Age Verification Scams

As Australia settles into the new social media age restrictions, a new wave of opportunistic criminals has emerged. The National Anti-Scam Centre is warning Australians—particularly young people and their parents—to be on high alert for scams exploiting these legislative changes.
​

With laws requiring platforms to take "reasonable steps" to prevent users under 16 from holding accounts, scammers are using the confusion to steal personal data and money. Here are the four primary tactics currently being used:

• Platform Impersonation: You receive a message from what looks like a social media company or an age-verification service. They claim you must "verify your age immediately" or face permanent account deletion. These messages often contain links to phishing sites designed to steal your ID or login credentials.
• Government & Law Enforcement Scams: Scammers pretend to be from a government agency, claiming you or your child has breached the new laws. They often threaten heavy fines and demand "proof of age" documents or immediate payment to "resolve" the legal issue.
• Fake ID & "Verified" Account Offers: Targeting those under the age limit, criminals offer to sell fake digital IDs or pre-verified accounts for a fee. Once the money is sent, the scammer disappears, or the provided account is instantly banned.
• The "Hi Mum" Twist: In a variation of the notorious family impersonation scam, criminals message parents pretending to be their child. They claim they are locked out of their account due to the new age rules and need the parent's credit card or ID details to "verify" them and get back online.

How to Stay Protected: The golden rule is to Stop, Check, and Protect. Legitimate social media platforms will not ask for payment to verify your age, nor will the government text you threatening fines for using an app.
​
Before clicking any links, go directly to the official website of the social media platform or the eSafety Commissioner to check the actual requirements. If you suspect you’ve been targeted, report it immediately to Scamwatch.gov.au.
​

Ep356

Image created by AI