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Free: The Little Black Book of Scams @ ACCC (Published Dec 2016)

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Free: The Little Black Book of Scams @ ACCC (Published Dec 2016)
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altomic on 28/01/2019 - 21:06 accc.gov.au (7180 clicks)
Last edited 28/01/2019 - 22:54 by 1 other user

It has been nearly 2 years since this was lasted posted.

The best way to protect yourself is through awareness and education. The Little Black Book of Scams is recognised internationally as an important tool for consumers and small businesses to learn about scams including:

the most common scams to watch out for
the different ways scammers can contact you
the tools scammers use to trick you
the warning signs
how to protect yourself, and
where you can find help.

Available in PDF, Word, audiobook, or delivered free as a hard copy.

you can also order direct through me by providing your credit card number, expiry date and 3 digit security code.

Mod Update: Hardcopy not available.

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closed Comments

  • iMagoo on 28/01/2019 - 21:07
    +24

    Step 1: exercise common sense.

    • Lizard Spock on 28/01/2019 - 21:09
      +49

      Common sense is no longer common

      • X3 on 29/01/2019 - 02:04
        +5

        Step 1.1 : exercise uncommon sense

        • HeartFeltAxe on 29/01/2019 - 10:39
          +4

          Alright, I think this is enough exercise for one post thank you very much.

    • pinchies on 28/01/2019 - 21:16
      +6

      Step 2: If it's too good to be true, it probably is.

      • dm01 on 28/01/2019 - 21:25
        +66

        A free hard copy book to help me protect myself from scams? Sounds too good to be true…

      • Make it so on 28/01/2019 - 21:35
        +5

        Except on Ozbargain, where cashbacks, coupons, sales and pricebeats are combined through the power of crowdsourcing to result in prices below cost :)

        • AlienC on 29/01/2019 - 02:39
          +2

          But that's different yo because we are mathematical loop hopping mathematical genius magicians.

        • resisting the urge on 30/01/2019 - 00:44

          And where many give away their data to big data, big gov, and big crime (world + dog) when required to register, collect or pay (in ways that make many of us take leave of any sense we have, be it common or otherwise)

          • Make it so on 30/01/2019 - 00:48

            @resisting the urge: Mostly fake data. I don't mind if they know that I was born on 1 January of a variable year, and they can have my 4-year-old-expired VoIP phone number anytime :)
            Most other data is either not hard to find, or unavoidable to give out to third parties assuming you want to have any form of a life that does not involve a cave.

            • resisting the urge on 30/01/2019 - 14:32

              @Make it so: Maybe, but they know more about the fake aspects of the data you provide than you might think as it is so easy to cross-check to related information sources to score the assets they collect on you. Don't get me wrong, it is natural to ignore, get miserable, even feel utterly defeated. The reality is that actively resisting those offering the cheapest lollies helps because it gives the most promiscuous data collectors them less info to go off and fewer opportunities for everyone to verify and update what they have.

      • RocketSwitch on 29/01/2019 - 10:05
        +1

        You know how many deals I would have missed out on if I applied this.

        I would have a lot of money though lol

      • Andard on 29/01/2019 - 10:31
        +1

        You should write for the ACCC!

        Page 11:

        Remember there are no get-rich-quick schemes: if it sounds too good to be true it probably is.

    • hokonfan on 29/01/2019 - 11:08

      is there a free common sense course ?

  • diceman99 on 28/01/2019 - 21:07
    +2

    Ill give u my credit card details after ive read book. 😄

  • PlagueistheCheap on 28/01/2019 - 21:09
    +5

    Works well with this deal
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/435003

    • Lizard Spock on 28/01/2019 - 21:11
      +12

      Thanks for the link. Now I can use those gift cards to pay the thousands of unpaid taxes I didn’t know I owed to the ATO.

  • User2049 on 28/01/2019 - 21:14
    +3

    Order hardcopy
    Hardcopy not available.

    • Lizard Spock on 28/01/2019 - 21:18
      +36

      No problem my friend. Send me your sort code and bank details and I will send you the Hardest Copy the moneys can buy

      • PorkHunt on 28/01/2019 - 23:32
        +2

        PM Sent.

