Southeast QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Destructive Winds

Southeast QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Destructive Winds Source: Bureau of Meteorology For people in the GOLD COAST CITY, SCENIC RIM and parts of the LOGAN CITY Council Areas. Issued at 3:39 pm Sunday, 29 December 2013. The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 3:40 pm, very dangerous thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near Border Ranges National Park, Rathdowney, the NSW border and the area south of the NSW border. These thunderstorms are moving towards the northeast. Very dangerous thunderstorms are forecast to affect Laravale, Canungra, Lamington National Park and the area south of Canungra by 4:40 pm. Other severe thunderstorms were located near Moogerah and Lismore(NSW). They are forecast to affect Boonah and Moogerah Dam by 4:10 pm. Destructive winds and large hailstones are likely. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should: * Move your car under cover or away from trees. * Secure loose outdoor items. * Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees. * Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm. * Beware of fallen trees and powerlines. * For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500. EWN Radar & Alerts Map | QLD Facebook Alerts | Twitter Alerts

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SCAMwatch email alert: Don’t let scammers ruin your Christmas [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

Don't let scammers ruin your Christmas

View radar online

Added: December 2013

With only days until Christmas, SCAMwatch is warning consumers to watch out for fake delivery scams arriving in your inbox or letter box.

Scammers take advantage of busy times of the year to target Australians, and with Christmas just around the corner, they are jumping on the mail rush by posing as postal and courier service providers who for a fee will redeliver a parcel that doesn't exist.

If you are expecting a parcel to give as a gift to family or friends, or expect to receive one, don't be fooled by an email or phone call out the blue requesting a fee for a parcel to be re-delivered. The scammer will often claim that no one was home to receive the parcel on the first attempt.

A tell-tale sign that it's a bogus delivery is if the scammer asks you to pay the fee by international wire transfer – it's rare to trace or recover any money sent this way.

This Christmas, warning bells should ring louder than jingle bells if you are asked to pay to receive a parcel. If you hand over your money, all that will be delivered this Christmas is a hole in your pocket.

How the scam works

• You are contacted out of the blue over the phone or via email from someone posing as an employee from a legitimate parcel delivery service.
• If you are contacted via email, it may look like the real deal, complete with a legitimate company's logos and branding.  The sender may also claim to be from an authentic-sounding section of the company e.g. the 'FedEx Delivery Department'.
• The scammer will claim that they have been unsuccessful in delivering a parcel to you; however, for a small fee, redelivery can be arranged.
• The scammer will provide a range of reasons as to why the initial delivery failed, such as the parcel being too large or no one being home at the time of the delivery to sign for it.
• The scammer will ask for you to pay the fee (usually ranging from $10 to $30) by providing them with your credit or bank account details, or by sending money via international wire transfer. 
• If you pay, all you will have delivered is a hole in your pocket as you will never see your money again.

Protect yourself

• Parcel delivery services such as Australia Post will never call you to request payment for an undeliverable mail item. If you receive a call that matches this description hang up!
• If you are suspicious about a 'missed' parcel delivery, call the company directly to verify that the correspondence is genuine. Independently source the contact details through an internet search or phone book – do not rely on numbers provided.
• Remember – these days, it's easy for a scammer to create a professional looking email. Double-check the email address, look for grammatical errors (a tell-tale sign of a scammer!), and if you have any doubts, don't respond or click on anything.
• If you think you have provided your banking or credit card details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.

Report

You can report scams to the ACCC via the report a scam page on SCAMwatch or by calling 1300 795 995.

More information

Stay one step ahead of scammers, follow @SCAMwatch_gov on Twitter or visit http://twitter.com/SCAMwatch_gov.

You have received this email because you have subscribed to receive SCAMwatch radar alerts on scams targeting Australians. These alerts are issued by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and can be viewed on its SCAMwatch website http://www.scamwatch.gov.au/.

If you have any doubts about an email's source, verify the sender by independent means - use their official contact details to check the email is legitimate before clicking on links or opening attachments.

