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SCAMwatch email alert: Indigenous consumers, watch out for scams – the top scams reported [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
September 2014: SCAMwatch is urging Indigenous consumers, especially those living in rural and remote communities, to be on the lookout for scammers trying to trick you into handing over your personal details or money.
The top three scams that Indigenous consumers have reported to SCAMwatch this year are:
- Government or business affiliation scams – scammers claiming to represent a well-known and trusted organisation with false claims that they are entitled to money
- Phishing scams – scammers 'fishing' for personal details or money
- Online shopping scams – scammers taking people for a ride when buying or selling online.
Scammers are also known to approach people and communities with more sophisticated scams where they offer huge amounts of money – sometimes even millions of dollars. These fraudsters will claim that you've won a prize, are entitled to an inheritance or need help with getting money out of their country. They may even claim that they can assist with funds to support your community, but the money doesn't exist and there are always fees to be paid.
Scammers typically ask targets to send them money via a money transfer service as it's hard to trace and nearly impossible to recover. Be on guard – requests for payments may not happen straight away, with scammers prepared to invest considerable time, sometimes weeks or months, before asking for money.
SCAMwatch also urges traditional owners, shire and council officers or individuals to be vigilant – unfortunately, scammers often target respected community figures in positions of authority. For instance, the ACCC's North Queensland office is currently working with indigenous communities that have recently been approached by scammers pedalling advance fee fraud schemes.
Watch out – if someone approaches you or your community with an offer that seems too good to be true, say no and walk away. If you think you have fallen victim to a scam, don't feel shame – report it the ACCC through the Indigenous Hotline: 1300 303 143.
What to look out for
Here are some common scams that Indigenous consumers report to SCAMwatch:
- Government affiliation scams – someone will ring, email or send you a letter pretending to represent a government authority such as Centrelink or the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). They will claim that you are entitled to money, but that you first have to pay them money to cover 'taxes' or 'fees'. If you pay, you will never receive the promised money, nor see the money you sent again.
- Phishing scams – you receive a call or email from someone claiming that you need to update or verify your personal details, e.g. you bank card has been cancelled and you need to reactive it. Typical information requested include your date of birth, bank details, driver's licence, Medicare or tax file number. They may even ask you to visit a website or click on a link, which will result in your computer being infected with malware. If you hand over your details, the scammer may commit ID theft or use it to steal your money.
- Online shopping scams – an item is advertised on an online classifieds site at a very low price, often lower than comparable items advertised on the same website. The seller typically claims to be overseas and will ask you to complete the sale outside of the site, e.g. by electronic funds transfer or a wire service. If you are buying something that seems to be 'too good to be true', beware!
Protect yourself
- If you have doubts about the identity of a caller who claims to represent a government authority or business, contact them directly. Don't rely on contact details provided by the person – find their details through an independent source such as a phone book or online search.
- If someone you don't know is asking for personal information or money, don't engage – press 'delete', shut the door or just hang up.
- Don't open any attachments, click on any links or reply to suspicious emails – they may take you to a bogus website or contain a dangerous virus.
- If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
- Don't trust the legitimacy of an ad just because it appears on a well-known and trusted online shopping site—scammers post fake ads on these too. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
- Wherever possible, avoid any arrangement with a stranger that asks for upfront payment via money order, wire transfer or international funds transfer service such as Western Union. It is rare to recover money sent this way.
- If you think you've spotted a scam, tell us about it (see contact details below), and help protect your family and friends by spreading the word.
Report and tell others – don't feel shame
Tell someone if you think you've been scammed – don't feel shame.
You can report scams to the ACCC Indigenous Hotline on 1300 303 143.
You can report scams to the ACCC via the SCAMwatch report a scam page or by calling 1300 795 995.
More information
Check out and 'like' the ACCC 'Your Rights Mob' Indigenous consumers Facebook profile.
Sign up and get scam email alerts Register for free: SCAMwatch email alerts.
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.
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SCAMwatch email alert: Consumers with a disability – be on guard against scammers [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
August 2014: SCAMwatch is warning consumers with a disability to be on guard against scams – unfortunately, scammers target people whom they think may be vulnerable to try and take advantage of them.