    • jimmyjrg on 29/01/2019 - 14:37

      Most libraries have these available, at least in Victoria from what I've seen.

  • SlappersOnly on 28/01/2019 - 21:17
    +4

    you can also order direct through me by providing your credit card number, expiry date and 3 digit security code.

    Argh, I hate signing up for free shit and I still need to enter my credit card details :p

    • [Deactivated] on 28/01/2019 - 21:18

      Could set up a temporary card from somewhere like Privacy if you don't trust them or their security.

      Edit: Apparently privacy is only for americans.

      • SlappersOnly on 28/01/2019 - 21:23
        +1

        All good. It was a joke about old mate trying to scam everyone

  • choister on 28/01/2019 - 21:28

    Protection against property "research" houses as well??

  • SpaceNinja on 28/01/2019 - 21:30

    thanks

  • LowRange on 28/01/2019 - 21:31
    +19

    Page #45 - Ebay price jacking.

  • spaceflight on 28/01/2019 - 21:36
    +11

    Can I buy 3 copies. Send them to my credit card address.

    5610 5910 8101 8250
    03/20
    664

    For security my CVV is backwards.

    • dangerdanger on 28/01/2019 - 21:38
      +1

      Hey, that's my credit card details!

      • spaceflight on 28/01/2019 - 21:44
        +2

        You must have a different expiry date to mine.

    • salmon123 on 28/01/2019 - 21:40
      +1

      What's your PIN number?

      • spaceflight on 28/01/2019 - 21:42
        +12

        I use my expiry date because I won't forget it when it's on the card.

      • moorey on 28/01/2019 - 23:48
        +5

        Here's mine, but for some reason it keeps getting censored: ****
        Can you try yours?

  • salmon123 on 28/01/2019 - 21:39
    +9

    Excellent book. I'm selling some used electronic copies in the ozb classifieds. PM me, if you're interested.

    • bargainparker on 28/01/2019 - 22:00
      +2

      I'll buy it. Send me $100 in 5c coins so it's not traceable.

  • [Deactivated] on 28/01/2019 - 21:40

    Thank you. Is this available in other language?

    • jv on 28/01/2019 - 21:48
      +7

      Australian.

      • [Deactivated] on 28/01/2019 - 22:54
        -8

        No such language. It’s english

        • jv on 28/01/2019 - 23:05
          +11

          Strayan

      • [Deactivated] on 29/01/2019 - 07:55
        +5

        Need to give it to my mum who can't read or speak English. She gets this random Chinese calls telling her winning things.

        Her old mind genuinely believes that she wins stuff for free.

        • SomeGuyOnOzB on 29/01/2019 - 13:51

          or does she enjoy driving you crazy … telling you that she believes it?

  • shortgum on 28/01/2019 - 21:40

    Pls take my money.

    4088 5605 0106 0727
    05/19
    077

    • Stealthzor on 28/01/2019 - 21:46
      +1

      is the CVV backwards ?

    • jv on 28/01/2019 - 21:50

      That's a valid VISA card

  • Porygon2 on 28/01/2019 - 21:41

    Sounds like a prop from an Ed, Edd n Eddy episode

  • Aerith-Waifu on 28/01/2019 - 21:43

    Pass

  • Japius on 28/01/2019 - 21:57

    “Hard copy not available”

  • lambsie on 28/01/2019 - 21:59
    +1

    Looks like hardcopy isn't available.

    Will send an email through to see if I can get a few class sets to use as a teaching resource (commerce). You'd be surprised how little common sense kids have now.

  • [Deactivated] on 28/01/2019 - 22:04
    +10

    I like how ACCC has pyramids in it.

    • Pantagonist on 28/01/2019 - 22:08
      +11

      Illuminati confirmed.

  • lazybones1987 on 28/01/2019 - 22:10
    +3

    I need 4 copies. Does anyone have addresses of the Big 4 banks?

    • orangetrain on 29/01/2019 - 08:23

      The Big 4 banks do need new tips lately.

  • [Deactivated] on 28/01/2019 - 22:12

    :) free book - how to scam 101

  • mateoka on 28/01/2019 - 22:27
    +2

    The ACCC is a scam in itself. Has become so corrupt and politicised that it needs to be abolished.

