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SCAMwatch email alert: This end of financial year, look out for tax refund phishing scams [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
This end of financial year, look out for tax refund phishing scams
Added: August 2013
How these scams work
If you open the link or attachment, your computer may be infected with malicious software.
Protect yourself
Report
More information
SCAMwatch email alert: Small businesses beware –‘YellowPages’ directory scam strikes again [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
Small businesses beware – 'Yellow Pages' directory scam strikes again
July 2013: SCAMwatch is warning small businesses to be alert as the fake 'Yellow Pages' business directory scam has resurfaced in Australia.
There has recently been a surge in reports from small businesses that they have received a fax claiming to be from 'Yellow Page Australia' and 'Open Business Directory Ltd' that, on first glance, appears to be seeking confirmation of their business' contact details. However, on closer inspection, the fax is in fact an agreement to sign up to an online business directory service charged at $99 per month for a minimum two-year period.
Businesses are tricked into thinking the fax is affiliated with Sensis' Yellow Pages® directory by using this well-known Australian company's name and 'Walking Fingers' logo. However, Sensis warns that 'Yellow Page Australia', 'Online Business Directory' and the website 'www.yellow-page-australia.com' are in no way connected with Sensis or Telstra.
A 'Yellow Pages' scam has previously targeted Australian businesses. In April 2011, the ACCC successfully prosecuted two overseas companies for sending thousands of these types of faxes to local businesses. The Federal Court imposed penalties totalling $2.7 million against the perpetrators. Authorities in the United States and Canada also successfully prosecuted other scammers behind this global scheme. Whilst the perpetrators from this round of faxes appear to be different, the conduct is nearly identical.
Scammers are very sophisticated these days, targeting small businesses at busy times when they're more vulnerable to fall victim. The perpetrators behind this 'Yellow Pages' scam are more than likely taking advantage of the new financial year period to trick busy businesses into signing up to an unwanted service. While reports suggest that Aussie businesses are alert to the scam and haven't been duped, this batch of faxes indicates an invoice due date right in the middle of tax time. As in the past, these scammers may soon start hassling businesses for payments, including threatening them with late payment fees. They may also switch to other delivery methods such as email, letter or phone to approach their targets.
SCAMwatch urges small businesses to be alert and follow these three key rules:
- If you receive a 'Yellow Pages' fax or email, just bin it or press 'delete' – Sensis will never approach you this way.
- If you receive a threatening call, email or fax demanding payment, ignore it and report it.
- Spread the word – make sure your staff are alert to how this scam works and how to protect your business (see below).
Don't let scammers slip under your business's radar during tax time – stop and think twice before you respond to any unexpected offers, tax invoices or demands for payment.
How these scams work
- Your business receives a fax or email out of the blue from an online business directory asking you to confirm your contact details. On closer inspection of the form's small print, it specifies details of an agreement to sign up to their advertising services.
- To make the offer appear legitimate, the fax or email claims to come from a well-known business, complete with their logo and branding. It may also include a link to a website that has a reputable-sounding domain name and all the hallmarks of a professional site.
- If you sign and return the form, the scammer will claim that you have accepted their offer and are locked in to pay an expensive ongoing contract, such as $99 per month for a minimum two-year period. They may demand payment 12 months in advance.
- If you refuse to pay, the scammers might try to intimidate you by threatening legal action or debt collection.
Protect yourself
- Make sure the business you are dealing with is the real deal – if you receive a form or tax invoice out of the blue, verify who they are by contacting the company directly using contact details you sourced independently through a phone book or online search. Do not call a number on the fax or email you have received.
- Don't respond – ignore unexpected or suspicious approaches to your business, whether it be via fax, letter, email, at your store or over the phone. Bin it, delete it, shut the door or just hang up.
- Protect your details – never give or clarify any information about your business unless you trust the other party. Also ensure you know what the information will be used for.
- Make yours a 'fraud-free' business – effective management procedures can go a long way towards preventing scams. Have a clearly defined process for verifying and paying accounts and invoices, and try to avoid giving too many staff authorisation to make orders or pay invoices.
