Human ingenuity is a great thing. It has enabled the human race to set foot on the moon and to devise world communication in the form of the Internet - but it also has its downside !
As fast as one security arrangement is put in place that same ingenuity creates a new scam to enrich the perpetrators by robbing innocent people.
The latest plan being worked by the scammers involves identity theft. Mail boxes are plundered to obtain superannuation statements and information that can be used to create the householders supposed identity.
New bank accounts are then opened and a fictitious self managed superannuation scheme created - then the genuine superannuation fund is contacted and convinced that their client wishes to roll over the capital into the fictional fund.
It is done with finesse - and it has proved very successful !
There will be a flurry of counter measures. Householders are advised to use a secure, locked mailbox - or if that is impossible - to consider renting a post office mail box.
Superannuation funds will no doubt put in place confirmation measures to make security contact with their customers whenever any major withdrawal or change of arrangements is signalled.
To some, this may seem a tedious waste of time, but just as banks carefully scrutinise customer accounts for transactions that seem out of character, making superannuation secure is in the interests of both that company and it's customers.
Another security hole will be plugged - but robbery scams are a game that never ends. The human mind will devise more ways of getting at victim's money.
It is a case of always being prepared for the unexpected !
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