Coles warns customers about alarming rewards scam: 'Be aware'
Coles has issued a plea for customers to beware of unsolicited communications after a new scam email began circulating this week.
The fraudulent email is sent to customers via a non-Coles email address, with the subject line "Claim your reward!".
The email informs customers that they will receive exclusive rewards if they follow a link to answer a survey about Coles.
"Stop everythings [sic], do not miss this limited time offer," the email reads, before directing customers to click an unsolicited phishing link.
The footer of the email includes an American mailing address, before once again encouraging recipients to "not miss out on this limited time offer".
Coles has confirmed with Yahoo News that the email is a scam, and has cautioned customers to be vigilant.
"Coles advises customers to be aware of websites, competitions and other unsolicited promotions that use the Coles brand without Coles' permission or which promote Coles Gift cards in an attempt to appear legitimate," a Coles spokesperson said.
"These offers predominantly attempt to collect your personal details or financial information and Coles will never request personal or banking details in unsolicited communications."
"We encourage people to report any suspicious emails you may have received to the ACCC via their Scamwatch page," the spokesperson said.
Record number of money lost to scams
Official Scamwatch figures show that Aussies lost a massive $323.7 million to scams in 2021, which is a whopping 84 per cent increase on 2020 figures.
The data shows that Aussies aged over 65 years were the most impacted, losing a total of $52 million to scammers last year.
The ACCC's Scamwatch page has urged Aussies to regularly check in on their older relatives to help them avoid falling victim to scammers.
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