the recent conclusion of national Scams Awareness Week (24 – 28 August), the St Vincent de Paul Society is urging Australians to remain vigilant as cybercriminals increasingly use artificial intelligence to impersonate trusted organisations and target people experiencing hardship.
St Vincent de Paul Society National President Mark Gaetani said advances in AI were making scams more convincing through fake websites, emails, messages and phone calls that closely imitate legitimate organisations.
“Scams are becoming more prevalent and more complex,” Mr Gaetani said. “AI now gives criminals the ability to replicate authentic websites, branding and communications with alarming accuracy. This makes it harder for people to distinguish a genuine service from a fraudulent one.
“Sadly, scammers often target people who are already doing it tough, including people seeking financial assistance, housing support or help with essential bills. Exploiting someone’s trust at a time of hardship is unconscionable.”
Mr Gaetani said the Society’s hard-earned reputation was being misused by cybercriminals attempting to gain access to personal, financial and government information.
“Every scam carried out in our name risks causing harm to individuals and undermining confidence in services people rely on,” he said.
“It also redirects the Society’s resources from our important mission as our teams work to identify, respond to and counter fraudulent activity. We must remain vigilant and the public’s awareness is an essential part of preventing harm.”
Mr Gaetani reminded Australians that the St Vincent de Paul Society never asks for bank account or Centrelink details online or over the phone; does not offer low-interest loans; and will not pressure anyone to provide personal information, make an urgent payment or click on an unsolicited link.
“If you receive a message, call, email or see a digital advertisement claiming to be from the St Vincent de Paul Society and something does not feel right, stop and check before responding,” Mr Gaetani advised.
“Do not provide personal or financial information. Contact the Society through our official channels to verify the communication, and report suspected scams using our name to us directly on 13 18 12.”
Mr Gaetani said the issue also reinforced the importance of the Australian Government’s Blueprint for the Not-For-Profit Sector, including practical support that enables charities and community organisations to operate safely and securely in an increasingly dangerous digital environment.
“NFP organisations deliver essential services that communities have come to rely on, often supporting people at their most vulnerable times,” he said.
“For the sector to continue that work safely, it needs appropriate government support to strengthen cyber security, protect the people it serves, and respond effectively when trusted organisations are impersonated by criminals.
“A strong, secure and properly supported NFP sector is vital to the wellbeing of the Australian community.”