An Aussie couple did all the right things to make sure they weren’t being scammed… but they still lost $250,000

An Aussie couple has lost almost $250,000 in a scam so sophisticated it went unnoticed even by professional banking staff.

Sunshine Coast couple Kerry O’Mahony and Kerry Littlejohn were looking for the best interest rate on their term deposit.

Thinking they had found the best offer through ING Australia, they clicked a link to what they thought was their website.

“I clicked on get a quote and within, I think, about a day or two after we did that, we got a call… from ING,” Ms O’Mahony said. A current issue.

A person posing as an ING employee emailed a fake quote, documents, contracts and payment instructions using the bank’s logos.

Kerry O’Mahony and Kerry Littlejohn (pictured) were looking for the best interest rate on their term deposit when they lost their savings

Thinking they had found the best offer through ING Australia, they clicked on a link to what they thought was their website

Thinking they had found the best offer through ING Australia, they clicked on a link to what they thought was their website

The couple went to their local Suncorp Bank branch and withdrew their money.

‘He looked [the emails] and then he said yes, it looks good, but if you are really worried you can call ING,” Ms O’Mahony said.

Mrs O’Mahony claims to have called ING in the presence of the counter employee.

She said she looked up the ING number via Google and called 13 34 64, but went straight to the scammers instead of the bank.

Ms O’Mahony was unaware that her phone had been spoofed by the scammers, meaning they had the ability to redirect her calls to pretend to be ING.

She said the Suncorp teller approved the transaction and $240,000 was transferred directly to the scammers.

Clearly, there were some telltale signs from the scammers that went unnoticed.

It is believed that the account details of what they thought was an ING account was actually a Commonwealth Bank account and that the email address used by the scammers was not an authorized ING email address.

Ms O’Mahony said the money had been withdrawn and then sent via various IP addresses around the world by the time they contacted the Commonwealth Bank about the scam.

The pair said their money was moved through various IP addresses around the world and by the time they contacted the Commonwealth Bank about the scam it was too late.

The pair said their money was moved through various IP addresses around the world and by the time they contacted the Commonwealth Bank about the scam it was too late.

Although the pair hold the scammers responsible for the ordeal, they believe Suncorp is also partly to blame.

‘I just felt that [Suncorp’s] The duty of care owed to us was unfortunately lacking,” Ms O’Mahony said.

The couple has filed a complaint with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority.

Suncorp said in a statement that the matter is currently under review and they are fully participating in that process.

“Suncorp Bank understands the impact that fraud and scams can have on individuals,” it said.

“Together with the banking industry, we are committed to implementing the measures set out in the Scam-Safe Accord, including checking account names for domestic payments.”

Daily Mail Australia contacted Suncorp Bank for further comment.

Protect yourself from scammers

Always stop, think and check before you act.

Scammers rely on you not noticing these warning signs because you’re in a hurry, don’t want to miss something that looks like a big deal, or because it looks like it’s from someone you trust.

It can be very difficult to spot a scam, but there are some warning signs to look out for:

– Scammers make you believe that you are getting an incredible deal or offer. They pressure you to act quickly so you don’t miss anything

– Scammers try to use your good character against you. They tell heartbreaking or tragic stories to convince you to help them and give money.

– Never automatically click on a link or attachment that you receive via email or text message. Scammers try to fool you and send you to scam websites designed to steal your information and money.

– Scammers don’t want you to take the time to think. They use techniques designed to catch you off guard and rush you, saying that if you don’t do it you will miss something or threatening that something bad will happen.

– If someone asks you to pay with pre-loaded debit cards, iTunes cards or virtual currencies like Bitcoin, chances are it’s a scam. Once this money is spent, you cannot get it back.

– If someone asks you to create a new bank account or PayID in order to pay (or be paid by them), this is a clear sign that you should be suspicious. There may be fraud or money laundering. Your bank will never ask you to open new accounts to keep your money safe.

Tips to protect yourself from these scams:

– STOP: Don’t give anyone money or personal information if you are unsure. Scammers offer to help you or ask you to verify who you are.

– THINK: Ask yourself if the message or call could be fake. Never click on a link in a message. If you’re not sure, you can say no, hang up, or delete it.

– PROTECT: Act quickly when something doesn’t feel right. If you notice any unusual activity, contact your bank immediately.

Information from www.scamwatch.gov.au