Some common scams reported by consumers with a disability include fraudsters claiming:
- to represent a government authority or well-known business
- that they are looking for a relationship
- that the target has won a lottery or competition.
Scammers employ a range of delivery methods to contact you such as a phone call, text message, email, through an online forum, or even face-to-face by knocking on your door. Their ultimate goal is to obtain your personal information or steal your money.
Consumers with a disability, beware – if you receive an approach out of the blue from someone asking for personal information or money, don't engage – press 'delete', shut the door or just hang up.
How these scams work
Scammers claiming to represent a government agency or legitimate business
- Many scammers take advantage of consumers' trust in government authorities and well-known businesses or brands in order to steal your personal details or money.
- As the National Disability Insurance Scheme rolls out, consumers with a disability should be particularly wary of anyone who contacts them claiming to be from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and asking for personal or financial information.
- Scammers will often claim that you are entitled to a refund or payment from the government or business. However, in order to receive the money, they will claim that you first need to make a payment to them to cover taxes, fees or administration costs.
- To make this payment, they will either ask you to hand over your financial details or send money via a wire transfer. Alternatively, they may ask you to click on a link in an email to fill out a form or find out more information.
- If you hand over your personal details to a scammer, they may be used to commit identity theft or to take your money. If you hand over money, you won't get it back. If you click on a link in a scam email, your computer may become infected with malicious software and compromise its security.
The NDIA advises that it will not ask for your financial details over the phone or via email. If you receive a call out of the blue from someone claiming to represent the NDIA and you are unsure whether they are the real deal, hang up. You can then call the NDIA using their official contact number: 1800 650 717.
Dating and romance scams
- Scammers often approach people online claiming to be looking for love. They will form an emotional attachment with their victims and then take advantage of this to repeatedly ask for money.
- You meet someone online through a dating or social networking website. Your admirer asks to communicate outside of the platform (thereby away from any safeguards that the platform may have).
- You find yourself become increasingly emotionally involved with your admirer as you communicate with them over weeks, months and sometimes even years.
- At some point your admirer asks you to provide financial assistance to help cover costs associated with illness, injury, a family crisis, or even to cover costs to travel and meet you. They will typically ask you to send the money via wire transfer.
- If you send them money, you will then receive further requests or pleas for money. If you do so, you risk being left broke and with a broken heart.
Never send money to someone you have not met face-to-face. If your online admirer asks for money, no matter what the reason is, ask yourself: 'Do I really know who I'm dealing with?'
Unexpected prize scams
- Scammers often send emails, text messages or letters to people claiming that they have won cash or a prize in a fake overseas lottery or a competition – one that they never entered in the first place.
- If you respond to a notification that you've won a lottery or competition that you never entered, you will be asked to make a payment via wire transfer to cover 'taxes' or 'administration fees' before the prize or cash can be released.
- If you hand over your money, you will never see it again, and the promised prize will never arrive.
If you are notified that you have won a prize or lottery, ask yourself – did I even enter it? If not, press 'delete' or throw it in the bin – it's a scam.
Protect yourself
- If you receive an approach out of the blue from someone asking for personal information or money, don't engage – press 'delete', shut the door or just hang up.
- If you have doubts about the identity of a caller who claims to represent a government authority or business, contact the authority or business directly. Don't rely on contact details provided by the person – find them through an independent source such as a phone book or online search.
- If you receive a call out of the blue from someone claiming to represent the NDIA and you are unsure whether they are the real deal, hang up and then call the NDIA using their official contact number: 1800 800 110.
- Remember that you can still receive scam calls even if you have a private number or have listed your number on the Australian Government's Do Not Call Register. Scammers can obtain your number fraudulently or from anywhere it has been publicly listed such as in a phone book.
- Keep your personal details personal: Never share personal, banking or credit card information or photos with someone you don't know and trust.
- Don't open any attachments or click on any links in, or reply to, suspicious emails – they may take you to a bogus website or contain a malicious virus.
- Always keep your computer security up to date with anti-virus and anti-spyware software and a good firewall. Only buy computer and anti-virus software from a reputable source.
