Sarah and Laine Robinson’s dream of homeownership turned into a nightmare when they unknowingly transferred $252,000 of their deposit into a scam account just days before settlement on their Gold Coast property.
Despite taking precautions, including hiring professionals, the couple fell victim to a sophisticated spear phishing attack, as reported by the ABC. Emails impersonating their conveyancer contained correct transaction details but used a subtly altered email address.
The devastating loss led to an investigation, with only $82,000 of the stolen funds recovered so far. The Robinsons expressed anger at their bank, ANZ, for not identifying the scam earlier, despite a late-night call asking them to confirm the account details.
As cybercrime evolves, targeting high-value transactions with increasing precision, experts warn of the rising risks posed by advanced scams.
Security specialist Philip Goldie highlighted how criminals now focus on specific scenarios, like home purchases, to maximise financial impact.
With artificial intelligence enabling more efficient phishing strategies, Goldie advises individuals to safeguard their email accounts with strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.
The Robinsons, sharing their story to warn others, emphasized the importance of vigilance and double-checking all financial transactions, especially in an era where digital banking can leave individuals vulnerable to life-altering losses.
Image credit: Tierra Mallorca
The only way to secure a property transaction in both Oz & NZ is to meet with the ID-verified Realtors, Banksters and Solicitors / Property Conveyance persons IN PERSON!
No e-mailing, no electronic transfers without verifications from the above parties IN PERSON, and perhaps mortagees can investigate if Mortgage Insurance also covers such scenarios of fraud, theft, and criminal negligence.
I can’t help but wonder IF the Robinsons were targeted for this type of activity; after all,, the Zionist status-quo seems to insure that only certain people, families and parties can ‘get ahead’ while robbing those not ‘in the know’ of their savings and properties!
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/10718939/How-Bells-block-was-snatched-away-legally
Check this out…
https://www.targetedjustice.com/
This will be implemented with ‘Social Credit’ and you can rest assured that the Zio-Globalists will cut us off from not only utilities, access to food and services, but will also attempt to steal our properties when we are unable to pay our rates, and they then move in and take to our properties for ‘non-payment of rates’ based on being unable to access our bank accounts to pay the same!!!