- Don't be intimidated – do not let anyone pressure you into making decisions involving payments or ongoing contracts. If you are unsure, always seek independent financial or legal advice.
Report
If you think you have come across a scammer, you can report it to the ACCC via the report a scam page on SCAMwatch or by calling 1300 795 995.
More information
For more information on how these scams work, check out the small business scams section on SCAMwatch.
For more information on the ACCC's successful 2011 court action against this type of scam, see the media release '$2.7 million penalty for fake "Yellow Pages" directory scam'.
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 immigration scams [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
July 2013: SCAMwatch and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship are warning people who have migrated to Australia or are currently temporary visa holders to be cautious of immigration-related scams.
These scams come in all sorts of guises, and often play on the victim's fear of being deported.
One such scam doing the rounds involves visa holders receiving calls out of the blue from someone pretending to be from an Australian government agency or department, and claiming that there is a problem with their 'Citizenship and Immigration Services Alien' (CISA) number or card. The scammer will demand that the person pay an upfront fee – usually around $900 – or risk deportation.
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship warns that the 'CISA' number is bogus and does not exist. You should also not be fooled if the scammer has your personal information handy such as birth date and nationality; these days, this sort of information can be gained from a variety of sources such as social networking forums.
The Australian Government will never call you to demand a payment in relation to your visa to avoid being deported – if you receive such a call, just hang up.
How these scams work
- You receive a call out of the blue from someone claiming that there is a problem with your visa and that you need to pay money upfront to avoid risking deportation.
- The scammer may pretend to be from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, the Australian High Commission, Customs and Border Protection, or incorrect government departments such as Customs House, Canberra Border Security and Citizenship, and Immigration Services Australia.
- The scammer may state that the payment is in relation to the fictitious 'Citizenship and Immigration Services Alien' or 'CISA' card.
- The scammer will concoct all sorts of elaborate stories to trick you into thinking there is something wrong with your visa, such as you must purchase a 'CISA' card, you failed to provide information for the card, or the card's details need to be updated or fixed.
- The scammer may also have a lot of information on hand about you such as your full name, address, date of birth, nationality and details about your visa status.
- You may feel a lot of pressure to hand over your money, with scammers reportedly calling victims multiple times and threatening deportation.
- The scammer will instruct you to send them the money via money transfer. If you hand over any money, you will never see it again.
Protect yourself
- If you receive a phone call out of the blue from someone claiming to be from government and asking for money upfront to avoid deportation, just hang up. There is only one official Australian Government provider of visas: the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. If you have any concerns about your visa, contact them directly using their official contact details, which are available at: www.immi.gov.au.
- Be on guard – just because someone seems to have a lot of information on hand about you, it doesn't mean that they're the real deal. Scammers go to all sorts of lengths to get to know you, including collecting personal information online through websites and social networking forums.
- Never provide your personal details to a stranger—scammers will use your details to commit identity fraud.
- Never send money to a stranger via money order, wire transfer or international funds transfer – it's rare to recover money sent this way.
Report
You should such incidents to the relevant state or territory police and to the Immigration Dob-In Line on 1800 009 623.
You can report a scam to the ACCC via the report a scam page on SCAMwatch or by calling 1300 795 995.
More information
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship provides further detailed information on how to Protect Yourself from Migration Fraud.
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 your heart be blackmailed [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
July 2013: SCAMwatch is again warning those looking for love online to stay on the lookout for scammers.
SCAMwatch continues to receive complaints about scammers targeting the lonely hearted online, using fake profiles on genuine internet dating sites and online forums to form a relationship with an unsuspecting victim. Once trust is gained, the scammer quickly attempts to move the victim away from the site and its security to communicate and manipulate them into handing over money.
In a new twist, scammers are blackmailing victims by threatening to send potentially compromising photos or videos to their family and friends if money is not transferred immediately. Scammers will capture photos or videos from webcam chats with the victim and then threaten to post them on public sites. If the scammer has access to their victim's social network profile, they will also threaten to send the link to the victim's family and friends. If the victim pays, the scammer may demand further payment before removing the image or video.
