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Harvey Norman fined $750,000 for hoodwinking customers

The real question is - Did Gerry Harvey know what was going on or did he leave it to his marketing buffoons to break the law with one of Australia's greatest advertising scandals?

For almost 3 years, Harvey Norman's advertising catalogues promoted specials available in only ONE store in each state or territory.

The impression was that the specials were available across all stores.

In addition, its key website offers were available at only ONE store in Australia - at Auburn in New South Wales.

Now, the ACCC has obtained injunctions in the Federal Court against Harvey Norman Holdings Limited to prevent the company from re-engaging in this deceptive conduct.

Harvey Norman has admitted it engaged in unlawful conduct and has apologised in newspaper advertisements to the people of Australia.

There is only one a lesson for consumers to learn from this - Never trust Harvey Norman advertising again!

And if Gerry Harvey has any brains, he should sack his marketing clowns who devised this outrageous ploy to deceive the people of Australia in search of the almighty dollar.

PPQ's Ian Andrew acts the fool as he admits plate ripoff

Personal plates

HOT STUFF: Personalised Plates Queensland's Ian Andrew with some head-turning number plates.
The company has sold more than 50,000 new plates in Queensland this year.

   

IF IT seems like every second car in Queensland has a personalised number plate, it probably does   .

Against a backdrop of consumer conservatism, the take-up of personalised plates is going gangbusters.

The partly State Government-owned Personalised Plates Queensland has just wrapped up one of its biggest years since it began in 1998, selling more than 50,000 new plates.

General manager Ian Andrew said sales in the week before Christmas topped $850,000 with plates starting from $435.

"The advent of text speak has really given the industry a boost in so far as the combinations of letters and numbers being used," Mr Andrew said. ''People's creativity never ceases to astound us."

The latest product featuring two letters and two numbers was proving very popular despite the $995 cost.

Each plate had to be unique and inoffensive to meet Transport and Main Roads' standards, he said.

"People are always trying to sneak through the censorship gates although they're usually just having a bit of fun," he said.

"About three times a year we have to recall a plate because of a complaint. When that happens the owner is given a full refund."

Nicknames and makes of cars are popular but most personalised plates just involve words that resonate with the owner.

A couple in Rockhampton chose to plate their new Toyota Kluger with "FREDDY" in a twist on the horror movie character.

Most of the profits are returned to the State Government to use in road safety projects. Last year, the Government collected just over $11 million, down on the previous year's stake of $12.318 million.

www.CourierMail.com.au

 

QCW COMMENT: PPQ's Ian Andrew has shown he is the quintessential bureaucrat with his untimely admission that PPQ is acting like the official Queensland censor.  He says that PPQ forcibly recalls plates "about three times a year" as a result of complaints.  That's OK it seems according to Mr Andrew because the owner is given a full refund.  However it is described, it is still a ripoff.   Doesn't PPQ have any sort of vetting process when it comes to which plates it will allow.  How do the ones which are recalled get through this vetting process - if one exists - in the first place?  Basically, today's admission by Mr Andrew is an admission of failure by PPQ.  Once a set of plates is approved, that should be it - no recalls, no buy backs, no administrative chicanery.  Just because some unhappy prude in the community doesn't like a particular plate is no reason for the PPQ censors to fly into a rage.   PPQ should properly vet the plates it issues in advance, so that people's "pride and joy" are not recalled  for melting down at the whim of  some faceless bureaucrat.  If these simple checks cannot be performed in advance, then it may be time for the fat cats at the top of PPQ to "shape up or ship out" and stop embarrassing the government.

 

 

 

 

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 GOLD COAST CITY and parts of the LOGAN CITY, SCENIC RIM, REDLAND CITY and North Stradbroke Island Council Areas.

Issued at 1:51 pm Tuesday, 27 December 2011.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 1:55 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near Laravale, Canungra and Murwillumbah(NSW).

These thunderstorms are moving towards the north to northeast.

They are forecast to affect Coolangatta, Beaudesert and Coomera by 2:25 pm and Jimboomba, Jacobs Well and Logan Village by 2:55 pm.

Damaging 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.
BoM Radar | Early Warning Network | Unsubscribe

QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Flash Flooding, Damaging Winds


QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Flash Flooding, Damaging Winds
Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in the Central Coast and Whitsundays, Central Highlands and Coalfields, Central West, Capricornia, Wide Bay and Burnett, Darling Downs and Granite Belt, Southeast Coast and parts of the Gulf Country, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Herbert and Lower Burdekin, Northwest and Maranoa and Warrego Forecast Districts.

Issued at 1:05 pm Sunday, 11 December 2011.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, very heavy rainfall and flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Gulf Country district. Locations which may be affected include Burketown, Mornington Island and Westmoreland Station.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, very heavy rainfall, flash flooding and large hailstones over the next several hours in the Central Coast and Whitsundays, Central Highlands and Coalfields, Central West, Capricornia, Wide Bay and Burnett, Darling Downs and Granite Belt, Southeast Coast and parts of the Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Herbert and Lower Burdekin, Northwest and Maranoa and Warrego districts. Locations which may be affected include Warwick, Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Brisbane, Dalby, Maroochydore, Roma, Gympie, Bundaberg, Gladstone, Emerald, Longreach, Rockhampton, Clermont, Winton, Mackay, Proserpine, Charters Towers, Bowen, 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.
BoM Radar | Early Warning Network | Unsubscribe

QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Flash Flooding, Damaging Winds


QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Flash Flooding, Damaging Winds
Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in the Central Coast and Whitsundays, Central Highlands and Coalfields, Central West, Capricornia, Wide Bay and Burnett, Darling Downs and Granite Belt, Southeast Coast and parts of the Gulf Country, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Herbert and Lower Burdekin, Northwest and Maranoa and Warrego Forecast Districts.