If you no longer want to receive SCAMwatch email alerts, please unsubscribe on the SCAMwatch website.

 

Southeast QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Damaging Winds

Southeast QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Damaging Winds Source: Bureau of Meteorology For people in the LOGAN CITY, SCENIC RIM and parts of the BRISBANE CITY, GOLD COAST CITY and IPSWICH CITY Council Areas. Issued at 5:40 pm Saturday, 14 December 2013. The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 5:45 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near Boonah, the area between Boonah and Beaudesert and Kooralbyn. These thunderstorms are moving towards the north. They are forecast to affect Harrisville, Peak Crossing and Bundamba Lagoon by 6:45 pm. Damaging winds and large hailstones are likely. Golf ball sized hail was reported at Mount Barney at around 5:30pm. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should: * Move your car under cover or away from trees. * Secure loose outdoor items. * Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees. * Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm. * Beware of fallen trees and powerlines. * For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500. EWN Radar & Alerts Map | QLD Facebook Alerts | Twitter Alerts

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QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Heavy Rain, Damaging Winds

QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Heavy Rain, Damaging Winds Source: Bureau of Meteorology For people in parts of the Darling Downs and Granite Belt and Southeast Coast Forecast Districts. Issued at 12:05 pm Friday, 13 December 2013. Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and large hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Warwick, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Stanthorpe, Boonah and Beenleigh. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should: * Move your car under cover or away from trees. * Secure loose outdoor items. * Avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters. * Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees. * Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm. * Beware of fallen trees and powerlines. * For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500. EWN Radar & Alerts Map | QLD Facebook Alerts | Twitter Alerts

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QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Damaging Winds

QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Damaging Winds Source: Bureau of Meteorology For people in the Wide Bay and Burnett, Southeast Coast and parts of the Central Highlands and Coalfields, Capricornia, Maranoa and Warrego and Darling Downs and Granite Belt Forecast Districts. Issued at 1:21 pm Sunday, 24 November 2013. Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and large hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Brisbane, Maroochydore, Gympie, Kingaroy, Noosa and Biloela. Emergency Management Queensland advises that people should: * Move your car under cover or away from trees. * Secure loose outdoor items. * Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees. * Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm. * Beware of fallen trees and powerlines. * For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500. EWN Radar & Alerts Map | QLD Facebook Alerts | Twitter Alerts

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QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Damaging Winds

QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Damaging Winds Source: Bureau of Meteorology For people in the Darling Downs and Granite Belt and parts of the Central Highlands and Coalfields, Capricornia, Wide Bay and Burnett, Maranoa and Warrego and Southeast Coast Forecast Districts. Issued at 5:02 pm Saturday, 23 November 2013. Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and large hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Warwick, Toowoomba, Dalby, Ipswich, Biloela, Stanthorpe, Taroom, Rolleston, Baralaba, Springsure, Goondiwindi and Carnarvon National Park. Emergency Management Queensland advises that people should: * Move your car under cover or away from trees. * Secure loose outdoor items. * Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees. * Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm. * Beware of fallen trees and powerlines. * For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500. EWN Radar & Alerts Map | QLD Facebook Alerts | Twitter Alerts

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Southeast QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Destructive Winds

Southeast QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Destructive Winds Source: Bureau of Meteorology For people in parts of the BRISBANE CITY, GOLD COAST CITY, LOCKYER VALLEY, LOGAN CITY, MORETON BAY, IPSWICH CITY, SCENIC RIM, SOMERSET, REDLAND CITY and North Stradbroke Island Council Areas. Issued at 3:49 pm Monday, 18 November 2013. The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 3:55 pm, very dangerous thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near Tamborine, Jimboomba and Nerang. Thunderstorms are moving towards the east. Very dangerous thunderstorms are forecast to affect Coomera, Hope Island and South Stradbroke Island by 4:25 pm and Jacobs Well, mouth of the Logan River and waters off South Stradbroke Island by 4:55 pm. They are forecast to affect the area south of Esk and southern Lake Wivenhoe by 4:25 pm and Fernvale, Mount Nebo and the D'Aguilar Ranges by 4:55 pm. Destructive winds and large hailstones are likely. Emergency Management Queensland advises that people should: * Move your car under cover or away from trees. * Secure loose outdoor items. * Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees. * Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm. * Beware of fallen trees and powerlines. * For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500. The next warning is due to be issued by 4:50 pm. EWN Radar & Alerts Map | QLD Facebook Alerts | Twitter Alerts

