An attempt by the n Federal Police (AFP) to warn young shoppers about online Black Friday scams using Gen Z slang has upped the cringe factor to convey an important message.
The national agency says Gen Z are more likely to be targeted by hackers as they spend the most amount of time online.
As part of efforts to help younger ns avoid becoming victims of cybercrime, the AFP issued a youth-friendly message using current slang terms that feels only slightly ‘try-hard’.
Younger Aussies (pictured) have been urged to heed the advice of authorities and not become victims of cybercrime and authorities issue warnings over scams during the Black Friday sales period
‘According to stats we’re (Gen Z) the most likely to be scammed. That’s so not a slay!!!!’ the AFP release read.
‘Some of these scammers have major rizz (charm) fr (for real), you wouldn’t even know they’re scamming.’
AFP Cybercrime Acting Commander Grace Calma told Daily Mail that the initiative has been launched in a bid to spread awareness of scammers in an accessible way.
‘Cybercrime is the break-and-enter of the 21st century,’ Acting Commander Calma said.
‘They (Gen Z) are online more which exposes them to the risk of becoming victims of cybercrime.’
According to figures from the n Institute of Criminology’s latest cybercrime report almost 31 per cent of those aged between 18-24 reported being hacked across their devices over the past year.
The cohort also had the highest rate of fraud and scams committed against them at just over 13 per cent while almost 40 per cent experienced online abuse and harassment.
Those aged 50, however, reported the lowest levels of cybercrime committed against them, with those aged between 50-64 the least likely to be targeted by fraud and scams.
Acting Commander Calma said cyber criminals target people differently based on their age.
She said it’s important for younger Aussies to keep themselves safe during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales period.
Figures found those aged between 18-24 were more likely to be victims of scam and fraud and were also more susceptible to malware attacks
Aussies have been urged to ensure they protect themselves during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales period by taking steps to protect themselves when they are shopping online
‘Leading into Christmas people are going to be shopping online a lot more,’ she said.
‘If you do see something suspicious or something that you don’t expect on your bank transactions or on your phone accounts… report that activity immediately.’
Those planning to shop online during the busy sales and festive period have also been urged not click on dodgy links.
People can protect themselves by creating longer passwords on their accounts and devices, and make sure they do not share their personal information.
‘Use secure platforms for payments… look for security markers on websites when you’re buying from them.’
There have been almost 2,800 reports of fake online stores that has led Aussies to lose more than half-a-million dollars in 2023.
Online shopping scams have claimed more than $6million dollars as of September 30, 2023.
Shoppers are tipped to spend more than $6million across the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales period this year.