NAB warns Swifties as showgirl scammers try to take the stage

Source: Premier of Victoria

With The Life of a Showgirl confirmed and pre-orders now live, NAB is warning Taylor fans to watch out for scammers hoping to cash in on the hype.

From fake pre-order pages and dodgy merch sites to bogus “leaked track” downloads, criminals are looking to turn Taylor-mania into quick cash.

On average, NAB stops and recovers close to $2m in scam payments each month*. NAB Head of Security Culture and Advisory Tessa Bowles said when excitement is high, criminals know fans will rush to make purchases, reminding people to stop, check and protect.

“Before you hand over your payment details, make sure you’re paying for the real thing, not some imitation of a showgirl,” said Ms Bowles.

Common scam red flags to watch out for:

  • Fake pre-order sites: copycat websites mimicking Taylor’s official store to steal payment details or deliver nothing
  • ‘Leaked track’ links: promising early songs but hiding malware
  • Social media giveaways: impersonators offering “exclusive access” in exchange for personal details or a fee
  • Hijacked friend social media accounts: selling “spare” merch or pre-order access codes that don’t exist
  • Ms Bowles suggests the safest way to enjoy the album build-up is to stick to official sources.

“Stay in your Safe-Ty Era by going official,” said Ms Bowles.

“Only use links from verified pages or trusted retailors. And get there by typing the website address yourself instead of clicking on a link sent to you by someone claiming to a retailor.

“Criminals also thrive on urgency and fear. If you see ‘get in quick’ or ‘last chance offer’ on something that sounds too good to be true, pause and double-check it first.

“Buying items through social media or online marketplaces always comes with a risk. If you decide to proceed with the purchase, do so with caution, checking whether the seller has a legitimate profile, other listings and reviews.

“Using PayID can also help reduce the risk of fraud or payments being sent to the wrong account as you can see the name of the person or business when paying. Be cautious of sellers asking you to pay with gift cards or cryptocurrencies.”

NAB will always do whatever it can to get stolen money back, but once you’ve hit send it can be challenging as scammers often send funds overseas or to cryptocurrency platforms.

Australians should also make sure to update software on all their electronic devices, use strong unique passwords, and turn on multi-factor authentication when it’s available.

If you think you’ve been scammed, contact your bank right away. And always report it to Scamwatch so others don’t get caught out.

If you’re a NAB customer, you can call 13 22 65 and ask for the Fraud team. Stay up to date with the latest scams and fraud advice available on NAB’s Security Hub.


Notes to the Editor:

  • *In the six months between October 2024 and March 2025

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Arrests – Aggravated robbery – Woodroffe

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Police have arrested two 16-year-old male youths in relation to an aggravated robbery in Woodroffe early this morning.

Around 1:10am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that two people with face coverings entered a residence on Troughton Court allegedly armed with edged weapons.

While inside the premises it is alleged that the offenders threatened the 62-year-old male occupant, demanding he hand over his car keys, phone and wallet. The offenders subsequently fled the scene, stealing the victim’s vehicle and other personal items.

The victim was not physically harmed during the incident.

A short time later, Strike Force Trident sighted the stolen motor vehicle travelling on Moulden Terrace. A traffic apprehension was attempted, however the vehicle failed to stop.

A short pursuit was initiated before a tyre deflation device was successfully deployed and the vehicle came to a stop.

Two males aged 16 were arrested at the scene with charges expected to follow.

Police urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference P25216887. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/

Have you seen this mobility scooter?

Source: New South Wales – News

Southern District police are seeking assistance from the public to locate a mobility scooter that was stolen earlier this week.

On the morning of Wednesday 13 August, a mobility scooter (pictured below) was stolen from the front porch of an Oliphant Avenue, Marion home.

Police are hoping to re-unite the scooter with its elderly owner and ask that anyone with information as to its whereabouts come forward to assist.

You can anonymously provide information to Crime Stoppers online at https://crimestopperssa.com.au or free call 1800 333 000.

Reference #08761

TrainLink introduces nation-leading accessible emergency information, supporting a more inclusive NSW

Source: Mental Health Australia

The state’s regional train operator NSW TrainLink is improving access to safety information with updated and inclusive materials designed to inform passengers of all abilities and needs on what to do in an emergency.

The new suite of safety materials gives updated clear, specific guidance on emergency procedures such as locating exits, using help buttons and evacuating safely. 

The materials include an animated video, audio announcements both on board and on platforms, revised onboard safety cards and information at stations including posters, digital screens and signs.

For the first time, onboard safety briefing cards on NSW TrainLink trains are available in Braille for those with vision impairment and Easy Read format which is in simplified language for people with intellectual disabilities.

For more information, read full story here (PDF, 133.34 KB)

Changed traffic conditions on the Warringah Freeway

Source: Mental Health Australia

Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions on the Warringah Freeway.

Major traffic changes include: 

  • All southbound lanes of the Warringah Freeway will be closed between the Pacific Highway, Artarmon and Ernest Street, Cammeray from 10.30pm Friday 15 August to 6am Saturday 16 August 2025. There will be no access from the Lane Cove Tunnel to the Gore Hill Freeway.  

    Alternative routes are listed below:

  • Southbound motorists from Warringah Freeway should detour via Pacific Highway and Falcon Street southbound on ramp to access the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Harbour Tunnel
  • Southbound motorists from Reserve Road, Willoughby Road and Brook Street should detour via Pacific Highway and Falcon Street southbound on ramp
  • Eastbound motorists heading to Cammeray, Cremorne, Balgowlah, Mosman and Manly should use the Pacific Highway and Falcon Street instead.

