‘Oi mate’: Ocker pokies text targets Australians with devastating new scam
It reads like a mate asking you about the pokies, but Aussies are warned to delete this chummy text immediately.
It reads like a mate playfully asking you about the pokies, but Aussies are warned to delete this chummy text immediately.
The scam text is currently circulating under the guise of an old friend asking if you have been playing the slots recently.
Its language is casual, even ocker, relatable, and most concerningly, convincing.
“Oi mate, you still playin’ the pokies?” it asks in one example seen by news.com.au.
“I found this new site today, grabbed a free $99.99 and hit a massive win straight up.
“Fair dinkum, it’s unreal!”
The text ends with a suspicious link, but also offers recipients the option to “reply 5 to unlock”.
The ACCC told news.com.au that it classifies the latest messages as a betting and gambling scam, which is a type of investment scam.
Investment scams are costing Australians more money than any other type of fraud, with criminals sometimes even impersonating legitimate finance companies to steal victims’ life savings.
Scammers use convincing marketing and pressure tactics to promote “too good to be true” opportunities, promising significant returns with little risk to lure unsuspecting investors.
The fraudsters create fake data showing investment growth and may allow small withdrawals to build trust, but ultimately prevent victims from accessing their funds when they attempt larger withdrawals.
The new scam approach, leaning on friendship or kinship, follows the devastating so-called “hi mum” scam, which has fleeced Aussies of millions in recent years.
In that instance, fraudsters impersonate family members via text message.
The scammers claim their phone has been damaged or lost and urgently request victims to contact them on a different number or messaging app.
These fake messages trick recipients into handing over money or financial information by exploiting their concern for loved ones.
Australians lost $2.6 million to “Hi mum” scams in 2024, with more than 1,150 people falling victim to this family impersonation fraud.
The ACCC warns Aussies to always take a moment before giving their money or personal information to anyone, make sure the person or organisation they’re dealing with is legitimate, and act quickly if something feels wrong.
