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More time at home means many Australians now have the opportunity to re-assess their lifestyle and spending habits and set some serious saving goals. So how can you actually go about it?

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In this episode of The nestegg Podcast, host Grace Ormsby is joined by Melbourne-based Reventon’s Billie Christofi to talk all things finance and the impact of isolation on our hip pockets.

In stage 4 lockdown, Billie shares the importance of going back to basics when it comes to budgeting, methods to re-assess spending habits, and some of the less conventional ways people can boost their wealth at this time.

Thanks Billie, for sharing your insights with the nestegg podcast team!

Have an investment story to share? Get in touch at [email protected] and you might get featured on an upcoming episode!

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Super scammers get latest kick from cold calls

By Grace Ormsby

April 06 2020
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Super scammers get latest kick from cold calls

By Grace Ormsby
April 06 2020

Australians are being warned to beware of cold calls offering early access to superannuation through the new government stimulus scheme.

Super scammers get latest kick from cold calls

By Grace Ormsby

April 06 2020
Share

Australians are being warned to beware of cold calls offering early access to superannuation through the new government stimulus scheme.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has said scammers are now trying to exploit Australians financially impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, with new superannuation scams being reported to the watchdog.

In particular, it has noted an increase since the government’s announcement that Australians would be able to access up to $10,000 this financial year and $10,000 next financial year from their superannuation if they are financially vulnerable.

The consumer watchdog’s deputy chair, Delia Rickard, outlined that “scammers are cold-calling people claiming to be from organisations that can help you get early access to your super”.

“For most people, outside of their home, superannuation is their greatest asset and you can’t be too careful about protecting it.”

“The Australian Taxation Office is coordinating the early release of super through myGov and there is no need to involve a third party or pay a fee to get access under this scheme,” she stated.

She is advising Australians to never follow a hyperlink to reach the myGov website.

“Instead, you should always type the full name of the website into your browser yourself.”

The ACCC said that since the government announcement, there had been 87 reports of these scams, but no reported losses.

In most cases, the scammers are seeking to obtain personal information, including information that would help them fraudulently access a victim’s superannuation funds.

“While older people are more commonly affected by superannuation scams, the new early-access scheme means a range of age groups are now experiencing these scams,” Ms Rickard said.

“We also have reports of scammers offering to check if a person’s super account is eligible for various benefits or claiming the new scheme will lock people out of their accounts,” the deputy chair continued.

Last year alone, Australians lost more than $6 million to superannuation scams.

Ms Rickard is urging everyone to “never give any information about your superannuation to someone who has contacted you”.

“Don’t let them try to pressure you to make a decision immediately, take your time and consider who you might be dealing with.”

She also warned super fund members to “be wary of callers who claim to be from a government authority asking about your super”.

“Hang up and call the organisation directly by doing an independent search for their contact details,” Ms Rickard said.

Anyone who has provided information about their superannuation to a scammer is advised to immediately contact their superannuation institution.

Where personal or banking details have also been provided, contact your financial institution.

nestegg has previously reported on the stance that early access to super should be a “last resort” only amid the current pandemic.

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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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