- 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.
You can provide information about suspected fraudulent or unethical behaviour impacting the NDIS by email at fraudreporting@ndis.gov.au or by calling 1800 650 717. Information may be provided anonymously.
If you are a TTY user – phone 1800 555 677 then ask for 1800 650 717 (for NDIS) or 1300 795 995 (for SCAMwatch). If you are a Speak and Listen (speech-to-speech relay) user – phone 1800 555 727 then ask for 1800 650 717 (for NDIS) or 1300 795 995 (for SCAMwatch). If you are an internet relay user – visit the National Relay Service website and ask for: 1800 650 717 (for NDIS) or 1300 795 995 (for SCAMwatch). If you require more information, visit the National Relay Service website.
More information
The NDIA has issued a media release scams targeting NDIS participants: 'Protecting your personal details from scammers'.
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.
SCAMwatch email alert: Beware of carbon tax repeal scams [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
August 2014: SCAMwatch is warning consumers and businesses to be aware of scammers looking to take advantage of the carbon tax repeal to steal your money.
Scammers may take advantage of dollar figures being quoted in the press about how much consumers may save from changes in the price of goods following the carbon tax repeal. Scammers may call or email consumers and small businesses with false claims that they are entitled to the money upfront.
Scammers often use major government programs or announcements like the carbon tax repeal to trick people into handing over their money or personal banking details. Scammers pretend to be from a government department or agency, or from a business such as an energy provider, to sound legitimate. They may spin a range of stories to make their story sound real, such as claiming that there is money due because of a tax refund, tax concession, one-off payment, discount, return or even a bonus.
In the case of the carbon tax repeal, scammers may call claiming that people are entitled to a carbon tax rebate or refund off their previous bill. However, for the money to be released, there is an upfront 'fee' to cover administration or other costs. If you pay the upfront fee, you are unlikely to ever see your money again.
Scammers typically ask for money to be sent via wire transfer as it's nearly impossible to recover money sent this way. They may also ask for people's financial and other personal details to access their money and commit identity theft.
Be on guard, you may receive a phone call or email from someone asking for your personal or banking details in order to pay you money due to the carbon tax repeal. If you are approached in this way hang up – the person on the other end may be a scammer. The best approach is to call them back on a phone number you find independently.
How these scams work
- You receive a call or email out of the blue from someone claiming to be from a government department or business such as an energy provider.
- The caller or sender will claim that, because of the carbon tax repeal, you are now entitled to a tax rebate or a refund on your previous bill.
- In order to receive the refund/payment you have to pay an administration fee or other fee upfront.
- The caller or sender will direct you to make the payment via a wire transfer services or credit card payment.
- Alternatively, you may be asked to provide your bank account details or other personal information so they can deposit the refund in your account.
- If you send any money via wire transfer, you will never see it again – it's nearly impossible to recover money sent this way. If you provide your bank account details or other personal information, the scammer may use it to commit identity theft or to steal your money. You will also never receive the promised rebate or refund.
Protect yourself
- If you receive a phone call or email out of the blue from someone claiming to be from a government department or a business such as an energy provider and they claim that you are entitled to money due to the carbon tax repeal, be cautious.
- If you have any doubts about the identity of any caller who claims to represent a business, organisation or government department, contact the body directly. Don't rely on numbers, email addresses or websites provided by the caller – find them through an independent source such as a phone book or online search.
- Never give your personal, credit card or online account details over the phone unless you made the call and the phone number came from a trusted source.
- 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
Stay one step ahead of scammers, follow @SCAMwatch_gov on Twitter or visit http://twitter.com/SCAMwatch_gov.
For information on the ACCC's role in monitoring and enforcing the carbon tax repeal, see the ACCC carbon tax repeal webpage.
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.
SCAMwatch email alert: Beware of scammers taking advantage of the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 tragedy [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
July 2014: SCAMwatch is warning Australians to be wary of scammers looking to take advantage of the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 tragedy by setting up fake Facebook pages in the name of victims of the tragedy.