Issued at 1:05 pm Sunday, 11 December 2011.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, very heavy rainfall and flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Gulf Country district. Locations which may be affected include Burketown, Mornington Island and Westmoreland Station.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, very heavy rainfall, flash flooding and large hailstones over the next several hours in the Central Coast and Whitsundays, Central Highlands and Coalfields, Central West, Capricornia, Wide Bay and Burnett, Darling Downs and Granite Belt, Southeast Coast and parts of the Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Herbert and Lower Burdekin, Northwest and Maranoa and Warrego districts. Locations which may be affected include Warwick, Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Brisbane, Dalby, Maroochydore, Roma, Gympie, Bundaberg, Gladstone, Emerald, Longreach, Rockhampton, Clermont, Winton, Mackay, Proserpine, Charters Towers, Bowen, 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.
BoM Radar | Early Warning Network | Unsubscribe

QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Flash Flooding, Damaging Winds


Southeast QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Flash Flooding, Damaging Winds
Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of the BRISBANE CITY, MORETON BAY, IPSWICH CITY, SUNSHINE COAST and SOMERSET Council Areas.

Issued at 2:32 pm Thursday, 1 December 2011.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 2:25 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near Ipswich, Wamuran, Beerburrum, Woodford and Mount Mee. These thunderstorms are slow moving. They are forecast to affect Caboolture, Redbank Plains, Lake Manchester and Mount Beerwah by 2:55 pm and Fernvale, northern Bribie Island, Beerwah and Peachester by 3:25 pm.

Damaging winds, very heavy rainfall and flash flooding are likely.

50mm of rain has been recorded near Ipswich in the last hour.

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.
BoM Radar | Early Warning Network | Unsubscribe

SCAMwatch email alert: Scam birth, death and marriage certificate websites [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

Scam birth, death and marriage certificate websites

View radar online.

Added: November 2011

SCAMwatch is warning Australians to be wary of  websites that appear official but fail to deliver on promises to provide birth, death, marriage or divorce certificates in return for a fee.  

How the scam works

  • You visit a website which falsely claims to provide fast and reliable birth, death, marriage or divorce certificates. In reality these websites cannot directly provide certificates as they are only available through official Government registries.
  • Website may look genuine and use images such as Australian flags, altered copies of Government crests and logos, pictures of Australian landmarks and links to genuine Government websites.
  • Whilst you may think you're paying for a certificate, you are actually paying for information, forms and/or web links which are freely available from official Government websites. In some cases you may receive nothing at all.
  • Scam websites commonly ask for personal and financial details such as your credit card number. Providing your credit card and personal details to scammers can lead to identity theft and credit card fraud.
  • The sites may provide a shopping cart or payment gateway which they claim is secure but is actually unsecure and unencrypted.
  • Some sites may subscribe you to ongoing payments which you weren't aware of.

Protect yourself

  • If you want to use a third party service when applying for certificates, make sure you research the provider first, look online for reviews written by other consumers and read all the terms and conditions on their website.
  • The Australian Government website www.australia.gov.au is a safe portal for finding government services, and will help to avoid unauthorised third party providers.
  • Remember that official Government registries may charge a fee for certificates but will not charge for information and forms provided freely on their website or at their customer service centres.
  • Be alert to imitation websites which misuse logos, trust marks and seals of approval also check the web address thoroughly as most Australian, state and territory government websites use the '.gov.au' extension – never .org, .net or .com.
  • Never enter your personal, credit card or banking details on a website unless you have checked it is authentic and secure. Legitimate websites which ask you to enter sensitive personal details are commonly encrypted to protect your details.
    • This is usually identified by the use of "https:" rather than "http:" at the start of the internet address.
    • This can also be identified by a closed or unbroken key icon at the bottom right corner of your browser window.
    • If these are missing or there is an open padlock or broken key icon, the website is not secure and could be a scam site.

Report

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

More information

For official birth, death, marriage or divorce certificates, visit your relevant State or Territory registries: Australian Birth, Death & Marriages Registries.

Check out our 'Pharming' scams  page which deals with similar approaches.

SCAMwatch has also issued previous radars and a media release on scams which impersonate government:

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

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

SCAMwatch email alert: Classifieds scammers advertise smartphones and tablets online [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

Classifieds scammers advertise smartphones and tablets online

View radar online.

Added: November 2011

Beware of scam online classifieds ads for smartphones, tablet devices and other small electronic items which are never delivered following payment.

Warning signs

  • A smartphone, tablet or other electronic device is advertised on an online classifieds site at a low price, often lower than comparable items advertised on the same website.
  • In many cases the scam ad will offer one of the same product free when you purchase a certain number. E.g. Buy three get one free.
  • The scammers may claim to be authorised resellers and offer 100% genuine items with genuine factory warranties.
  • The scam ads may mislead you to believe that the seller is operating out of Australian capital cities, however they are really based overseas.
  • The scammer may not have a website but will ask you to place an order via email. They will use a free email service provider for their email address.
  • The scammer will ask you to complete the sale through a wire transfer service and not via credit card.
  • Following payment you will not receive the items you have paid for.
  • When questioned, the scammer may claim that non-delivery is due to hold ups at Australian customs and may demand further payment before the products will be released. If you pay more you will never receive the items and will lose all money paid.

Protect yourself

  • Be cautious if the advertised price of a smartphone or other device looks too good to be true, it may be a scam.
  • Beware of offers for free products when you buy a certain number.
  • Don't trust the legitimacy of an ad just because it appears on a reputable online classifieds or auction website—scammers post fake ads on these too.
  • Where possible, avoid any arrangement with a stranger that asks for up-front payment via money order, wire transfer or international funds transfer. It is rare to recover money sent this way. Credit card payment may offer a more secure option as banks and financial institutions can sometimes perform a 'charge back' if they believe that your credit card was billed fraudulently.
  • Do an internet search using the exact wording in the ad, including email addresses and trader names; many well-known scams can be identified this way.
  • Before committing to buy a smartphone or electronic device online speak with the manufacturer. Ask for a list of authorised online resellers especially if you require a warranty.

Report

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

More information

See our classifieds scams page for more information on this type of scam.

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

______________

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

Daylight Saving for the Commonweath Games

2018 might seem like an eternity away but it's time for our state leaders to step up to the mark.

They shouldn't leave their run too late because they might be in for the high jump with voters.

