Australian Federal Police issue dramatic warning in ‘Gen Z language’ about Black Friday cyber security: ‘Some of these scammers have major rizz fr’
An attempt by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to warn young shoppers about online Black Friday scams using Gen Z jargon has upped the cringe factor to deliver an important message.
The national agency says Generation Z is likely to be targeted by hackers because they spend most of their time online.
As part of efforts to help younger Australians avoid falling victim to cybercrime, the AFP has released a youth-friendly message using current slang terms that feel just a bit ‘try hard’.
Younger Aussies (pictured) have been urged to follow the authorities’ advice and not fall victim to cybercrime. Authorities warn of scams during the Black Friday sales period.
“According to statistics, we (Gen Z) are the most likely to be scammed. So that’s not death!!!!’ read the AFP release.
“Some of these scammers have (real) great charm, you wouldn’t even know they are scamming.”
AFP Cybercrime Acting Commander Grace Calma told Ny Breaking Australia the initiative was launched in an effort to raise awareness about scammers in an accessible way.
“Cybercrime is the breakthrough of the 21st century,” said Acting Commander Calma.
“They (Gen Z) are more online, which puts them at risk of becoming victims of cybercrime.”
Nearly 31 percent of young people aged 18 to 24 reported having their devices hacked in the past year, according to figures from the Australian Institute of Criminology’s latest cybercrime report.
This cohort also had the highest percentage of fraud and scams committed against them: just over 13 percent, while almost 40 percent experienced online abuse and harassment.
However, those aged 50 reported the lowest levels of cybercrime committed against them, while those aged between 50 and 64 were the least likely to be targeted by fraud and scams.
Acting Commander Calma said cybercriminals target people in different ways depending on their age.
She said it is important for younger Aussies to keep themselves safe during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales period.
Figures show that people between the ages of 18 and 24 are more likely to be victims of scams and fraud and are also more susceptible to malware attacks
Aussies have been urged to ensure they protect themselves during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales period by taking steps to protect themselves when shopping online
“People will be shopping online a lot more in the run-up to Christmas,” she said.
“If you see anything suspicious or unexpected on your bank transactions or on your phone bills… report it immediately.”
Those planning to shop online during the busy sales and festive period are also urged not to click on unreliable links.
People can protect themselves by creating longer passwords on their accounts and devices, and making sure they don’t share their personal information.
‘Use secure platforms for payments… look for security markers on websites when purchasing from them.’
There have been almost 2,800 reports of fake online stores causing Australians to lose more than half a million dollars in 2023.
Online shopping scams have claimed more than $6 million as of September 30, 2023.
Shoppers are tipped to spend more than $6 million during this year’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales period.