Scammers have set up false Facebook profiles for Australian victims of the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 tragedy in an attempt to make money from people interested in finding out more about this international tragedy. The profiles direct people to a blog, where they are then bombarded with dubious advertisements.
If you click on the advertisement, the scammer can make money from the advertising 'service' (where they receive advertising revenue for each click through to a client's website or product). The blog or advertisement may also be infected with malware, thereby compromising your computer's security.
Beware – scammers have also been known to take advantage of major news stories including tragedies to seek donations for fake charities. Scammers use social networking platforms to promote these schemes.
If you want to find out more about the Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17, only use reliable news sources and be particularly wary of links posted on social networking sites– unfortunately scammers like to connect with people through these forums, too.
How this scam works
Scam advertising services
- Scammers set up a false Facebook page using the name of a victim of the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 tragedy. The Facebook page directs you to a blog that it purports has information on the Flight MH17 tragedy.
- If you click on the link to the blog, you will be subject to a series of pop-up advertisements.
- If you click on the advertisement, the scammer will then make money from the 'click-through' by driving potential customers to a business's website.
Malware scam
- Alternatively, the site that you are directed to may contain infected ads, which if you click on could cause malware to install on your computer. The scammers may have also set up malware to be downloaded when you click on the link to the blog.
- If a scammer has infected your computer with malware, they may be able to access your personal information stored on the computer, including financial details. They may then be able to use this access to commit identity theft or steal your money.
Charity scam
- You should also be on the lookout for charity scams that may arise out of the flight MH17 tragedy, with scammers often using major news stories as a means to lure donations that they claim will go to helping victims.
- You may receive an email, come across a website, or find a blog or profile on a social media site claiming to raise money for a charity, or affected families.
- If you hand over money to the 'charity' or 'fundraiser', your money will go straight into the pockets of a scammer and the victims will never receive a cent.
Protect yourself
- If you want to access information about major or breaking news, use a reliable news source rather than an unknown web link or blog – there are many reputable online news sites where you can safely access credible information.
- Always keep your computer security up-to-date with anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a good firewall. Only buy computer and anti-virus software from a reputable source.
- If you think your computer's security has been compromised, use your security software to run a virus check. If you still have doubts, contact your anti-virus software provider or a computer specialist.
- If you are considering making a donation to a charity, cause or appeal, approach the organisation directly using their official contact details to make the payment.
- Never give money or your financial details to someone you don't know - it's rare to recover money from a scammer.
- If you think that your banking or financial details have been compromised, contact your 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
SCAMwatch has recently issued alerts on scammers targeting the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH360 tragedy and the 2013 Boston marathon bomb tragedy.
For more information on donating safely to Australian charities, visit the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission website.
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.
SCAMwatch email alert: Don’t let scammers ‘tax' you this tax time [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
July 2014: SCAMwatch and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) are urging consumers and small businesses to be aware of scammers taking advantage of the busy nature of tax time to target you.
Scammers pretending to be from the ATO will typically approach you by phone or email and spin a range of tall tales to trick you into handing over your personal details or money. A common tax time scam involves scammers claiming that you have overpaid your tax and are entitled to a refund, but that you have to pay a tax or administration fee upfront in order for the money to be released. Another tax scam is based on the ruse that you owe money due to a miscalculation from the previous financial year. Scammers also continue to pedal the classic phishing scam where they 'fish' for your details by asking you to verify your details.
Scammers use a number of tools to slip under your radar you at tax time – from impersonating an ATO representative, to creating official looking emails and email addresses, to creating sleek and professional-looking websites that mirror the ATO site. They have even been known to create web portals that appear to be hosted on the ATO site, which are designed to trick you into providing your personal details.
Beware – scammers may even recite some personal information about you to trick you into thinking they're the real deal. These days, it's easy for scammers to get a hold of personal information from social media and other networking forums.
Your personal details, including your Tax File Number, credit card or bank details are valuable and should never be provided to a stranger. If you hand over your personal information to a scammer, they can use it to commit identity theft and steal your money. You should also be very wary of any requests to send money via money transfer – it's nearly impossible to recover money sent this way.
