The ACCC is warning shoppers to be on the look-out for a fake Woolworths customer satisfaction survey that asks for bank account details in exchange for a $150 gift voucher. There has been a surge in reports to the ACCC with 140 complaints received since the scam resurfaced at the start of September.
“Last year, victims of this survey scam reported money stolen from their credit card with losses up to $1,000. Others were unwillingly subscribed to premium SMS services, which cost money for every SMS received.” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard commented.
Ms Rickard explained that scammers are sending this survey out of the blue – usually via social media or email – and asking you to complete questions before you can claim the voucher. They may also ask for banking details to complete the survey. If you are duped, you will find that the vouchers are fakes and retailers won’t honour them.
“Don’t trust the legitimacy of a survey linked from social networking sites, even if they are recommended by people you know. Alarm bells should ring if you are asked to provide bank account or credit-card details. If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your financial institution immediately.” Ms Rickard commented.