Scammers have a cold heart and will not hesitate to blackmail those seeking love online. Avoid a broken heart, financial losses and embarrassment – don't share intimate photos or videos with someone that you don't know and trust.
How these scams work
- You meet someone online, such as through a dating or social networking website, whom you seem to 'connect' with. The person may claim to have similar likes and dislikes or have gone through similar experiences.
- Once they have built up trust and a rapport with you – which can take just a few weeks or several months – they profess to have strong feelings for you.
- They invite you to communicate with them via a webcam. If you agree to chat, they may ask you to share or do something intimate.
- After the video chat, the scammer informs you that they recorded the chat sessions without your knowledge. They then demand payment, threatening to share the footage with your family and friends via your social networking profile.
- The scammer may have already posted the video live on public sites and will demand payment in order to remove the footage. The scammer may demand several payments before the footage is taken down.
- If you don't send money, the scammer may become more persistent or direct.
Protect yourself
- Keep your personal details personal: Never share personal information or photos with someone you don't know and trust. Be particularly wary if someone invites you to communicate via webcam – these days, it's easy to record live footage.
- Watch out: if an online admirer asks to communicate with you outside the dating website, such as through a private email address or over the phone, be wary – they could be a scammer.
- Think twice: Never send money to a stranger via money order, wire transfer or international funds transfer – it's rare to recover money sent this way.
- Report: If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
Report
If you think you have come across a scammer, you can report it to the ACCC via the report a scam page on SCAMwatch or by calling 1300 795 995.
More information
For more information on how these scams work, check out the dating and romance scams page on SCAMwatch.
SCAMwatch has previously issued the following radars on dating and romance scams:
- Protect your wallet and your heart this Valentine's Day
- Valentines Day - Don't fall head-over-heels for a scammer.
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: Watch out when booking your winter getaway [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
Watch out when booking your winter getaway
Added: May 2013
SCAMwatch is warning consumers to be wary when making plans for a holiday escape this winter.
SCAMwatch has received reports that scammers continue to target would-be travellers with holiday rental accommodation scams.
Scammers are setting up fake online listings for rental properties to try and lure unsuspecting consumers into parting with their money. With these scams you pay for your accommodation, but the property either does not exist or, if it is real, the owner knows nothing about your booking.
Scammers are also reportedly hacking into popular holiday rental or travel websites in order to intercept emails between interested travellers and legitimate accommodation providers so that you send your money to the scammer instead of the owner.
SCAMwatch advises would-be travellers to be on guard and do their homework when considering any holiday rental offer.
How these scams work
There are a variety of scams out there targeting would-be travellers. Common travel scams to look out for are outlined below.
Holiday voucher scams
- You are approached by a stranger over the phone, by email or even in person offering to sell you vouchers for heavily discounted holiday accommodation.
- The accommodation is usually for holiday destinations popular with Australians such as Phuket, Koh Samui and Bali.
- If you purchase a voucher, you may never receive it, or find that upon arrival at your destination the owner has no knowledge of the deal.
Holiday hacking scams
- Scammers hack into popular holiday rental or travel websites to access email inquiries that you have sent to holiday accommodation providers/ owners.
- The scammer then assumes the identity of the property owner and steers you into paying them the rental fees in return for a bogus booking.
- When you arrive at your holiday destination, the real owner has no record of the 'booking' and you are left with nowhere to stay.
Fake listings scams
- You visit a reputable online accommodation service provider where you come across an ad offering a property for rent at a really cheap price.
- The offer may use fake copies of genuine ads to try and trick you into thinking it's the real deal.
- The 'seller' asks for payment to be made via money transfer.
- If you take up the offer, you find that upon arrival at your destination the owner has no knowledge of the deal, and might not even rent out the property.
Protect yourself
While it may be hard at times to distinguish between legitimate business people and scammers, there are things you can do to help ensure that your dream holiday doesn't turn into a nightmare.
- Be cautious – if the price looks too good to be true, it probably is.
- Do your homework – contact the company directly using contact details you sourced independently through a phone book or online search.
- Don't trust the legitimacy of an ad just because it appears in a reputable newspaper or online classifieds website – scammers often use these.