The ATO advises that from time to time it will send taxpayers emails, SMS messages or official social media updates alerting them to new services. However, the ATO will never request personal or financial information by SMS or email.
If you receive a call or email out of the blue from someone claiming to represent the ATO and that you are entitled to, or owe money – just hang up or press delete. You can check whether they're the real deal by calling the ATO on its official contact number: 13 28 69.
How these scams work
Here are some common tax time scams to be aware of:
- Tax refund scams – these scams typically involve the scammer telling you that you have overpaid your tax and are now entitled to a tax refund. In order to receive the refund, the scammer claims that you will first need to pay an 'administration' or 'transfer' fee via money transfer. They may also ask for your financial details, claiming that this is for the purpose of transferring the money to you.
- Tax owed scams – scammers will claim that you have underpaid your tax and are now required to repay the tax debt immediately. They may request your credit card details or ask you to pay the outstanding amount via a money transfer. They may also ask you to purchase a pre-paid debit card, such as a 'Load and Go' card from your local post office, and then send them the card details so that they can access the money.
- Phishing emails – scammers will often try to steal your identity or money by sending you an email that pretends to be from a trusted entity such as the ATO. The scammer will 'fish' for your personal details by trying to get you to fill in a form, or click on a link that will allow them to infect your computer with viruses and malware.
Protect yourself
- If you receive an email or phone call out of the blue from 'the ATO' claiming that you are entitled to a refund, that you owe money or asking you to confirm, update or disclose confidential details like your tax file number, press 'delete' or just hang up. Verify the caller or sender by contacting the ATO on its official contact number: 13 28 69.
- The ATO advises that you should be very careful with whom you share your tax file number (TFN). Never put your tax file number (TFN) on your resume – only give it to your employer after you have started your job. Never share your TFN, myGov or bank account details on social media. You should also change your passwords if you have shared them with anyone, including family and friends.
- The ATO also advises that if you use a tax agent, make sure they are registered by checking at www.tpb.gov.au/onlineregister.
- Don't open any attachments or click on any links in, or reply to, suspicious emails – they may take you to a bogus website or contain a malicious virus.
- Always keep your computer security up to date with anti-virus and anti-spyware software and a good firewall. Only buy computer and anti-virus software from a reputable source.
- If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
Report
If people receive a call from someone claiming to represent the ATO and are concerned about providing their personal information over the phone, they should ask for the caller's name, end the call and then phone them back using the ATO's official contact number: 13 28 69.
You can forward suspect scams to ReportEmailFraud@ato.gov.au or call the ATO during business hours on 1800 060 062 to discuss a suspected scam.
You can report scams to the ACCC via the SCAMwatch report a scam page or by calling 1300 795 995. You should also spread the word to your friends and family to protect them.
More information
To increase community awareness of scams the ATO has launched a new video campaign on www.ato.gov.au/identitycrime with helpful tips to protect personal information.
Information on online security and scams can be found on www.ato.gov.au/onlinesecurity.
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.
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SCAMwatch email alert: Beware – energy bill scams on the rise [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
Added: May 2014
How the scam works
Protect yourself
Report
More information
SCAMwatch email alert: Automated scam calls claiming to be from Qantas with bogus holiday win [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
Added: April 2014
SCAMwatch and Qantas are warning people about automated calls from scammers posing as Qantas staff claiming that they've won a credit towards their next holiday. If you receive this call, hang up.
Reports have been received from both consumers and businesses about these scam calls, where the recipient picks up the phone and hears a recorded message that claims to be from Qantas. The message will claim that because the person has recently booked a flight with Qantas, they have won a 'travel prize' or 'credit points' – typically $999 – towards their next holiday.
In order to redeem the credit, the person is directed to press '1'. At this point, the person is put directly through to a scammer, who will then state that in order to be eligible for the prize, the person has to ask a few questions first. The scammer may ask whether the person is aged over 30, whether they have a valid credit card, and finally ask for their credit card details so that the prize can be processed.
If you hand over your credit card details, you will find that money has been taken rather than deposited from your bank account.
