Perth, May 11: Cybercriminals are impersonating trusted Australian brands including NRMA in sophisticated phishing campaigns designed to pressure Australians into handing over personal and payment information.
One scam currently circulating uses a fake “Road Vehicle Standards (Safety Equipment) Amendment 2026” warning, claiming drivers could face fines and demerit points if they do not carry a specific emergency rescue tool in their vehicle.
The email encourages users to click a “Check Now” button, directing them to a fake compliance website where they complete a short quiz before being urged to purchase a supposed emergency safety device at a discounted price.
The product is promoted as a multi-purpose rescue tool capable of breaking windows and cutting seatbelts, with scammers claiming the item has been reduced from $60 to $30 for a limited time.
According to Dean Williams, scams like this are becoming increasingly convincing because they appear local and believable.
“This isn’t the old-school phishing scam full of spelling mistakes and obvious red flags,” Dean said.
“It looks like something a lot of Australians could realistically receive from an insurer, roadside assistance provider or even a government body. It references road rules, demerit points, safety laws and compliance checks – all things people are used to hearing about.”
Dean said the scam is particularly deceptive because victims are not immediately asked for sensitive information.
“Scammers are getting smarter about the journey. Instead of instantly demanding your credit card details, they’re first trying to build trust through a fake compliance process that feels legitimate.”
“You click through, complete a quick ‘check’, answer a few questions, and before you know it, you’re being told you need to buy some emergency safety tool before the law changes.”
“That’s what makes this risky. People think they’re doing the right thing and staying compliant, not falling for a scam.”
Dean said the discounted “safety device” is another tactic used to pressure victims into making quick purchases.
“The scammers are combining fear with what feels like a practical solution. They create a fake problem, then immediately offer the fix at a ‘limited-time’ discount.”
“For a lot of people, a $30 purchase doesn’t feel risky enough to stop and question, especially when it’s framed around road safety and protecting your licence.”
Australians are being urged to avoid clicking links tied to urgent compliance notices, fines or regulatory warnings and instead verify information directly through official government or company websites.
Dean said consumers should watch for warning signs including urgent threats of penalties, unfamiliar laws, suspicious sender domains, requests to complete quizzes or checks, and pressure to quickly purchase products or provide payment details.
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