Don’t get sucked in by scam that uses fake Hamish and Andy Gap Year SMS, police, insurance provider warns

POLICE have warned people to “stay safe online” after a scam that capitalises on comedians Hamish and Andy went viral.

The scam, which is believed to have occurred through SMS and emails, asks unsuspecting victims to hand over their bank details to transfer their prize money after winning AAMI’s Hamish and Andy competition to South America.

AAMI
We want to alert you to an SMS scam telling people they have won the AAMI Hamish & Andy competition to South America, and requesting bank details to transfer the prize money. These text messages are not from AAMI and please be assured that we would never request your personal details via SMS.

 Senior Constable Laura Carter warned residents not to give out personal information.

“Don’t ever give your personal or banking details to anyone you’re not absolutely certain about,” Sen-Constable Carter said.

HAVE YOU BEEN CAUGHT OUT BY THE SCAM? PHONE 9875 8536

“If you are unsure, don’t respond to the SMS but give the company a call directly and report all instances of scamming or attempted scamming to Scam Watch.”

Hamish and Andy’s agent, Profile Talent Management, is yet to provide a response.

AAMI shared a post on its Facebook page, warning people that it “would never request your personal details via SMS.”

This prompted a warning from the Australian Federal Police on its Facebook page (below).

“Folks, be careful, as scammers are quick to take advantage of the unwary. Don’t ever give your personal or banking details to anyone you’re not absolutely certain about. Anything that’s a bit odd, stop and think. Ask the question. “Why is this company contacting me by SMS?” – turns out, they’re not.”