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QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail

QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail Source: Bureau of Meteorology For people in the Southeast Coast and parts of the Wide Bay and Burnett and Darling Downs and Granite Belt Forecast Districts. Issued at 1:53 pm Monday, 18 November 2013. Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce large hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Warwick, Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Brisbane, Dalby, Maroochydore, Gympie, Kingaroy and Stanthorpe. Emergency Management Queensland advises that people should: * Move your car under cover. * Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees. * Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm. * Beware of fallen trees and powerlines. * For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500. EWN Radar & Alerts Map | QLD Facebook Alerts | Twitter Alerts

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SCAMwatch email alert: Don’t let scammers take advantage of the Anzac spirit [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

November 2013: With 2015 marking the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign, the Australian and New Zealand governments have launched a ballot for attendance at Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli. SCAMwatch is warning consumers to be on the alert for scammers trying to take advantage of people who want to attend this historic commemoration.

Anzac Day and the Gallipoli campaign are significant to the people of Australia, New Zealand and Turkey, with thousands of people making the pilgrimage each year to Gallipoli. The Australian and New Zealand governments have introduced a ballot to manage attendance at the commemorations.

Scammers are known to take advantage of major events where there is high demand for a limited number of places. Scams targeting Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli in 2015 may come in a variety of forms such as charges to register for the free ballot, fake ticketing websites, or packaged tour offers that 'guarantee' tickets.

If you want to attend the 100th anniversary Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli in 2015, remember these key points:

• There is only ONE way to register your interest – through the official government ballot. Register at the Department of Veterans' Affairs Gallipoli 2015 website: www.gallipoli2015.dva.gov.au or call Ticketek for a paper application form on 1300 364 002.
• It is free to register on the ballot – if someone offers to register you for a fee, walk away.
• If you come across a website selling 'tickets' to the event, or a travel package that includes a 'guaranteed' place, don't be fooled – there are no special or reserved tickets. The only way to register for an opportunity to attend the 2015 commemorations at Gallipoli is through the official ballot.
• There's plenty of time to register for the ballot – it is open until midnight 31 January 2014.

How this scam works 

Registration fee scam

• You come across a website offering to help you secure a spot to the 100th anniversary Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli in 2015 by registering through the official ballot. The website charges a fee for this service.
• The site may use prominently-placed official logos, links to genuine government websites and photos of well-known Australians or landmarks to give it the appearance of authenticity and authority.
• If you go ahead with this offer, you end up paying for something that you could have done yourself for free – the Australian Government does not charge anything to register on the ballot. The website may not even register you in the ballot.

Fake tickets and guarantees

• You come across an offer online to either buy tickets to the commemorations, or a travel package that promises you a place at the commemorations.
• The site may look reputable with a slick and authoritative appearance. It may also claim to have access to tickets through a special relationship or arrangement with the organisers.
• If you take up an offer like this, you will find yourself on arrival at Gallipoli unable to access the commemorative site.  No one can guarantee or sell you a place to the commemorations – the only way to try and secure a place is to register your interest through the official government ballot.

Protect yourself

• If you want to attend the 100th anniversary Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli in 2015, you must register through the official government ballot. There is no other way to try and secure a place.
• If you are thinking of paying for a service to register you on the ballot, ask yourself – do I really want to pay for something that I can do myself for free?
• If you miss out on a place at the commemorations, do not fall for any offers that 'guarantee' you a place, or any offers for scalped 'tickets'. Again, the only way to secure a place is through the official ballot.
• Remember – these days, it's easy for a scammer to create and replicate a professional looking website.
• If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.