Despite marathon efforts to have daylight saving in Queensland, the state is still light years behind on this issue.

Being it on for the Commonwealth Games.

Otherwise, Queensland will remain one hour plus one hundred years behind.

SCAMwatch email alert: The 12 scams of Christmas [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

The 12 scams of Christmas

View radar online.

Added: November 2011

SCAMwatch is advising consumers to watch out for this year's 12 scams of Christmas. Scams occur all year round but scammers prey on people's generosity and vulnerabilities at this time of year.

1. Holiday accommodation scams

Time for a holiday? Whether you're relaxing in Australia or travelling overseas this festive season, scammers may try to get hold of your money and personal details. Look out for fake accommodation vouchers, scam travel clubs and scammers asking you to pay upfront deposits for properties which aren't actually available for rent.

Protect yourself

  • Always check travel offers are legitimate before you sign up, search the wording of the offer or the company name on the web as many scams can be identified this way.
  • Before buying holiday or accommodation vouchers check with the hotel that they are genuine and will be honoured during the period that you intend on using them.
  • Never provide your credit card details and other personal information to someone you don't know or trust.

2. Flight booking scams

Scammers set up fake websites which look genuine and make you believe you are purchasing an authentic flight ticket. When you arrive at the airport you may find your booking was a fake.

Protect yourself

  • Always book flights through a legitimate travel agent, airline, flight booking or travel website.
  • Be cautious when deciding to purchase very cheap airfares – if it looks too good to be true it may be a scam.
  • Check that the ABN quoted on a flight booking website is genuinely registered to the trader named on the site. You can look up an ABN on the Australian Government's business.gov.au website.

3. Charity scams

At Christmas many legitimate charities appeal for donations of money, food, clothing and children's gifts. Unfortunately scammers also try to get your money by camouflaging themselves as genuine charities.

Protect yourself

  • Beware that scam charity emails and websites may use official-looking logos and words which make them look genuine. Always check that a website is legitimate before donating.
  • Approach legitimate charity organisations directly to make a donation or offer support.
  • Don't rely on any phone number or website address given by the person who first called, visited or emailed you. Independently search for the charity name online as many scams can be identified this way.

4. Online shopping scams

Found that perfect gift online? Beware, scammers post fake classified ads, auction listings, and run bogus websites. If you get caught by a scammer you will not only lose your money but will also never receive the item you were trying to purchase!

Protect yourself

  • Be cautious if the advertised price of an item online looks unusually low. Scam ads quote goods at much lower prices than similar items on the same or other sites.
  • Avoid any arrangement with a stranger that asks for up-front payment via money order or international wire transfer. Scammers will ask you to pay outside of the website's official payment systems. 
  • Beware, some scammers will send scam emails which appear to be from official payment companies requesting payment, others will direct you to fake payment websites which look genuine but have a different URL.
  • Be especially cautious when buying pets and pedigree puppies, smartphones and tablet devices, horses and saddles, motor bikes, cars and boats. These are common scam targets.

5. Parcel delivery scams

Australians are predicted to send and receive millions of parcels at Christmas time. If you are expecting a parcel from family or friends, it's important to be aware of scams involving parcel collection. Scammers may call or email pretending to be from a logistics or parcel delivery service such as Australia Post, claiming that a non-existent parcel could not be delivered to you. They will offer to redeliver the parcel in exchange for a fee and may also ask for personal details.

Protect yourself

  • If you are in doubt about the authenticity of a parcel delivery call or email, don't commit to anything. Call the company directly using their official customer service number to verify that it is genuine. Never use contact details provided by the caller or in an email.
  • If you think you have provided your banking or credit card details to a scammer contact your bank or financial institution immediately.

6. Social media gift voucher and free product scams

Gift vouchers make handy presents when someone is hard to buy for, but always buy them from an official source to avoid being scammed. Recent scams have involved fake gift vouchers and "free products" being offered via social networking sites. Scam offers will ask victims to give personal details via survey in return for vouchers and products which either never arrive or are not honoured.

Protect yourself

  • Never click on suspicious links on social networking sites – even if they are from your friends. Remember if an offer seems too good to be true it probably is!
  • Be very wary when filling in surveys linked to via social networking posts and pages. Scammers commonly use these surveys to steal your valuable personal information.
  • If in doubt about the authenticity of a free offer always contact the company on their official customer service number to verify that it is genuine. You can also search the internet using the exact wording of the offer as many social media scams can be identified this way.
  • If you think you have provided your banking or credit card details to a scammer contact your bank or financial institution immediately.

7. Door-to-door scams

Lots of legitimate traders sell products and services door-to-door over the holiday season. Unfortunately scammers also approach their victims this way trying to sell poor quality products that don't do what is promised. If you fall victim, you will not get value for your money and money-back guarantees will turn out to be useless.

Protect yourself

  • If someone comes to your door, ask to see their identification. You do not have to let them in, and they must leave if you ask them to.
  • Do not agree to offers or deals straight away: tell the person that you are not interested or that you want to get some independent advice before making a decision.
  • Carry out a web search on the trader to see if there are other consumers who have commented on the quality of their product or service.

8. Telephone scams

If you are taking time off work over the Christmas and New Year period, you may find you receive scam calls on your home landline telephone. These scams have been prominent over 2011 with scam callers claiming that your computer is infected with a virus, offering fake government grants/compensation or seeking bank details in order to process a bank fee or tax refund.

Protect yourself

  • Be cautious if you are contacted out of the blue by someone claiming to be from a government department, a business or private organisation requesting personal information or payment for various services or fees. If you're not sure that a call is a scam you can check by independently using official contact details, never use phone numbers or email addresses provided by the caller.
  • NEVER provide or confirm your personal, credit card or online account details over the phone unless you made the call using details you found yourself and you trust the other party.

9. Christmas e-card scams

At this time of year it's not uncommon to be sent emails containing links to Christmas e-cards. Whilst these emails often come from colleagues, friends and family, they may have unknowingly forwarded on attachments containing hidden malware or links scam websites. The emails may contain animations, pictures, videos or links which when opened, download malicious software onto you're your machine. Malware can be used to steal sensitive personal information stored on the computer or to record your keystrokes when you enter passwords online.

