- Families and young people likely target for social media age restriction scams
- Scammers may pretend to be platforms, age-check services or the Government
Western Australians affected by the social media age restrictions are urged to be on high alert for potential scams while they navigate the changes to the law.
From today, it is the law that some social media platforms are no longer allowed to let Australians under the age of 16 create or have an account.
WA ScamNet, part of the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety's Consumer Protection division, is warning young people, their families and general social media users they could become primary targets for several well-known scams as opportunistic criminals look to capitalise on confusion.
A scammer may send fake messages or emails that appear to come from a social media platform or an age verification service warning that an account will be locked unless the user supplies personal details to "prove" their age.
Scammers may also pretend to be from the Government or police and will claim the new law has been broken and personal identification must be provided or a fine is to be paid to avoid further legal trouble.
The "Hi Mum" scam, may also reappear in a new form, with scammers posing as teens aged 16 or older and asking parents to help them verify their account.
Young people need to be aware they may get offers online that promise fake identification or access to age-verified accounts in exchange for payment.
In all these cases, the aim is to steal personal information or money or both.
Tips to stay safe from these scams:
- Practice the pause before responding to anything that feels urgent or unusual. No legitimate platform will pressure someone act immediately or ask for payment connected to the new laws.
- Become familiar with how social media platforms are communicating with users about age rules and verification. This will help identify whether messages are genuine. This information can be in the 'Help' or 'Support' sections.
- Do not click on links or download attachments or apps unless they're from a verified source.
Scams can be reported through the WA ScamNet website: www.scamnet.wa.gov.au
Parents and carers who would like more details about the changes can visit the eSafety Commissioner's Social Media Age Restrictions Hub at www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/industry-regulation/social-media-age-restrictions-hub
As stated by Commerce Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"The Cook Labor Government supports the Federal changes to legislation that protect our young people from the pressure and risks associated with being on social media.
"We want Western Australian families to take the time to talk with their children about scam prevention and help them recognise the common red flags.
"Staying informed and talking openly about online safety and scams as a family can make a significant difference in taking away power from scammers."
