SCAMwatch email alert: Erase your hard drive before disposing of old computers [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
Erase your hard drive before disposing of old computers
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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SCAMwatch email alert: Scam callers asking for payment to deliver parcels [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
Scam callers asking for payment to deliver parcels
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.
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If you no longer want to receive SCAMwatch email alerts, please unsubscribe on the SCAMwatch website.
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