- If you receive an email out of the blue from a stranger offering a great holiday deal, do not click on any links or open attachments – just press 'delete'.
- Pay attention to the details – check the URL is the legitimate website, and confirm that names and addresses mentioned match up with publically available information.
- Always keep your computer security up to date with anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a good firewall.
- If you think you have provided your financial details or sent money to a scammer, contact your financial institution immediately.
Report
You can report a scam to the ACCC via the report a scam page on SCAMwatch or by calling 1300 795 995.
More information
For information on travelling safely, visit the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Smart Traveller website http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au/.
SCAMwatch has previously issued the following radars on holiday rental accommodation scams:
- Avoid 2012 London Olympics accommodation scams
- Looking for rental properties online? Watch out for scams!
Stay one step ahead of scammers, follow @SCAMwatch_gov on Twitter or visit https://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 scammers taking advantage of the Boston marathon tragedy [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
Beware of scammers taking advantage of the Boston marathon tragedy
Added: April 2013
SCAMwatch is warning consumers to be alert to scammers looking to take advantage of the Boston marathon explosions with malware or donation scams.
Scammers are circulating spam emails that purport to contain links to websites with information on the recent Boston explosions, but in fact contain links to malicious content that may infect and allow scammers remote access to your computer.
Scammers are also reportedly sending emails, creating websites or using popular social media platforms to try and lure in donations that they claim will go to helping victims of the explosions. Instead, the scammers pocket the money and the victims never receive the aid.
Don't let scammers taking advantage of tragedies, take advantage of you.
How these scams work
Malware scam
- You receive an email out of the blue that claims to contain links to web pages associated with the Boston marathon explosions. The email may have titles such as 'Boston Marathon Explosion: Exclusive Video' or '2 Explosions at Boston Marathon'. The email contains links to potentially malicious content.
- If you click the email link, after a short delay a pop-up alert may appear, advising that you have chosen to download an executable file (ending in .exe) and asking if you want to save it.
- If you click on the pop-up alert, your computer may be infected by malicious software, which will allow scammers remote access to your computer.
Charity scam
- You receive an email out of the blue from someone soliciting donations for victims of the Boston marathon explosions. Alternatively, you come across a website, or social media profile or account, which claims to be seeking donations for those in need.
- In all of these cases, the scammer may have gone to great lengths to convince you that they are the real deal. The email, website, blog or tweet may appear to come from a reputable charitable organisation. The scam websites may have an official-looking domain name, web address and design.
- If you pay, your money will not only be lost, but much-needed donations will have been diverted away from legitimate charities and causes.
Protect yourself
- If you receive an email out of the blue from a stranger claiming to have information or news on the Boston marathon explosions, do not click on any links or open attachments – just press 'delete'.
- If you want to access footage or information about major or breaking news, use a reliable news source rather than an unknown web link – 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 your banking or financial details have been compromised, contact your 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
The Australia Communications and Media Authority has also released a media alert warning consumers to be alert to scams associated with the Boston marathon explosions.
For more information on donating safely to Australian charities, visit the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission website.
See SCAMwatch's malware and charity scams sections for more information on how these scams work and how to avoid them.
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 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: Pause to avoid a puppy scam [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
April 2013: Looking for a furry friend? Watch out – scammers continue to use cute and cuddly canines to pull on people's heart strings and get them to part with their money.
SCAMwatch has received an increase in the number of scams involving puppies this year. This scam typically involves ads for non-existent puppies being placed in newspapers and online classifieds at suspiciously low prices. The 'seller' provides interested buyers with pictures of an adorable puppy and then tricks them into paying fees for transport, customs or medical costs before the dog can be delivered. Once the payment is made, the puppy and money vanish without a trace.
Scammers prey upon individuals and families who just want to give a dog a good home.
Don't let your search for a furry friend be sidelined by a scammer – make sure the seller and the puppy are the real deal.
How these scams work
- You visit a reputable newspaper or online classifieds website where you come across an ad offering a pedigree puppy for a really cheap price. The ad may include a picture of a very cute puppy and claim that it is registered and has been 'lovingly raised'.
