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When David Koch first saw an unauthorized online ad with his face on it, he was horrified.
Koch, the former host of Sunrise and a financial expertknew that someone had taken his photo and placed it in an ad, using it as bait to defraud the public and steal money.
Koch took to social media to warn his followers about the illegitimate ad, but that apparently wasn’t enough.
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In a special 7NEWS Spotlight investigation, the team lifts the lid on a multi-billion dollar fraud industry where fake ads featuring famous celebrities have been used to scam more than 600,000 Australians.
“It’s devastating because my reputation is on the line,” says Koch.
“And these scams are so good, they’re so believable, that people who trust me look at me and say, ‘Wow, I’m getting some comfort from what this guy’s saying,’ and then they get scammed by some scammer from abroad.”
Koch is desperate to stop this criminal act.
“I have been reporting it to the ACCC and ASIC. I am currently part of an ACCC case against Meta relating to these fraudulent ads,” he says.
And while Koch is doing his best behind the scenes to stop cybercriminals in the act, he’s already seen firsthand the victims of these crimes.
During the 7NEWS Spotlight investigation, Koch met with Alison, who lost $250,000 when she invested her money in what she believed was a reputable company headed by what she believed to be the former Sunrise host. As a keen Port Adelaide supporter, she trusted Koch, who is also chairman of the football club.
“Everyone at Port Adelaide is part of one big family,” says Koch. “And the fact that these scammers are using my association with the club to target members is just disgusting.”
After losing her life savings, Alison’s life is difficult. After a 40-year career, she lives on a very tight budget and is on a payment plan so she can remain a member of the AFL club she loves.
After learning her story, Koch himself stepped in and got her a lifetime membership.
“It’s the least we can do,” Koch tells Alison. “Because football should be your refuge.”
Alison is one of many Australians involved in the 7NEWS Spotlight investigation, and reporter Sarah Greenhalgh believes millions of dollars have been illegally stolen.
“Fraudsters have successfully taken advantage of these people’s unique vulnerability, and as a result, victims’ lives have been changed forever,” she says.
Watch 7NEWS In Focus: Social Fraudsters
If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For more information about depression, contact Afterblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.
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