Protect yourself

  • Never open unsolicited emails, delete them immediately!
  • As fun as they may look, exercise caution when opening e-cards even if they've come from someone you know. Never click on any links or open any attachments in these emails.
  • Keep your computer updated with the latest anti-virus and anti-spy ware software. Also, use a good firewall.

10. Romance scams

Online dating scams are very common and last year cost Australians more than $15 million. If you are looking for that special someone online be cautious. Scammers post fake profiles on legitimate online dating websites and will give various excuses to ask you to send them money via international wire transfer.

Protect yourself

  • Be wary of anyone who you have not personally met who asks you to send them money, gifts or your banking and credit card details.
  • Be very careful about how much personal information you share on social network and dating sites.

11. Weight loss Scams

Many of us make resolutions to loose weight over the Summer holidays, but watch out for scammers offering 'miracle' weight loss pills and potions.  These scams may promise weight loss for little or no effort or may involve unusual or restrictive diets, 'revolutionary' exercise or fat-busting devices, or products such as pills, patches, or creams. Also watch out for 'free trials' that may sign you up to unexpected payments.

Protect yourself

  • Remember, there are no magic pills for rapid weight loss, instead speak with your GP about healthy and safe weight loss options.
  • Be very careful about offers for medicines, supplements or other treatments: always seek the advice of your health care professional.

12. Lottery scams

There are many legitimate lottery jackpots, competitions and sweepstakes throughout the festive season, however lottery scams also circulate at this time of year. These scams will often use the names of legitimate overseas lotteries or carry the name of a well known company, event or person. You will usually be asked to pay various ongoing fees to release your winnings but you will lose all the money you pay and won't receive anything in return.

Protect yourself

  • If you receive a letter, email or SMS out of the blue claiming you have won a lottery which you never entered it's most likely a scam – ignore it.
  • Ask yourself why you are being asked to pay fees when these could come out of the winnings. Genuine lotteries don't operate this way.

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

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

______________

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

State Government to lower Wivenhoe Dam to 75%

MEDIA RELEASE

Ipswich Councillor Paul Tully who called for a permanent reduction in the Wivenhoe Dam level last May hailed today's decision as a "victory for people power".

Cr Tully said Wivenhoe Dam should remain at 75% to better manage future floods on the Brisbane and Bremer Rivers.

"This decision is an admission the release of water from Wivenhoe Dam was poorly managed by the dam operators last summer.

"The announcement will be a major boost for residents planning a legal class action against the dam operators and the state government."

Cr Tully said if the same decision had been made 12 months ago, the January flood could have been reduced by up to 2 metres in the upper reaches of the Brisbane River, saving thousands of homes from inundation.

"But the dam operators put their heads in the sand and allowed the dam to get to 190% when they panicked and were forced to make emergency releases, creating the worst flood in Brisbane and Ipswich for 37 years," Cr Tully said.

Queensland wins Commonwealth Games bid for 2018.

SCAMwatch email alert: Erase your hard drive before disposing of old computers [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

Erase your hard drive before disposing of old computers

View radar online.

Added: Novemvber 2011

SCAMwatch is warning Australians to erase their hard drive before parting with old computers and laptops. Simply deleting individual files is not enough to remove personal details, documents and passwords stored on the machine.

SCAMwatch has received reports that un-wiped hard drives are fast becoming a sought after item for scammers who can use them to access personal details and commit identity theft.

Whether you chose to sell your computer, give it away, throw it away, recycle it or give it to charity, you should ensure your hard drive has been erased first.

How to erase your hard drive

  • The best way to erase your hard drive is to use a software program which will do a thorough job. There are both paid and free software programs available for download online, but make sure you scan any software you download before installing it to make sure it doesn't contain malware or spyware.
  • If you are throwing your computer away, you may wish to take out the hard drive and destroy it. This won't erase the data but will prevent any chance of a scammer reading it.
  • Don't believe the myth that a strong magnet will erase your hard drive.

Report

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

Stay one step ahead of scammers, follow @SCAMwatch_gov on Twitter or visit http://twitter.com/SCAMwatch_gov.
 
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If you no longer want to receive SCAMwatch email alerts, please unsubscribe on the SCAMwatch website.

SCAMwatch email alert: Scam callers asking for payment to deliver parcels [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

Scam callers asking for payment to deliver parcels

View radar online.

Added: November 2011

SCAMwatch and Australia Post are warning of scam callers pretending to be from Australia Post and requesting payment to redeliver an undelivered parcel.

How the scam works

  • You receive a call out of the blue from someone claiming to be an Australia Post employee or a staff member from an Australia Post retail outlet.
  • The scam caller claims that Australia Post has been unsuccessful in delivering a parcel to you and that redelivery can be arranged after you make a payment.
  • The scammer will provide a reason as to why the initial delivery failed, such as the parcel being too large.
  • The payment amount may vary and the scammer may ask for payment in a number of ways such as credit card or international wire transfer.
  • The scammer may ask for personal information such as your credit card or bank account details.

Protect yourself

  • 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 in doubt about the authenticity of a call, don't commit to anything. Instead hang up and call the company directly using their official customer service number to verify that it is genuine. Never use contact details provided by the caller, instead find the number via the Australia Post website (www.auspost.com.au)
  • 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

See Australia Post's warning on their website - Australia Post warns of "parcel delivery phone call" scam

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

______________

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

SCAMwatch email alert: Beware of scam gift voucher & product offers on social networking sites [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

Beware of scam gift voucher & product offers on social networking sites

View radar online.

Added: November 2011

SCAMwatch is warning social networking users to beware of scam posts which offer fake gift vouchers or products for free. The vouchers are offered in exchange for personal details and passing on a scam link to friends.