- If you wish to buy the dog, the 'seller' will often claim that they have moved interstate or overseas and that you will need to pay for transport or medical costs before the puppy can be delivered. The 'seller' asks for payment to be made via money transfer.
- If you pay, you will never receive the puppy or see your money again.
- If the scammer claims that the puppy is overseas, they may pretend that non-delivery is due to customs or quarantine issues, and that further payment is due before the puppy will be released. Again, any further money sent will be lost and the dog will never be delivered.
Protect yourself
- Be cautious - if the advertised price of a pedigree puppy looks too good to be true, it probably is.
- Don't trust the legitimacy of an ad just because it appears in a reputable newspaper or online classifieds website - scammers often use these.
- Avoid any arrangement with a stranger that asks for upfront payment via money order or wire transfer – it's rare to recover money sent this way.
- Search online using the exact wording in the ad—many well-known scams can be found this way.
- If you are in doubt, seek advice from someone in the industry such as a reputable breeders association, vet or local pet shop.
- Remember: it is impossible to import a dog from overseas into Australia in a few weeks as quarantine procedures need to be followed. For details check the requirements with the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service.
Report
You can report a scam to the ACCC via the report a scam page on SCAMwatch or by calling 1300 795 995.
More information
For more information about how you can protect yourself, check out the upfront payment scams page on SCAMwatch.
SCAMwatch has also issued the following radars on puppy related scams:
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 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: SCAMwatch email radar: Penalties handed down against operators of charity public [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
Penalties handed down against operators of charity publications scam targeting small businesses
Added: March 2013
The operators behind a scam targeting small businesses with false claims about advertising services for publications with a philanthropic slant have been ordered to pay $750,000 in penalties following court action by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
The Federal Court in Sydney has ordered Adepto Publications Pty Ltd (Adepto), its sole owner and director, Craig Mitchell, and a former manager, Danielle McKay, to pay penalties totalling $750,000 after they admitted that they had made false and misleading representations in relation to advertising services that were never requested.
Representatives of Adepto made unsolicited phone calls to Australian businesses about advertising in its publications, including the National Emergency Relief Guide, Underprivileged Childrens Guide and Volunteer Organisations Guide.
After the call, even if the business did not agree to take out an ad, Adepto posted them a copy of the ad as published in the publication and an invoice seeking payment. If the business did not pay, Adepto representatives made follow-up calls demanding payment for the unwanted and unordered ad.
Adepto admitted that Adepto and its publications had no affiliation with any charitable or non-profit organisations. Adepto also admitted that while they represented that 2000 copies of the publications carrying the ad would be distributed to various organisations in the same postcode as the advertiser, actual distribution was significantly less.
Business directory scams are one of the most common types targeting small businesses. In 2011, following ACCC action, the Federal Court imposed penalties totalling $2.7 million against two overseas companies for targeting thousands of Australian businesses with a fake "Yellow Pages" directory scam.
Small businesses beware – don't let scammers slip under your radar with invoices for unwanted services.
How these scams work
- You receive a call out of the blue from someone claiming to represent a business directory or other publication you've never heard of. The caller offers to place an advertisement for your business in the publication for a fee.
- The caller may refer to a publication with a philanthropic purpose in the hopes of appealing to your charitable side. Alternatively, they may claim to have affiliation with government or a well-known business. They may even claim to represent a business through which you currently advertise.
- If you accept the offer, you find that when the ad is published, the actual distribution number and geographic reach is significantly less than what you signed up for.
- If you decline the offer, you subsequently receive an invoice in the mail along with a copy of the ad.
- If you do not pay, you receive follow-up calls or official-looking letters demanding payment.
Protect yourself
- Beware of offers from out of the blue that you didn't ask for – scammers almost always approach businesses in this manner.
- Don't agree to offers or deals right away – always ask for an offer in writing and seek independent advice if the deal involves money, time or a long-term commitment.
- Always check offers are legitimate and offer a quality product or service 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.
- If you receive an invoice that you know nothing about, don't pay until you are sure it's the real deal. Many small business scams involve fake invoices for goods or services that haven't been requested or provided.
- Never give or clarify any information about your business unless you trust the other party and know what the information will be used for.
