Consumer affairs reporter Michael Atkin discusses the rise of sophisticated scams targeting Australians, including elaborate bank scams and tactics used by scammers to deceive victims. The podcast explores the need for increased awareness and protection measures to combat financial fraud, highlighting the importance of vigilance in avoiding falling victim to scam schemes.

Michael Atkin, ABC's national consumer affairs reporter, sheds light on the soaring insurance premiums affecting Australians. He discusses the staggering 11% increase in costs over the past year and shares personal stories from frustrated homeowners grappling with dramatic rate hikes. Atkin explores the reasons behind these surges, such as climate impacts and inflation, and highlights the limited success consumers have found in challenging their insurers through the Australian Financial Complaints Authority. Solutions like a government-funded comparison website are suggested to empower policyholders.

Michael Atkin, an ABC consumer affairs reporter, shares insights into the alarming rise of sophisticated scams targeting Australians. He discusses the art of deception used by scammers, particularly through fake text messages impersonating banks. Victims’ harrowing experiences reveal the emotional and financial toll of these frauds. Atkin also critiques how major banks are lagging in improving scam detection technologies and highlights government efforts, including a National Anti-Scam Centre, to combat this growing threat.

Guest Michael Atkin, a national consumer affairs reporter, discusses how scammers target superannuation accounts, sharing a story of a man losing $180,000 to fraudulent schemes. The podcast highlights cases of unsatisfactory resolutions for victims and calls for enhanced industry practices to protect against sophisticated scams.

ABC consumer affairs reporter Michael Atkin discusses how a woman tracked down her scammer after losing half a million dollars in a fake investment scheme. They unravel the tactics used by scammers, the woman's pursuit of justice, and the challenges in prosecuting scammers and recovering stolen funds.