How the scam works

  • You see a post on a social networking site such as Facebook or Twitter offering free gift vouchers or products. Recent scams have offered fake vouchers for supermarkets and coffee shops. Other have offered free products such as smartphones, tablet devices and laptops.
  • This scam abuses brand names and logos of well-known companies and products in order to make the offers look legitimate.
  • To claim the voucher or product you may be asked to first "Like" a Facebook page, share the scam post with friends and follow a link to complete a scam survey. The survey will ask for personal details which scammers can then use to commit identity theft.
  • If you fall victim to the scam you will never receive the product or voucher. If you print an online voucher it will be a fake which is not honoured or of any value.
  • In more sophisticated versions of this scam, clicking on links may cause your social media account to become hijacked or compromised. A hijacked account will spam your friends with more scam post. If your Facebook page has been compromised use this Facebook page to re-secure your account. If your Twitter account has been hijacked see this Twitter information on how to re-secure your page.
  • Similar scams also are perpetrated via email with links to online scam surveys.

Protect yourself

  • Never click on suspicious links on social networking sites – even if they are from your friends. Remember if an offer seems too good to be true it probably is!
  • Be very wary when filling in surveys linked to via social networking posts and pages. Scammers commonly use these surveys to steal your valuable personal information.
  • If in doubt about the authenticity of a free offer always contact the company on their official customer service number to verify that it is genuine. You can also search the internet using the exact wording of the offer as many social media scams can be identified this way.
  • Keep your personal details personal - be careful what information you share and post on social networking sites and with whom you share it– expect that people other than your friends can see it.
  • Set your online social networking profiles to private, never give out your account details and regularly update your computer's security software.
  • Protect your accounts with strong passwords and change them regularly - have a different password for each social networking site so that if one is compromised, not all of your accounts will be at risk.
  • Don't accept a friend request or a follow request from a stranger - people are not always who they say they are and the best way to keep scammers out of your life is to never let them in.
  • 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

See our social networking scams page for more information.

Coles Supermarkets have also issued a warning about this type of scam via the Coles website homepage.

If your account has been compromised:

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

______________

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

SCAMwatch email alert: Avoid 2012 London Olympics accommodation scams [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

Avoid 2012 London Olympics accommodation scams

View radar online.

Added: November 2011

SCAMwatch is joining the UK Metropolitan Police Service in warning of online accommodation booking scams in the lead up to the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.

How the scam works

  • Scammers can exploit the high demand for accommodation during the games by setting up fake websites, posting fake ads for hotel rooms and holiday rentals on genuine websites, or offering fake accommodation/ticketing packages.
  • The accommodation offered may not actually exist or be available.
  • In previous rental and accommodation scams, scammers have posed as property owners, booking agents, or landlords and posted fake copies of genuine rental property advertisements on classified, accommodation and travel websites.
  • If you respond to the fake ads the scammer will ask for upfront payments such as bond, rent payments or deposits in advance.
  • Some scammers have also requested copies of personal identification documents, or other personal information which can be used to commit identity fraud.
  • Victims never receive the keys to the property and the scammer disappears with their money.
  • Beware also of websites offering scam ticket sales. The only secure way to buy a ticket is from the London 2012 ticketing website, or your country's National Olympic Committee or National Paralympic Committee which can be found on the official London 2012 ticketing website.

Protect yourself

  • Book accommodation directly with an established hotel or reputable travel company using their official contact details.
  • Research the property/hotel you are booking using internet searches and online maps to verify that the address exists. Check if official images match those in the advertisement.
  • Request a number of photos of the property from the agent, if they refuse it may be that they have stolen a photo from a genuine ad and have no others. 
  • If you want to use an agent or a website to book accommodation, research them online first. Check reviews and blog posts as many known scams can be identified this way.
  • Don't trust the legitimacy of an accommodation ad just because it appears on a reputable website—scammers post fake ads on these too.
  • Where possible, avoid any arrangement with a stranger that asks for up-front payment via money order, wire transfer or international funds transfer. It is rare to recover money sent this way.
  • Do an internet search using the exact wording in the accommodation ad—many well-known scams can be found this way.
  • For rental properties, insist on inspecting the property - a drive-by is not enough. The property may genuinely exist, but it might be owned by someone else. 

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

More information

SCAMwatch has also previously issued radars on accommodation scams:

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

______________

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

Southeast QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Flash Flooding, Damaging Winds


Southeast QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Flash Flooding, Damaging Winds
Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of the GOLD COAST CITY, LOCKYER VALLEY, IPSWICH CITY, SOUTHERN DOWNS, SCENIC RIM and TOOWOOMBA Council Areas.

Issued at 6:53 pm Sunday, 30 October 2011.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 6:55 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near Warwick, the area northwest of Warwick and Casino(NSW). These thunderstorms are moving towards the northeast. They are forecast to affect the area northeast of Warwick, the area north of Warwick and Allora by 7:25 pm and Border Ranges National Park, the McPherson Range and Cunninghams Gap by 7:55 pm.

Damaging winds, very heavy rainfall, flash flooding and large hailstones are likely.

Estimated wind gusts to 90 km/hr were observed near Inglewood.
Wind gusts of 80 km/hr were observed at Warwick at 6:48pm.

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.
BoM Radar | Early Warning Network | Unsubscribe

New laws simplify business registration

Attorney-General, Minister for Local Government and Special Minister of State

The Honourable Paul Lucas

26/10/2011

New laws simplify business registration

Queensland businesses will have access to easy processes to register their names following the passing of legislation in Parliament tonight.

Attorney General Paul Lucas said the Business Names Bill, which would come into effect from May 28 next year, would cut red tape for Queensland businesses and allow a national registration system.

"There are approximately 40,500 new business names registered in Queensland each year and the Queensland register currently holds about 261,000 names," Mr Lucas said.

"These days, many businesses often operate across state boundaries and may have to register in different jurisdictions.

"This Bill will allow current Queensland proprietors to keep their business name and that registration will become a national one.

"If proprietors do have multiple registrations throughout Australia for the same name then in the future, there will only be one registration and one payment.

"Together with other Bills in other States and Territories, this change will seek to bring business name requirements back to a consistent national approach under one piece of legislation.

"Not only will the change to a national system be a red-tape reduction, it was also be as seamless as possible to for existing proprietors.

"It's a win for businesses and it's a win for commonsense."