- Effective management procedures can go a long way towards preventing scams – have a clearly defined process for verifying and paying accounts and invoices.
Report
You can report scams to the ACCC via the report a scam page on SCAMwatch or by calling 1300 795 995.
More information
Read the ACCC media releases for more information on the Adepto Publications case and the fake "Yellow Pages" directory scam case.
For more information on false billing scams and other scams targeting small businesses, visit the SCAMwatch small business scams section.
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 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: Police scareware scam continues to target Australians [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
Police scareware scam continues to target Australians
Added: March 2013
SCAMwatch is urging people to continue to be alert to a scareware scam where scammers posing as the Australian Federal Police (AFP) try to scare you into handing over money to regain control of your computer.
A SCAMwatch alert on this scam was previously issued in October 2012, yet contacts to the ACCC have continued to increase since the beginning of the year.
This scam involves internet users finding that their computer has been frozen, with a pop-up alert appearing on their screen. The alert claims to be from the AFP and states that the user's computer has been locked because they have visited an illegal website or breached various laws. The scammer claims that they will unlock the computer if a fee is paid.
The AFP does not solicit funds and this message is not associated with the AFP in any way.
Don't let a scammer ransom you –if you pay, you are not guaranteed that you will regain control of your computer and there will likely be significant data losses once the virus is removed or computer unlocked.
How these scams work
- You visit a website or receive an email that scammers have infected with scareware.
- Out of the blue, your computer freezes and you receive a pop-up alert from what appears to be a reputable authority such as the Australian Federal Police. The alert may include a police logo to make it appear legitimate.
- The alert states that your computer has been frozen because you have violated a law or visited an illegal website. Common claims made by the scammers are that you have violated laws around privacy, copyright or child pornography.
- In order to unlock the computer, you are instructed to pay a 'fine' – usually $100 or $199 – using a prepaid money service. These services involve you purchasing a money voucher from a store, which can then be used to make online payments.
- If you pay, the scammers may or may not unlock your computer. Even if you do regain access to your computer, malware may continue to operate so that the scammers can use your personal and financial details to commit fraud.
Protect yourself
- Be wary about which websites you visit and do not open emails from unknown senders – emails may contain malware and some sites may automatically download malicious software on your computer.
- Before you download a file, make sure it is from a reputable source. If the file, is a program (for example, the file name ends with .exe) make sure you know exactly what it will do.
- 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.
- Be careful what you store on your computer – if a scammer gains access to your personal data, they can use it to steal your identity and your money. If you think your computer has been infected, contact your bank or financial institution immediately and change your passwords.
- If you receive a pop up alert and are unable to perform any functions on your computer, it may have been infected and you might need a computer specialist to remove the malware. If you are able to perform some security functions on your computer, use your security software to run a virus check.
- If you have received this scam, unfortunately your computer's security has been compromised. Even if you have managed to regain control of your computer – whether by your own means or by paying the scammer – it could still be infected with malware. Use your security software to run a virus check but if you have any doubts, contact your anti-virus software provider or a computer specialist.
Report
You can report scams to the ACCC via the report a scam page on SCAMwatch or by calling 1300 795 995.
More information
In October 2012, the AFP and the ACCC issued a media release and SCAMwatch radar respectively about this scam.
For more information on malware, spyware and key-logging scams, check out SCAMwatch's online scams section
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 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: Think carefully about unsolicited offers to register domain names overseas [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
Think carefully about unsolicited offers to register domain names overseas
Added: February 2013
SCAMwatch is warning businesses to treat with caution unsolicited invitations to register or renew internet domain names in China and other countries.
Australian businesses have been contacted with offers to register their names in China as '.cn' web addresses for an exorbitant fee. They are often told their chance to use their name will end if they do not secure or renew the address immediately.
SCAMwatch advises businesses to be on guard and make common sense decisions about the credibility, costs, benefits and risks involved in any offer to secure an internet address or URL.
How these scams work
- You receive an unsolicited email from someone claiming that your business name is available as a website address in China or another country and that, for a fee, they will secure and register the name on your behalf. The sender claims that another company is seeking to register the domain name, however as the name is a better match for your business, the sender is giving you the opportunity to secure the name first.