    • Wystri Warrick on 28/01/2019 - 22:58
      +2

      That you Tony?

      • Mechz on 28/01/2019 - 23:13
        +8

        It's Rupert with his hand up one of his muppets' arse.

    • Diji1 on 28/01/2019 - 23:29
      +8

      It's an organisation set up to organise the economy according to neoliberal economic theory. The only problem is the theory is a complete failure as evidenced by the privatisation disaster and the 2008 GFC.

      The ACCC is the enemy of anyone who wants lower electricity prices as they've found that privatisation has completely failed in their reports - but then recommended keeping the failed system while setting the price itself just like it was nationalised.

      So the ACCC wants to rip you off. Professor Rod Sims is an out of touch douchbag who thinks consumers don't mind electricity blackouts and thinks 5G wireless communication is going to make fibre obsolete (seriously, he's a rube) and he subscribes to neoliberal economic theory that is bankrupt.

      • abc on 29/01/2019 - 09:21

        When are economists ever correct? They are just dartboard "analysts" that get paid for gambling on the premise of 'endless growth'.

      • Wystri Warrick on 29/01/2019 - 19:41
        +1

        Diji1 what's your views on the economist Richard D. Wolff?

        Recently watched this video, democracy in the workplace, sounds nice.

      • Wardaddy on 03/02/2019 - 11:49
        +1

        Yeh mate, things are much better in Venezuela, Cuba, China. Funny how they all want to come here though.

  • pippohippo on 28/01/2019 - 22:27
    +1

    You'll need to email them for hardcopy.

    OP please update.

    Individuals and community organisations can place an order for The little black book of scams by emailing [email protected] (link sends e-mail) or by contacting the Infocentre on 1300 302 502. We only deliver to addresses within Australia.

  • BargainCowboy on 28/01/2019 - 22:31
    +1

    Define irony - someone reported this deal as Spam.

    • avgbowlofpho on 28/01/2019 - 22:33
      +1

      I think you mean scam

  • Illyria on 28/01/2019 - 22:44

    This had me interested until I realised it wasn't a book that teaches one how to become a scammer.

    • Miss B on 28/01/2019 - 22:57
      +2

      It kind of is. Just possibly not a very good one.

    • chyawala on 29/01/2019 - 07:15
      +1

      For that you need a book on politics.

  • itsTricky83 on 28/01/2019 - 22:49

    I ordered a ton of these back when they were first released. I have a drawer full of them but don't worry, they aren't going to waste. I love throwing the little black book at all the stupid people who come to me saying they got scammed!

  • [Deactivated] on 28/01/2019 - 22:53

    Was looking for work, It’s sorted now, thanks

  • tonee88 on 28/01/2019 - 22:53

    Damn nothing about Pyramid schemes. I've got a friend who thinks he's in a legitimate business by signing people up, would be a good way to tell him he's part of a pyramid.

  • salmon123 on 28/01/2019 - 23:06
    -4

    I got some of these thinking little black books were useful for keeping track of tinder victories. What a scam … they already had writing in them.

  • Clear on 28/01/2019 - 23:16

    That moment when you see people you know sharing this all over social media :)

  • cantstanzya on 28/01/2019 - 23:17

    You don't need this book when you read ozbargains highlighted discussion topics daily.

  • CrankyCarrot on 28/01/2019 - 23:37

    I had a scam-ish kind of call the other day, words were exchanged before we got to the tricky bit so I'm not sure what the ploy was.

    The guy was asking if I was happy with the "Do not call," service I was with, to which I replied "No," as it had ironically not prevented the very call I was on.

    I'm curious what the scam would have been if things didn't deteriorate into childish name calling. Would I have been asked to provide credit card details to continue my alleged "membership," or…?

    Anyone had this or similar?

  • Bargainarse on 29/01/2019 - 00:26
    +22

    As the guy who started the original Little Black Book of Scams back in 1997 at the the NSW Department of Fair Trading and then re-introduced it federally plus the Scamwatch web site while working for Treasury in Canberra, I'm chuffed that this is still kicking on - my main legacy of working in the public service :). For the twenty-odd years (very odd years) I worked in Consumer Affairs, I was always amazed at the scams people fell for and the scammers who got away with fiscal murder. As Popeye might say, "I hope this lil' old book edumafactes peeples."

