Australians lose $70 million to fake porn scam

A fake porn scam has duped thousands of Australians out of $70 million in the past year alone, ACCC figures have revealed.

The scam is one of many hoaxes that claimed 20,000 victims last year, says Crime Stoppers, which presented statistics as part of this week’s national cyber security awareness week.

This particular porn scam tricks people who have sold and sent electronics such as cameras, phones or computers overseas by claiming they contain illegal pornographic material.

Once payment has been received, an ‘official’ letter from a foreign customs office arrives, warning the recipient they have breached import laws and must pay a fine or face severe consequences.

Other popular scams last year included a shipping agent con and a cross-border customs scam which both targeted small business owners.