- Another type of domain name scam involves the sender claiming that you have a current domain registration overseas that is about to expire and that, for a fee, they can act on your behalf to secure the name again. The sender creates a sense of urgency by pretending that if you don't act fast to secure the domain name before the 'expiry' or 'renewal' date, you will lose the right to use it.
- Whether it's to renew or secure a new domain name, the amount that the sender is seeking for this 'service' is much more than the basic fee to register.
Protect yourself
- If you are interested in securing a domain name in another country, do your homework first and find out how domain names are renewed in that region. Some countries have an authority that oversees domain name registration (see 'more information' below). If you are considering an offer by another business to register the name for you, check if they are listed as an accredited 'registrar' with the authority and search online to find out what others have said about their service first.
- Be cautious of requests to provide material to prove you would be the rightful user of a domain name – a scammer could steal this and put it to fraudulent use.
- If you are concerned that someone else is using a domain name you would like in another country, you might wish to get legal advice on what action to take.
- Overall, businesses should carefully consider whether any unsolicited offers are credible and represent value for money versus the risk of possibly losing the opportunity of securing a particular domain name.
Report
See SCAMwatch's domain name renewal scams section for information on other forms of domain name scams.
You can report scams to the ACCC via the report a scam page on SCAMwatch or by calling 1300 795 995.
More information
If you want to secure a Chinese domain name, visit the China Internet Network Information Centre, the official Chinese domain name authority, to get information on how to register a Chinese domain name. The website also has a list of 'Registrars' across the globe that are accredited to lodge registrations. For other countries, a good starting point for information is ICANN, the international Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers.
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 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: Protect your wallet and your heart this Valentine’s Day [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
Protect your wallet and your heart this Valentine's Day
Added: February 2013
SCAMwatch is warning those looking for love online not to fall for scammers this Valentine's Day.
Scammers target victims by setting up fake profiles on legitimate dating and social networking websites and in chat rooms. They will often go to great lengths to gain your interest and your trust, investing significant time in building a relationship with you. Once your defences are lowered, scammers will concoct elaborate yet plausible sounding stories to try and get you to part with your money. They will spin tales of illness, injury, or a family crisis to play on your heart strings.
Online dating and romance scams cheat Australians out of millions every year, often costing individual victims thousands of dollars – not to mention heartache too.
Valentine's Day often finds the lonely hearted seeking friendship or love, but beware – scammers will not hesitate to break your heart in an attempt to gain your money.
How these scams work
- You meet someone online, such as through a dating or social networking website, who you seem to 'connect' with. The person may claim to have similar likes and dislikes or have gone through similar experiences.
- Once they have built up trust and a rapport with you – which can take just a few weeks or several months – they profess to have strong feelings for you.
- They usually suggest moving the relationship away from the website, claiming that they prefer private email, instant messaging or telephone.
- After gaining your trust, they tell you an elaborate story – about how they need help with some difficult situation – and ask for money, gifts or your bank account/credit card details. Some common tales of woe used to gain an emotional response from you are based on serious illness, injury or a family crisis.
- If you help them out of the 'situation' by sending them money, they soon come back with additional requests for financial help.
- If you don't send money, their emails and calls will often become more desperate, persistent or direct.
Protect yourself
- Watch out: if an online admirer asks to communicate outside the dating website, it could be a scammer.
- Think twice: Never send money or give your personal details to someone you met online even if they tell a convincing tale of woe and ask for your support.
- Avoid: Never agree to a request by a stranger who asks for upfront payment via money order, wire transfer or international funds transfer – it's rare to recover money sent this way.
- Report: If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
Report
See SCAMwatch's Online Dating and Romance Scams section for more information on how these scams work and how to avoid them.
You can report scams to the ACCC via the report a scam page on SCAMwatch or by calling 1300 795 995.
More information
Stay one step ahead of scammers, follow @SCAMwatch_gov on Twitter or visit http://twitter.com/SCAMwatch_gov
The ACCC has worked with dating and romance websites to develop voluntary guidelines aimed at protecting consumers from dating scams.
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 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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