These scammers appear to be persistent, with some consumers and businesses reporting that they have received several of these calls in one day. Unfortunately scammers pay no heed to private phone numbers or numbers listed on the Do Not Call Register, so if you have a number like this, you can still expect to receive this call.
Qantas advises that their consultants will always call customers directly to discuss their bookings and do not use an automated phone system when contacting customers proactively.
Qantas also advises that you or your business may not even be a customer of Qantas and still receive this scam call.
Scammers often pose as well-known and reputable businesses to try and convince you that they're the real deal – if you receive an automated call out of the blue claiming to be from Qantas, just hang up.
How this scam works
- You receive a phone call out of the blue to your mobile, home or work phone and, when you answer, it goes straight to an automated message claiming to be from Qantas.
- If you have recently flown or booked with Qantas, the recorded message may sound like it's the real deal as the caller thanks you for choosing Qantas and claims that you have been chosen to receive $999 in a 'travel prize', 'credit points' or even 'frequent flyer points' towards your next trip.
- The automated message will direct you to press '1' to find out more information.
- If you dial '1', you will be put directly through to someone claiming to be a representative of Qantas. The caller may congratulate you on your win before stating that you must answer a series of questions in order to qualify for the prize. The caller will typically ask whether you are aged over 30, have a valid credit card, and then finally ask for your credit card details in order to process the prize.
- If you hand over your credit card details, you will find that money has been taken rather than deposited from your bank account.
Note: you may not even be a customer of Qantas and still receive this scam call.
Protect yourself
- If you receive an automated phone call out of the blue claiming to be from Qantas, just hang up.
- If you have doubts about the identity of any caller who claims to represent a business, organisation or government department, contact the body directly. Don't rely on contact details provided by the person – find them through an independent source such as a phone book or online search. You can contact the official Qantas Contact Centre on 13 13 13.
- Remember that you can still receive scam calls even if you have a private number or have listed your number on the Australian Government's Do Not Call Register. Scammers can obtain your number fraudulently or from anywhere it has been publicly listed such as in a phone book.
- Never give your personal, credit card or online account details over the phone unless you made the call and the phone number came from a trusted source.
- 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
Qantas has posted a statement about this activity on its News Room, 'Scam phone calls purporting to be from Qantas'.
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.
ACCC statement regarding its websites
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ACCC statement regarding its websites Dear subscriber The ACCC became aware on 11 April 2014 of a breach of personal data collected from some of its websites. The affected websites are Recalls Australia, Product Safety Australia, SCAMwatch and the ACCC Public Registers website. The email addresses of some subscribers to the ACCC’s information alert services were inadvertently made accessible online. They were not indexed by search engines or linked from a web page on our sites. They could only be found if specific URLs were tried. The ACCC resolved this issue as soon as it became of aware of it. As you have subscribed to an alert on one of the affected websites, we are informing you that your email address may have been publicly available from our website if an intentional attempt was made to access it. We sincerely apologise to you and any other affected users. The ACCC takes the issue of privacy, including any breaches, very seriously. We are currently investigating how this issue occurred and have reported the breach to the Office of Australian Information Commissioner. Scammers may send emails purporting to be from the ACCC in attempts to gain personal or financial information. 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 need to contact us regarding this email, please call the ACCC Infocentre on 1300 302 502. Yours sincerely Adrian Walkden Chief Information Officer This email address is not monitored - do not reply to this email. | ||
IMPORTANT: This email from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), and any attachments to it, contains information that is confidential and may also be the subject of legal, professional or other privilege. If you are not the intended recipient, you must not review, copy, disseminate, disclose to others or take action in reliance on, any material contained within this email. If you have received this email in error, please let the ACCC know by reply email to the sender informing them of the mistake and delete all copies from your computer system. For the purposes of the Spam Act 2003, this email is authorised by the ACCC www.accc.gov.au
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SCAMwatch email alert: Scammers pretending to be from Telstra Technical Support continue cold-calling A [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
March 2014: SCAMwatch and Telstra are warning consumers to hang up the phone if they receive a call out of the blue from someone claiming there is a problem with their internet connection or computer.