SCAMwatch email alert: Protect your credit card details from lottery scammers [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

Protect your credit card details from lottery scammers

View radar online.

Added: October 2011

SCAMwatch is advising Australians to ignore recent lottery scam letters requesting $25, credit card details, or payment by cheque in return for a false $15,000 windfall.

How the scam works

  • You receive a letter in the mail claiming that you have won an amount of money in a lottery you never entered, or asking you to enter. Recent reports show that the false winnings are commonly $15,000 or $25,000.
  • The letter will ask for an initial payment, commonly of $25, in order to claim the winnings or to enter. It may ask for credit card details or payment by cheque.
  • The letter may look official and may contain forms to be returned along with the initial payment via an enclosed prepaid envelope.
  • The letter may mention an international organisation based in the USA and provide postal address details for this organisation. These organisations often disappear and morph into others.
    Protect yourself
  • If you receive an unsolicited letter about a lottery you never entered destroy it. Never write back as this may lead to more scam letters being sent to you. Never send any money, personal or financial details.
  • If you aren't sure whether a letter is authentic, do an internet search using wording from the letter. Many well-known scams can be found this way. 
  • If you think you have provided your banking or credit card details or sent a cheque 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
See our lottery and competition scams section for more information. SCAMwatch has also previously issued radars on lottery and fake prize scams:

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

______________

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

Government may allow catching of female mud crabs in Queensland

Main Roads, Fisheries and Marine Infrastructure

The Honourable Craig Wallace

22/10/2011

Jennys could claw their way onto Queensland plates

Fisheries Minister Craig Wallace is encouraging fishers across Queensland to have their say on Queensland's Fisheries regulations.

Mr Wallace said fishers are being given the opportunity to provide feedback on issues important to them.

"I am very interested in finding out what recreational fishers think about a limited take of female mud crabs," Mr Wallace said.

"Protection measures have been in place for 'Jennys' in Queensland for about 120 years, and while we need to continue to ensure sustainability of female mud crabs, I am interested to know what fishers think about a relaxing of restrictions.

"It has been illegal since the 1890s to take any female mud crabs in Queensland and what we are seeing is an abundance of 'Jennys' in Queensland waters.

"Since that time, fishers have only been allowed to catch male muddies so 'bucks' rarely grow larger than 15cm before they are caught.

"Fishing experts tell me that once females grow to more than 16 cm, they can no longer breed as they find it difficult to mate with smaller males.

"Often families go crabbing and only catch one or two big females, so I am asking what Queenslanders think about allowing a limited take of these big 'Jennys'.

"To restore a bit of balance to Queensland's mud crab population, I want to know how fishers would feel about allowing a limited lake of larger female mud crabs.

"An appropriate take could be, for example, one large female per boat per fishing trip, one large female per person per fishing trip or a limited number of females for a specific period of time.

"This is about getting the balance right between sustainability and Queenslanders' right to enjoy recreational fishing.

"We have some of the world's best seafood on offer here in Queensland and as a keen fisherman myself, I want Queensland fishers to be able to enjoy the sensational catches our waters have to offer while sustaining stocks for the future."

"I also regularly get feedback from fishers that some of our regulations can be confusing, such as the various size limits which apply for the take of Cod in Queensland.

"Different bag limits for different species can lead to uncertainty when fishing and I would be interested to hear from fishers how these rules could be simplified.

Queensland fishers can have their say at callweb@deedi.qld.gov.au by 30 November 2011.

Media Release: Call for lawyers to disclose property searches to clients

A call has been made for all Queensland lawyers to be forced by law to hand over council rates and property searches to clients who are purchasing homes or investment properties.

The call follows evidence to the Floods Inquiry that a Goodna woman was not provided with an Ipswich City Council flood search by her solicitor.

Mrs Natalia Ang purchased a property at Mill St Goodna but was never provided a copy of the flood search by her solicitor showing the property was 8 metres under water in 1974.

Ipswich Councillor Paul Tully said most solicitors in Queensland routinely failed to hand over copies of rates and flood searches to their clients.

Cr Tully said clients were paying hundreds of dollars for flood and property searches which are mostly not forwarded on to purchasers.

"The law should be changed to require solicitors to fully disclose all searches to their clients, not just some glib statement that they were satisfactory.

"Any lawyer who doesn't pass on the searches to their client is letting their client down."

Cr Tully said solicitors were "playing god" with their clients by not giving the information about property flood levels.

"This is disgraceful conduct by solicitors who are more interested in pocketing their clients' money than disclosing the results of all searches relating to the property.

"Failing to pass on key searches to clients is professionally negligent and a disgraceful way of treating clients who are paying good money for poor service," Cr Tully said.

SCAMwatch email alert: Phishing scams emails and SMS’ continue [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

Phishing scams emails and SMS' continue

View radar online.

Added: October 2011

SCAMwatch is warning Australians to continue to be wary of phishing scams received by email or SMS following a twist which leads to fraudulent online banking transactions.

How the scam works

  • You receive a genuine looking email or SMS which appears to have come from a bank, financial institution, email provider, social networking service, payment service provider or telecommunications company, to name a few. 
  • Emails may be convincing as they often contain official looking company logos, letterhead or signature blocks. 
  • The email or message will give a false reason for you to provide personal and account details, for example:
    • It may claim that you online banking account (and passwords) or credit card account requires resetting and that your username, pin/password and mobile number are required.
    • It may claim that your credit card, email or social networking account has been compromised, frozen or cancelled and that personal and pin/password details are required to unlock it.
  • The scam email or SMS will often direct you to a scam website where you are required to enter the details. Beware the website may look like your bank, email provider or social networking site's official login page but is really a scam copy!

New Twist

Some internet banking systems send authentication messages to their account holder's mobile before they are able to make a transaction to a new party. Scammers are using phishing techniques to tap into these messages by: 

  • Sending a phishing email to gather their victim's mobile number and internet banking passwords and usernames. 
  • The details are used to access their victim's internet banking accounts and to get the victim's mobile number ported to a scam mobile phone. 
  • Once this happens the victim's mobile phone will suddenly and unexpectedly be disconnected from their provider. 
  • The scammer uses the scam mobile to get access to these authentication messages and to perpetrate fraudulent internet banking transactions.