    • Zazer on 29/01/2019 - 00:31
      +2

      Awesome! Nice job :)

    • dammit on 29/01/2019 - 00:34
      +1

      Nice work!

    • justabargainhunter on 29/01/2019 - 08:49

      Excellent job buddy. People like you make the world a better place - I'm sure this has helped many many people. Thank you :)

      • Bargainarse on 29/01/2019 - 09:39
        +5

        Thank you. That's very kind. It was hard convincing Treasury to do this and the Scamwatch web site back in the day but we managed to get all the states and territories on board and that kind of swung it. We started by raking through all the stats on consumer fraud to prioritize subjects(really the tip of the iceberg, as a lot of scams go unreported due to embarrassment) and spoke to victims to work out how they fell for different scams (psychologically that is and, yes, even smart people get suckered). We took a general approach as advice on specific scams is like playing Whack-a-Mole because they keep disappearing and changing every month. But we also felt it was vital that Scamwatch act as an up-to-date alert site for current scams with co-ordinated reports from the feds and the states and territories. This was patchy at first, but I'm glad it see it is working pretty well these days. Of course, the smarter scammers will continually phoenix their operations under different people or structures and it is very hard to stop the boiler rooms of Asia (partly on interjurisdictional logisitcs but also because some foreign governments knowingly turn a blind eye). That's why education is important. Although, as pointed out in another post, our main worry at the time was whether the book would turn out to be a How-to manual for would-be scammers. :)

        • TheSmegger on 29/01/2019 - 11:19

          This should go hand in hand with, The Little Book of Calm!

        • justabargainhunter on 29/01/2019 - 11:30
          +1

          I think your approach to provide general outline is a good approach. While the specifics vary, the general outline of the scams is similar so educating people in that way is best. Then up to people to apply some common sense to what they learn from the book.

          Good effort on battling to get it implemented :)

  • dammit on 29/01/2019 - 00:34

    Centrelink called me out of the blue the other day and said they needed me to provide full name, dob and address before they could continue. I said I can’t trust that it really is them and I would prefer to call them back. The trouble is their main 13 number often takes over 1 hour to get through if you’re lucky so either have to weigh up potentially giving your details to a scammer or wasting an hour of your time calling them back!

    I gave them my details and luckily it was legit. They were calling me about a reconciliation they did incorrectly from two years ago! …

  • [Deactivated] on 29/01/2019 - 00:42
    +1

    THE ONLY TRUE SCAM SOLUTION: It’s better not to have any money. Then you won’t get scammed 100% guaranteed or your money back

    • nahi11 on 29/01/2019 - 01:04
      +1

      Do you understand debt? It's quite easy and likely to go from zero to negative.

      • [Deactivated] on 29/01/2019 - 01:29
        +1

        You can have less than empty pockets

  • Cyrup on 29/01/2019 - 01:33
    +8

    I suppose in a world where The Checkout no longer exists, this will have to do.

    • TheSmegger on 29/01/2019 - 11:21
      +4

      I was so pissed that was axed. Great show.

  • Munki on 29/01/2019 - 01:59
    +4

    Don't listen to this book. Paid all my ATO debt through iTunes gift cards.

  • aussiedogga on 29/01/2019 - 08:11
    +2

    Is marriage one of the scams identified? Should be.

    • Gandalf the Thrifty on 29/01/2019 - 09:18

      No that woman from Russia / Eastern Europe in your emails is totally legit wanting to be with you

      • Munki on 29/01/2019 - 09:29
        +2

        Why would you want to settle with one Russian woman when there are plenty of singles in your area who are ready to mingle?

  • ozbargainsam on 29/01/2019 - 09:00

    Hmm. I can only see the four digit security code. Will that do?

    Oh wait, here's a card with a three digit code, I'll give that one to you instead…

  • value-village on 29/01/2019 - 09:20

    Thanks. Great read.

  • JIMB0 on 29/01/2019 - 09:32

    Bit disappointed this is about how not to get scammed rather than a guide on how to run a scam.

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