Recent months have seen a surge in reports of scammers calling people at home and raising a false alarm that they are at risk of their internet being disconnected immediately, as their computer has been hacked or infected with malware and is threatening Telstra's internet infrastructure. The caller claims that they are able to fix the problem on the spot, however a fee for this service will need to be paid and the person will also need to download software that will allow the caller remote access to their computer.
If the person resists or questions the scammer, they up the ante. Scammers have reportedly threatened to sue people for putting Telstra's infrastructure at risk. When the person has requested proof that they are a Telstra rep, scammers have given out a fake number for Telstra which, when the consumer calls, puts them back on the line with the scammer. These scammers are also well-versed at creating a sense of urgency to incite fear and anxiety that your device has been compromised and must be fixed immediately.
If you provide your credit card details and give remote access to your computer, the scammer may not only take more than the stated 'fee', but also infect your computer to gain access to your personal information and commit other acts of fraud.
Scammers often pose as well-known and reputable businesses to try and convince you that they're the real deal, with Telstra a popular target. Scammers pretending to be from Telstra have been known to switch consumers to another service provider that the consumer did not knowingly agree to. Scammers don't just fish for your details over the phone; they also send phishing emails pretending to be from Telstra or BigPond® to try to get you to hand over your account details, or to click on a link or open a document infected with malware. The 'Yellow Pages' directory scam has also targeted Australian small businesses, with scammers deceiving them to sign up to an online business directory service that falsely claims to be affiliated with Sensis and Telstra.
Watch out – scammers know how to press your buttons when they get you on the phone. If you receive a call out of the blue from someone claiming to represent Telstra and they ask for access to your computer, just hang up.
How this scam works
- You receive a phone call out of the blue from someone claiming to be a representative of Telstra or Telstra BigPond®. They may sound like the real deal, claiming to be from 'Telstra Technical Support' and using technical jargon.
- The caller claims that you need to take immediate action to avoid your internet connection being terminated or disconnected, as your computer has been hacked or infected with malware and is threatening Telstra's internet infrastructure.
- In order to fix the problem, the caller will claim that you will need to pay them a service fee (typically around $10) to have a specialist look at your computer. They will also ask you to download a software program so that they can gain remote access to your computer and run a scan.
- The scammer may initially sound professional and knowledgeable, however they will be very persistent and may become abusive if you don't do what they ask. They may even threaten to sue you for putting Telstra's internet infrastructure at risk.
- If you provide your financial details or give remote access, you might find a lot more money taken out of your bank account than you agreed to, with some victims reporting losing over $5,000 from multiple withdrawals. Your computer may also be infected with malicious software, giving scammers access to your personal details stored on the device (including bank account information).
- Note: you don't have to be a Telstra customer to be called by these scammers. You don't even have to own a computer!
Protect yourself
- If you receive a phone call out of the blue from someone claiming to be a representative of Telstra and their call relates to a problem with your internet connection, just hang up.
- If you have doubts about the identity of any caller who claims to represent a business, organisation or government department, contact the body directly. Don't rely on contact details provided by the person – find them through an independent source such as a phone book or online search.
- Remember that you can still receive scam calls even if you have a private number or have listed your number on the Australian Government's Do Not Call Register. Scammers can obtain your number fraudulently or from anywhere it has been publicly listed such as in a phone book.
- Don't let scammers press your buttons – scammers use detailed scripts to convince you that they're the real deal and create a high pressure situation to make a decision on the spot.
- Always keep your computer security up to date with anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a good firewall. Only buy computer and anti-virus software from a reputable source.
- Never give your personal, credit card or online account details over the phone unless you made the call and the phone number came from a trusted source.
- Never give a stranger remote access to your computer, even if they claim to be from a reputable business.
- If you think your computer's security has been compromised, use your security software to run a virus check. If you still have doubts, contact your anti-virus software provider or a computer specialist.
- 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
SCAMwatch has previously issued radars about scammers pretending to be affiliated with Telstra:
- August 2013: Small businesses beware – 'Yellow Pages' directory scam strikes again
- August 2011: Computer remote access scammers now masquerading as Telstra - new twist
- September 2010: Telstra warns of email scam targeting BigPond customers.
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.
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