Westpac accuses Meta of failing to deal with scams after hundreds of customers affected – 19 August 2024
Westpac has accused Facebook owner Meta of failing to deal with scam posts through the social media platform, after hundreds of incidents over the past year impacted customers. The big four bank took aim at the social media giant in a letter to Meta on August 2, where it was noted that 360 scam incidents had been found by the bank since October last year, with some customers losing tens of thousands of dollars.
Australia’s ASIC Clamps Down on 615 Crypto Scams Amid Elections – 19 August 2024
ASIC intensified actions against crypto scams during Australia’s federal election period. They have shutdown over 600 cryptocurrency scams in the past year and more than 5,000 fake investment platforms. These scams have cost Australian consumers $1.3 billion in the last year alone. ASIC cooperated with other cybersecurity companies to identify and block the websites quickly. ASIC’s crackdown is part of a broader effort against fraudulent online investment platforms and phishing scam.
Australian gang leader pleads guilty to Colombia cocaine plot after elaborate $2m sting – 20 August 2024
An Australian national has pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to launder money and import cocaine from South America through the U.S. to Australia. U.S. officials said that between 2019 and 2021, 42 year old Jordan Curry “led an international drug trafficking and money laundering organisation”.
‘Dystopian’: Coles store in Melbourne slammed for huge number of security cameras installed above checkouts – 20 August 2024
A Coles store on the outskirts of Melbourne has copped a barrage of criticism after an image surfaced online appearing to show an overwhelming number of security cameras installed at the checkout area. At least 11 cameras can be seen suspended from the ceiling above the self-serve and regular checkout area. Coles say they use surveillance technologies in accordance with stringent privacy laws, and they have strict protocols in place around access to the footage.
Retail surveillance company Auror faces privacy investigation – 20 August 2024
Retail surveillance company Auror is under investigation by Australia’s privacy watchdog following a report into the Australian Federal Police’s (AFP) use of its software. Last year, Crikey revealed internal emails from the AFP showing that more than 100 members of its staff had used the software without any agency guardrails around its use.
https://www.crikey.com.au/2024/08/20/retail-surveillance-company-auror-faces-privacy-probe-afp/
ASIC Releases Damning Non-Major Bank Anti-Scam Findings – 20 August 2024
ASIC has released a report into the “less mature approach” to anti-scams strategy and governance of 15 banks outside the Big Four majors. The report examining scam prevention, detection and responses highlighted issues including significant variability in the maturity of scam strategies and governance, inconsistent and narrow approaches to determining liability and a lack of support for scam victims.
https://eastandpartners.com/news/asic-releases-damning-non-major-bank-anti-scam-findings/
Commissioner responds after whistleblower rips apart Queensland government department – 21 August 2024
The commissioner of the embattled government department (The Queensland Building and Construction Commission) has hit back after a whistleblower lifted the lid on what they claimed was a toxic work culture.
Whistleblower claims false survey data was provided to Australian defence department – 21 August 2024
An insider at a government-contracted market research firm is alleging it was “standard practice” to fabricate survey data on potential defence recruits for a military recruitment project. The allegations were made as part of a formal disclosure process as the insider seeks corporate whistleblower protection under federal law.
How a bank teller saved a man from losing $500k to investment scam – 21 August 2024
A westpac customer was eager to transfer $500,000 into an ING term deposit. A bank tellers intuition led her to double-check the banking details, where she discovered that the BSB didn’t match any ING account and it was a scam. The unusually high interest rate was also concerning and didn’t match ING rates on their website.
https://www.northweststar.com.au/story/8737009/westpac-teller-foils-500k-term-deposit-scam-in-victoria/
Labor suspends government work being done by firm accused of fabricating Indigenous data – 22 August 2024
A Whistleblower claims he was told to fabricate location data for AEC during Indigenous voice campaign and claims this false survey data. . He alleged this was done to cut costs while still presenting field research conducted with Indigenous Australians across metropolitan and regional areas.
Federal government orders investigation after ABC uncovers alleged bikie threats towards CFMEU over taxpayer-funded project – 22 August 2024
The ABC has uncovered allegations that Comancheros bikies are holding themselves out as “directors” of a security provider on a taxpayer-funded project in Brisbane and have threatened a CFMEU delegate. The security provider, Host Group, has denied having any links with the bikies.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-08-22/comancheros-bikies-government-project-bmd-cfmeu/104223674
PwC expecting six-month China ban over Evergrande audit – 22 August 2024
The auditor PwC China has reportedly told clients that it expects to receive a six-month ban from Chinese authorities, and potentially a large fine, as a punishment for its role in auditing the collapsed property developer Evergrande.
‘It’s an industry-wide issue’: Top lawyer says ‘more people coming forward’ after Four Corners’ Seven investigation – 22 August 2024
A Four Corners investigation has found Channel Seven uses non-disclosure agreements to silence staff who have made formal complaints of sexual harassment and unlawful discrimination. Article delves into the investigation and related interviews.
