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On this episode of The nestegg Podcast, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic and three experts discuss the ups and downs of online auctions, the power of activist short-sellers, and tax time 2021.

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Steve Waters, director of Right Property Group, chats about online auctions and why they resemble “a bad Zoom meeting”, the growing resilience of the property market, and how Sydney’s lengthy lockdown could shake things up.

RMIT’s senior lecturer of finance, Dr Angel Zhong, delves into short selling – the original trade that sent GameStop stock soaring – and how activist short-sellers are impacting markets.

And lastly, tax and super guru Timothy Munro talks about those early tax lodgers and possible ramifications, as well as detailing the temporary shortcut method, which you may be able to use this tax time.

Have a question for our experts? Get in touch at [email protected] and you might get featured on the next episode.

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7 important tips to avoid falling into an investment scam

By Grace Ormsby

June 16 2020
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7 important tips to avoid falling into an investment scam

By Grace Ormsby
June 16 2020

With the news that Western Australians alone have lost nearly $5 million to investment scams this financial year, WA ScamNet has provided some insight on how consumers can avoid falling into such financial traps.

7 important tips to avoid falling into an investment scam

By Grace Ormsby

June 16 2020
Share

According to Consumer Protection’s ScamNet, the scams that saw financial loss saw victims responding to cold callers, emails and “enticing” advertisements on social media where false claims of low risk and high returns were made.

Bogus investments on offer included shares, foreign exchange, binary options and cryptocurrencies.

Some of the scams even used stolen images of celebrities and prominent business people to give the impression of authenticity, while some victims were presented with “investment opportunities” after the establishment of an online relationship through dating websites and apps.

Over the last financial year alone, investment scams lost WA individuals around $77,000 on average – a “substantial” amount of money, Consumer Protection commissioner Lanie Chopping commented.

To avoid falling into a similar trap, Ms Chopping said, “If someone’s telling you about a way to make easy, fast money and putting significant pressure on you to invest big with a promise of high returns, be sceptical and discuss it with someone you trust.”

She highlighted that investment scams “are backed up by clever salespeople who use hard sell tactics and fake evidence of high returns to get people to part with their money”.

With professional-looking fake websites and personal online accounts showing a growing balance, the commissioner said numerous tactics are often used to make investment scams look legitimate.

“It’s not until the investor asks to withdraw money that there is any indication that it’s a scam and a variety of excuses are used as to why withdrawals can’t be made,” she conceded.

In certain cases, Ms Chopping revealed how scammers do allow for small amounts to be returned, “hoping that greater confidence from the victim will result in more money being invested in the future”.

Investment promotion in Australia is a strictly regulated activity, so Ms Chopping has advised investors that they “should only deal with companies and agents that are registered with ASIC”.

Even then, she advised anyone who is looking to make an investment to stay alert: “Sometimes the identity of legitimate traders are stolen along with their ABN and registration details.”

“Independently contact the business to confirm that you are dealing with the real one before transferring any of your money and get advice from licensed financial advisers,” she urged.

Here are ScamNet’s top seven tips to avoid being caught up in an investment scam:

Don’t respond to emails and phone calls from strangers offering predictions on shares, investment tips or investment advice.
Always be suspicious of offers to sell you shares, cryptocurrency or a chance to take part in Binary Options Trading.

Be even more cautious where the so-called “company” is based overseas.

Do your own research before you invest.

Don’t invest what you cannot afford to lose.

If someone is telling you about a way to make fast and easy money, ask yourself: “Is this too good to be true?”

It’s highly likely you are receiving significant pressure about the investment and are also being promised high returns.

If this ever happens to you, discuss the matter with someone you trust.

Research thoroughly

WA ScamNet has recommended both carrying out your own research before investing money and getting independent financial advice from a licensed financial adviser.

Check out moneysmart’s list of companies you should not deal with

If a company is on this list, do not deal with them. They are unlicensed and have been known to make unsolicited calls and emails about financial services or products.

Seek further assistance in verifying investment offers

If you are unsure as to whether an investment offer is a scam, WA ScamNet can provide further information via their website and will also assist with business verification and investment legitimacy queries.

Did you enjoy this article? You may also be interested in:

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About the author

Grace Ormsby

Grace is a journalist on Momentum Media's nestegg. She enjoys being able to provide easy to digest information and practical tips for Australians with regard to their wealth, as well as having a platform on which to engage leading experts and commentators and leverage their insight.

About the author

Grace Ormsby

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