Protect yourself

  • If you think you have provided your banking details to a scammer and /or your mobile is unexpectedly disconnected from your provider, contact both your bank and telecommunications provider immediately.
  • Never give your personal, credit card, online banking or mobile phone details in response to an unsolicited email or SMS. 
  • Never enter personal or banking details into any website unless you are certain that the website is genuine. Especially never enter details into a website which you visited by clicking on a link in an email.
  • If you receive unsolicited emails, delete them immediately! 
  • If in doubt about the authenticity of an email or SMS, always contact the business, service provider or bank to verify that the request is genuine. Never rely on contact details provided in the emails or SMS. Instead, find genuine contact details independently from an authentic source.
  • Keep your computer updated with the latest anti-virus and anti-spy ware software. Also, use a good firewall.

Report

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

More information

Learn more about phishing scams via our Requests for your account information (phishing scams) page. SCAMwatch has also previously issued radars on phishing scams:

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

______________

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 LOCKYER VALLEY, GYMPIE, CHERBOURG SHIRE and parts of the IPSWICH CITY, SOUTHERN DOWNS, SUNSHINE COAST, SCENIC RIM, SOMERSET, SOUTH BURNETT and TOOWOOMBA Council Areas.

Issued at 3:37 am Saturday, 15 October 2011.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 3:35 am, severe thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near Toowoomba and the area northeast of Kingaroy. These thunderstorms are moving towards the east. They are forecast to affect the area north of Toowoomba, the area southwest of Gympie and the ranges between Gympie and Murgon by 4:05 am and Laidley, Gatton and Gympie by 4:35 am.

Damaging 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.
BoM Radar | Early Warning Network | Unsubscribe

Media Release: Get rid of your Tupperware in Queensland before new law hits

Attorney-General, Minister for Local Government and Special Minister of State

The Honourable Paul Lucas

14/10/2011

New drug law puts hole in supply chains

People found to be in possession of chemicals and ingredients used to manufacture illegal drugs could face trafficking charges when amendments introduced to Queensland Parliament yesterday are passed.

Attorney General Paul Lucas said the Government would seek to introduce a new offence of Trafficking in Precursors under the Drugs Misuse Act which would carry a maximum jail sentence of 20 years.

Mr Lucas said current legislation meant anyone found to be in the possession of a single precursor chemical or apparatus such as glassware or a pill press were charged with unlawful possession, unlawful supply or unlawful production carrying a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment.

He said the amendments aimed to see people in these circumstances charged with trafficking which would lead to a stiffer maximum sentence.

"Criminal groups have been dividing up responsibilities for equipment and substances used to make drugs so no one person holds all the key ingredients and equipment," Mr Lucas said.

"This is being done in a deliberate bid to avoid prosecution on trafficking charges.

"What these new laws will do is make sure courts have tougher sentences available to them to send a clear message that involvement in the manufacture of amphetamines, from the supply of chemicals to providing a pill press, can result in trafficking charges.

"This reflects the gravity and true criminality of possessing vast quantities of precursor chemicals used in the production of dangerous drugs.

"Anyone caught in the possession of a precursor chemical or apparatus will be charged with trafficking, carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years.

"The message is clear: if you don't have the chemicals to make dangerous drugs you can't make them. If you can't make them, you can't sell them. End of story."

Mr Lucas said Trafficking of a Dangerous Drug carried a maximum sentence of between 20 and 25 years depending on the type of drug and its quantity.

Media Release: No more smoking mulberry leaves in Queensland as we did as kids

Attorney-General, Minister for Local Government and Special Minister of State

The Honourable Paul Lucas

14/10/2011

New laws to stop the sale of synthetic drugs

Individuals selling synthetic cannabis in Queensland will no longer be able to circumvent laws prohibiting their sale by changing the ingredients in the product.

Attorney General Paul Lucas said amendments to the Drugs Misuse Act introduced to Parliament yesterday would allow authorities to charge someone with selling a banned substance even if key ingredients had changed to circumvent laws.

Mr Lucas said current laws meant substances were illegal if it could be proved that they actually had a similar effect to banned substances on Schedule 2 of the Drugs Misuse Regulation.

He said people selling substances on Schedule 2 of the Drugs Misuse Regulation could face a maximum of between 15 years and 20 years in jail but proving the effect could involve lengthy scientific processes.

The amendments will allow authorities to charge a person with supply of a dangerous drug if the substance is not on the banned list but is intended to have the same effect as a banned substance, Mr Lucas said.

"In recent times, there has been much media attention on products like Kronic which are cannabinoids intended to have the same effect as marijuana," Mr Lucas said.

"The Government has been making moves to ban cannabinoids, with three added the list of banned substances in September and the Government continuing to investigate if another 19 should be added, but in the past, people have attempted to circumvent these laws.

"Brands like Kronic have historically changed the ingredients that are used to manufacture the substance.

"Proving that the new product actually has the same effect as other banned cannabanoids can be difficult and take a long time meaning products are in the shops and on sale while scientific evidence is gathered.

"What this amendment means is that authorities only have to prove that the producer as little as intends for the product to have the same effect as a banned substance before a person can be charged and face the same stiff penalties.

"As Kronic is intended to have the same effect as other banned substances, the sale of Kronic will be effectively banned and no changing the chemicals that make it up will change that."

Mr Lucas said synthetic drugs had very complex chemical compositions.

"Drug cooks can make slight changes which technically make it a different drug even though it is intended to have the same effect," Mr Lucas said.

"Rather than let criminals set the agenda, this puts police one step ahead of the game and the health of young Queenslanders susceptible to taking drugs so much better off."

Mr Lucas it was important strong controls were in place from both a health and law and order perspective.

"These amendments will make it easier for authorities to act when substances have one aim and one aim only and that's to mimic the effects of illegal drugs," Mr Lucas said.

"Illegal drugs can have enormous impacts on society, in people's families and in the workplace.