Report

You can report scams to the ACCC via the SCAMwatch report a scam page or by calling 1300 795 995.

More information

The Department of Veterans' Affairs is responsible for administering the Anzac Day Gallipoli 2015 ballot, and has published a range of information on how it works. To find out more and apply, visit www.gallipoli2015.dva.gov.au.

Stay one step ahead of scammers – follow @SCAMwatch_gov on Twitter or visit http://twitter.com/SCAMwatch_gov.

You have received this email because you have subscribed to receive SCAMwatch radar alerts on scams targeting Australians. These alerts are issued by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and can be viewed on its SCAMwatch website http://www.scamwatch.gov.au/.

If you have any doubts about an email's source, verify the sender by independent means - use their official contact details to check the email is legitimate before clicking on links or opening attachments.

If you no longer want to receive SCAMwatch email alerts, please unsubscribe on the SCAMwatch website.

QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Damaging Winds

QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Damaging Winds Source: Bureau of Meteorology For people in the Capricornia, Southeast Coast and parts of the Central Coast and Whitsundays, Central Highlands and Coalfields, Wide Bay and Burnett and Darling Downs and Granite Belt Forecast Districts. Issued at 11:56 am Saturday, 16 November 2013. Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and large hailstones over the next several hours in the Capricornia and parts of the Central Coast and Whitsundays and Central Highlands and Coalfields districts. Locations which may be affected include Emerald, Rockhampton, Clermont, Blackwater, Yeppoon, Baralaba, Marlborough, St Lawrence and Dysart. Severe thunderstorms are likely to develop and produce damaging winds and large hailstones over the next several hours in the Southeast Coast and parts of the Wide Bay and Burnett and Darling Downs and Granite Belt districts. Locations which may be affected include Warwick, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Maroochydore, Gympie, Ipswich, Moreton Bay and islands, Noosa and Hervey Bay. Emergency Management Queensland advises that people should: * Move your car under cover or away from trees. * Secure loose outdoor items. * Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees. * Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm. * Beware of fallen trees and powerlines. * For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500. EWN Radar & Alerts Map | QLD Facebook Alerts | Twitter Alerts

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QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Damaging Winds

QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Damaging Winds Source: Bureau of Meteorology For people in the Central Coast and Whitsundays, Capricornia, Wide Bay and Burnett, Southeast Coast and parts of the Central Highlands and Coalfields and Darling Downs and Granite Belt Forecast Districts. Issued at 3:44 pm Friday, 15 November 2013. Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and large hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Warwick, Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Brisbane, Maroochydore, Gympie, Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Mackay, Proserpine and Kingaroy. Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Maranoa and Warrego district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED. Emergency Management Queensland advises that people should: * Move your car under cover or away from trees. * Secure loose outdoor items. * Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees. * Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm. * Beware of fallen trees and powerlines. * For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500. EWN Radar & Alerts Map | QLD Facebook Alerts | Twitter Alerts

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QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Heavy Rain, Damaging Winds

QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Heavy Rain, Damaging Winds Source: Bureau of Meteorology For people in the Capricornia, Wide Bay and Burnett, Darling Downs and Granite Belt, Southeast Coast and parts of the Central Highlands and Coalfields and Maranoa and Warrego Forecast Districts. Issued at 11:46 am Thursday, 14 November 2013. Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and large hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Warwick, Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Brisbane, Dalby, Maroochydore, Gympie, Bundaberg, Gladstone, Emerald, Rockhampton, Kingaroy and Stanthorpe. Emergency Management Queensland advises that people should: * Move your car under cover or away from trees. * Secure loose outdoor items. * Avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters. * Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees. * Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm. * Beware of fallen trees and powerlines. * For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500. EWN Radar & Alerts Map | QLD Facebook Alerts | Twitter Alerts

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