There will be no southbound access to Sydney Harbour Tunnel north of Cammeray. Southbound motorists must use the Falcon Street southbound on ramp to access Sydney Harbour Tunnel.

During this period, the Warringah Freeway will remain open northbound and the Sydney Harbour Bridge will be open in both directions all weekend.

Other traffic changes include:

  • Miller Street southbound on ramp will be closed from 10pm tonight, Friday 15 August to 8am Saturday 16 August, 7pm Saturday 16 August to 9am Sunday 17 August and 8pm Sunday 18 August to 4.30am Monday 18 August.
  • Mount Street eastern on ramp to Cahill Expressway will be closed from 10pm tonight, Friday 15 August, to 6pm Sunday 17 August. Motorists travelling from Arthur Street or Mount Street to the Cahill Expressway should use the western on ramp from Mount Street to the Bradfield Highway and detour through the CBD, via the Grosvenor Street exit, Bridge Street and Macquarie Street to the Eastern Distributor.
  • The southbound off ramp from Warringah Freeway to Falcon Street/Military Road and the Ernest Street southbound on ramp will be closed from 10pm tonight, Friday 15 August, to 5am on Monday 18 August. Detours will be in place via the Pacific Highway and Miller St respectively.
  • Alfred Street North off ramp will be closed from 10pm to 5am on Tuesday 19 August, Wednesday 20 August and Thursday 21 August. Detour via Pacific Highway.

We are also closing the Sydney Harbour Tunnel on the below dates:   

  • Northbound from 11pm Friday 15 August to 6am Saturday 16 August
  • Northbound from 11pm Saturday 16 August to 6am Sunday 17 August
  • Northbound from 10.30pm Thursday 21 August to 5am Friday 22 August
  • Southbound from 10pm Thursday 21 August to 5am Friday 22 August.

There may be changes or extensions of closures. For the latest information on road closures, visit the Live Traffic NSW App or livetraffic.com
 

Police Operation – Rosebery

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force are currently responding to a serious incident in Rosebery.

Lancewood Street is currently closed, and police urge motorists to avoid the area.

There is currently no risk to the public and further information will be provided later today.

Arrests – Aggravated assault – Alice Springs

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Seven female youth offenders have been arrested by the Northern Territory Police Force after an aggravated assault occurred in Alice Springs overnight.

At 11:35pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received a report that two females aged 23 and 28-years-old had been physically assaulted by a group of youths in the Todd Mall.

Members from Strike Force Viper, the Social Order Team, and general duties responded, and all seven offenders were located and arrested.

The victims suffered minor injuries and did not require medical treatment.

The offenders aged 11, 11, 12, 13, 14, 14, and 15, were all dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act 2005.

Police continue to urge anyone who witnesses crime or antisocial behaviour to contact police on 131 444. In an emergency dial 000. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Extra services and more capacity

Source: FairTrading New South Wales

Extra services and more capacity

Published: Fri 15 Aug 2025

New train services for the Traralgon Line and more capacity on weekend Bendigo Line trains

Following the completion of the Gippsland Line Upgrade, a new timetable will start on the Traralgon Line from Sunday 14 September.

87 new train services will be added each week, giving passengers better frequency and more choice of when to travel.

Trains will run around every 40 minutes between Melbourne and Traralgon from 8am to 9pm, seven days a week.

There will also be some minor changes to the Bairnsdale Line timetable as well as changes to some coach services that connect with trains.

On the Bendigo Line, more weekend trains will run with six carriages and more direct and extended services will run between Southern Cross, Epsom, Eaglehawk and Echuca.

What’s changing?

Traralgon and Bairnsdale lines

  • 87 new train services per week on the Gippsland Line between Melbourne and Traralgon.
  • 55 new services will be added across weekdays (11 every weekday) and 32 new services across weekends (14 on Saturdays and 18 on Sundays).
  • Trains will run around every 40 minutes between Melbourne and Traralgon from 8am to 9pm, seven days a week.
  • All Sunday Sale services will now start and end in Bairnsdale.
  • There will be journey time changes for some services.
  • On Sundays, the 10:23 am train from Southern Cross Station to Sale will now extend to Bairnsdale and leave at 12:23 pm. Passengers who catch the 10:23 am Sunday train beyond Traralgon will need to catch the later train at 12:23 pm. A new train service will run from Southern Cross Station to Traralgon 10:23 am.
  • Berwick school trains will continue to run, stopping once in the morning and afternoon on school days. The afternoon train will depart at 4:00 pm instead of 4:17 pm.
  • Some coach services will have new timetables to better connect with trains.

Bendigo Line 

  • 14 busy weekend services will change from 3-car VLocity trains to 6-car VLocity trains.
  • A new service will depart Epsom at 7:32 pm and arrive at Southern Cross Station at 9:51 pm. The service will operate on weekdays, giving passengers in Epsom a new evening service to Melbourne.
  • The 11:20 pm weekday shuttle from Epsom to Bendigo will be removed. Passengers can catch the new 7:32 pm Epsom to Southern Cross Station service.
  • The 10:06 am weekday service from Southern Cross Station to Bendigo will now travel to Eaglehawk.
  • The 11:06 am weekday Southern Cross Station to Eaglehawk service will run direct to Echuca, no longer stopping at Eaglehawk. This will give passengers in Echuca a new one-seat journey that’s faster.
  • Passengers who usually catch the 11:06 am weekday Southern Cross Station to Eaglehawk service will need to travel an hour earlier at 10:06 am.

To view the timetables click here.
 

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