"The consequences of synthetic drug use can have similar impacts.

"That's why we're making these amendments."

More than 380 drugs are currently listed in Schedule 2 of the Drugs Misuse Regulation meaning they are illegal to use in Queensland unless prescribed by a doctor or otherwise authorised by law.

QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Flash Flooding, Damaging Winds


QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Flash Flooding, Damaging Winds
Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in the
Southeast Coast and parts of the
Wide Bay and Burnett Forecast Districts.

Issued at 2:07 pm Thursday, 13 October 2011.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, very heavy rainfall, flash flooding and large hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Ipswich and possibly Gold Coast, Brisbane and Maroochydore.

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.
BoM Radar | Early Warning Network | Unsubscribe

QLD Severe T'Storm: Large Hail, Damaging Winds. Laidley, Ipswich, Esk


Southeast QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Damaging Winds
Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in the LOCKYER VALLEY, IPSWICH CITY, SOUTHERN DOWNS, SCENIC RIM, SOMERSET, TOOWOOMBA and parts of the BRISBANE CITY, LOGAN CITY, MORETON BAY, DALBY and SOUTH BURNETT Council Areas.

Issued at 5:42 am Saturday, 8 October 2011.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 5:45 am, severe thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near Toowoomba, the area northwest of Kingaroy and Bell. These thunderstorms are moving towards the east. They are forecast to affect Laidley, Gatton and Kingaroy by 6:15 am and Ipswich, Esk and the area northwest of Esk by 6:45 am.

Damaging winds and large hailstones are likely.

A wind gust of 198 km/hr was observed at Oakey at 5:30am

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.
BoM Radar | Early Warning Network | Unsubscribe

Domino's Pizza Ripoff at Sea World

At $8.99 for a hand size pizza, Domino's must have created a world record pizza ripoff price at the Gold Coast Sea World theme park.

The side of the box reads:

At Domino's we give you great tasting food for a GREAT PRICE.

A great price? Yes, a great ripoff price!

Another disgraceful Domino's Pizza ripoff.

SCAMwatch email alert: Continue to beware of scam solar offers [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

Continue to beware of scam solar offers

View radar online.

Added: September 2011

SCAMwatch is warning Australians to continue to be wary of scammers who offer bogus government rebates for the installation of solar panels.

How the scam works

  • You receive an unexpected call, email or house visit from someone offering either free solar panels or a government rebate/grant on solar panels following an upfront payment.
  • Scammers may pose as government representatives or mention government affiliation or programs.
  • The scammer may ask for bank account details or for a fee to be paid before the rebate/grant can be processed. In some instances, these promised rebates have not been paid. 
  • The scammer may pressure you into making a hurried decision claiming that the false grants or rebate schemes are due to close soon.
  • In some instances the scammer may offer free solar panels in exchange for placing advertising signs on your property for a number of months. They will request an upfront fee and claim to repay it over the duration of the advertising.
  • The scammer may claim to be from a legitimate company which sells solar panels and may even organise to visit your home but will not show up.

Protect yourself

  • Australian Government departments will never phone or email you asking you to pay upfront amounts in order to claim a rebate. 
  • Never confirm or provide personal details over the phone or by email unless you initiated the contact and trust the other party.
  • Be cautious if you are contacted by someone claiming to be from government or a genuine solar energy provider. Verify who they are by finding the agency or company's contact details from an independent source such as a phone book and contacting them directly.
  • 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 report a scam page on SCAMwatch or by calling 1300 795 995.

More information
SCAMwatch has issued a previous radar on energy scams:

The Australian Government offers genuine rebates for the installation of solar panels and individual states and territories may also offer ongoing feed-in tariff programs. For further information on all available rebates visit the Living Greener website maintained by the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency.

You can also visit the Clean Energy Council website for a list of accredited solar installers.

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

______________

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

State Government plans to jail dog offenders

Queensland will consider jail penalties for people whose dangerous dogs injure or kill someone.

Attorney-General Paul Lucas says he will examine whether a specific jail provision is needed in the Animal Management and Care Act, which already has penalties of up to $30,000.

It comes after the Victorian government moved to introduce "Ayen's Law", imposing jail terms of up to 10 years for owners of killer dogs.

Advertisement: Story continues below
Four-year-old Ayen Chol was last month mauled to death by a pit bull cross, prompting the state's government to toughen up its dog control laws.

Mr Lucas said Queensland may follow.

"There's a really good reason to have a look at what they're doing in terms of the criminal law to see whether ours needs any adjusting," he told ABC Radio today.

"If people are so foolish, so unwise, so dangerous in their behaviour that someone could be injured ... if it's with a car or with a dog it's a similar point, isn't it really?

"If a child loses their life or ... is seriously injured because someone couldn't give two hoots about controlling their dog, I think that's a reasonable point in terms of criminal law."

www.BrisbaneTimes.com.au

Woolworths rips off customers again

Topless pineapples on offer at Woolworths Redbank Plains store today.


Woolworths have embarked on a new and sneaky campaign to rip off customers.

In Queensland's Sunshine State where pineapples thrive, Woolies has got its knives sharpened to cut the tops of every pineapple they sell.

This prevents home gardeners from using the tops to grow their own fresh pineapples.

Very clever. Very sneaky.

It stops the average member of the public from utilising sound environmental practices in growing their own fruit.

They are forced back to Woolworths to buy more pineapples without tops.

If convenience is the issue, why doesn't Woolworths offer customers a choice - pineapples with or without tops?

Another Woolies ripoff where prices might be down but corporate trickery is up, up, up!

QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Damaging Winds


QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Damaging Winds
Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of the
Wide Bay and Burnett,
Darling Downs and Granite Belt and
Southeast Coast Forecast Districts.

Issued at 11:21 am Friday, 9 September 2011.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Ipswich, Kingaroy, Boonah, Crows Nest and Yarraman.

Short lived periods of heavy rainfall are also possible in the warning area over the next few hours.

Damaging winds with some heavy rainfall have been reported between Inglewood and Warwick between 9am and 10am.

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.
BoM Radar | Early Warning Network | Unsubscribe

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