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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.

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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.

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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.
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SCAMwatch email alert: Beware of scam websites making fake claims of government affiliation [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

Beware of scam websites making fake claims of government affiliation

View radar online.

Added: September 2011

SCAMwatch is warning small businesses and consumers to be on the look out for scam websites that either falsely claim to be affiliated with government or boast bogus government endorsements.

How the scam works

  • These scams operate through websites which charge a fee for services offered freely or at a lower cost by government or charge for services they never end up delivering.
  • This scam commonly targets registrations and renewals, for services such as:
    • business registrations
    • grants
    • tax file numbers
    • travel documents
    • online business directories.
    • Sites often use prominently-placed official logos, links to genuine government websites and photos of well-known Australians or landmarks to give the websites the appearance of authenticity and authority.

Protect yourself

  • Most Australian government websites use the '.gov.au' extension – never .org, .net or .com.
  • Government services are never paid via wire transfer. 
  • The Australian Government website www.australia.gov.au is a safe portal for finding government services, including travel, tax and grants, and will help to avoid unauthorised third party providers.
  • If you want to use a third party service check out who you are dealing with and what the industry requires in the first instance from an independent source and read all the terms and conditions.
  • Be wary of misused trust marks, logos, seals of approval – they may just be copies and not the real thing.
  • Never enter your personal, credit card or banking details on a website unless you have checked it is authentic—scammers can use your details to commit identity fraud or steal your money. 
  • 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 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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Australian-first action taken against dodgy Gold Coast employer, Australian Shooting Academy

 
In the first action of its kind in Australia, a Gold Coast indoor shooting range has been fined $30,000 for trying to force workers to sign away their penalty rights for overtime, and work on weekends and public holidays.
 
The Australian Shooting Academy, at Centro Surfers Paradise shopping centre, has been fined $25,000 and company director and part owner Michael Joseph Murphy has been ordered to pay a further $5000.
 
The business was also ordered to pay compensation of more than $7000 to one worker.
 
The penalties, imposed in the Federal Court in Brisbane, are the result of a prosecution by the Fair Work Ombudsman.
 
They were imposed by Justice John Logan after Mr Murphy admitted he was involved in ASA breaching workplace laws in 2010 when six employees were asked to sign Individual Flexibility Arrangements which removed their entitlement to penalty rates for overtime, weekend and public holiday work.
 
Five of the six employees ultimately signed the IFA but the judge ruled the adverse action, coercion, undue pressure and duress provisions of workplace laws were breached when one of the employees signed only after he was threatened that there would be no work for him if he did not.
 
The sixth employee who refused to sign the IFA and was given no further work was awarded $7146 compensation.
 
The office of the Fair Work Ombudsman said it is the first time in Australia it had taken legal action over alleged contraventions relating to IFAs.
 
It is unlawful for employers to force employees to agree to an IFA and it is unlawful to make an IFA a condition of employment.
 
 
COMMENT: Employers like this should be banned from operating businesses for a fixed time,
just like company directors who are banned for dodgy practices. Ignorance of the law is not
a valid legal excuse in Australia.  Michael Joseph Murphy should publicly apologise for his
actions.  The fair Work ombudsman should be congratulated for this legal action. 

Immigration Minister Bowen comments on High Court Malaysian refugee decision

Minister Bowen says he is disappointed with today's High Court decision.

Despite the Minister's comments, the 6:1 High Court decision is not particularly surprising.

Indonesian people smugglers will be rejoicing over today's decision.

High Court rejects Australian Government's plan to send refugees to Malaysia

The High Court of Australia has rejected Australia's plans to send refugees to Malaysia.
 
 
 

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 parts of the
BRISBANE CITY,
MORETON BAY and
SOMERSET Council Areas.

Issued at 3:03 pm Tuesday, 30 August 2011.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 3:05 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near Samford.

These thunderstorms are moving towards the east.

They are forecast to affect Strathpine, Aspley, Albany Creek and Lake Samsonvale by 3:35 pm and Brisbane Airport, Nudgee, Boondall and Sandgate by 4:05 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.
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Channel 9 News tonight live from their chopper "near Beerwah"

Will Channel 9 have a live cross at 6pm from "near Beerwah" for the latest Daniel Morcombe news?

They had breaking news from the scene last weekend so why not again tonight to fool the viewers of southeast Queensland.

Then they could sack a few more good staff for just doing their job.

Time spent obese linked to health risks - NHS Choices

Time spent obese linked to health risks - NHS Choices:


Time spent obese linked to health risks
NHS Choices
It has been well established that being obese increases the risk of death and numerous health conditions, for example heart disease, diabetes and cancer. The researchers say that when quantifying the risks of numerous diseases the measures used have ...

and more »

The key to a good night's sleep - Sydney Morning Herald

The key to a good night's sleep - Sydney Morning Herald:

Sydney Morning Herald
The key to a good night's sleep
Sydney Morning Herald
... obstructive pulmonary disease, depression, diabetes or hypertension,'' he said. Dr Sarah Blunden, a sleep research fellow at the University of South Australia's Centre for Sleep Research, says it's simple: if you don't sleep, nothing else works. ...

and more »

Property auctions hammered on The Block - NEWS.com.au

Property auctions hammered on The Block - NEWS.com.au:

The Age
Property auctions hammered on The Block
NEWS.com.au
Real Estate Institute of Queensland managing director Dan Molloy the results from The Block auction showed that buyers were not being swept away with the hype and were still making decisions they felt comfortable with. Mr Molloy told The Courier Mail ...
Lack of market confidence causes The Block property flopCourier Mail

all 18 news articles »

Mining boom not boosting our mood - Ninemsn

Mining boom not boosting our mood - Ninemsn:

Sydney Morning Herald
Mining boom not boosting our mood
Ninemsn
A motel operator in country Queensland, a university in Sydney and a farmer in Victoria's Wimmera region each, in their own way, face competition from overseas as buyers of their goods and services weigh up the options. A holiday in Fiji, a university ...
PRESS DIGEST-Australian Business News - Aug 24Reuters
BHP offers sacked workers jobs at its Pilbara minesWA Business News (subscription)

all 1,289 news articles »

Qld drink safe precincts working: govt - Ninemsn

Qld drink safe precincts working: govt - Ninemsn:


Qld drink safe precincts working: govt
Ninemsn
The Block agents under investigationVictoria's consumer watchdog has raided the offices of the real estate agents handling the sale of four properties in Network Nine's hit series The Block. Homeless man with golden voice sues agentsA homeless US man ...

and more »

Coast property holds on - Sunshine Coast Daily

Coast property holds on - Sunshine Coast Daily:


Coast property holds on
Sunshine Coast Daily
“The Queensland property market continues to be impacted by lower consumer confidence and the uncertain nature of the global economic situation, including the recent pronounced stock market jitters around the globe,” REIQ managing director Dan Molloy ...

and more »

Foster's ups defence in takeover battle - Sydney Morning Herald

Foster's ups defence in takeover battle - Sydney Morning Herald:

BBC News
Foster's ups defence in takeover battle
Sydney Morning Herald
Market share is a big issue for Foster's and its latest falls can't be completely attributed to one-off issues such as the floods in Queensland, a cool summer and a challenging consumer market. Foster's market share and profit growth in beer has been ...
Foster's May Use Share Buyback to Blunt Appeal of SABMiller's Hostile BidBloomberg
SABMiller times its hostile bid to maximise pressure on Foster'sThe Australian

all 323 news articles »

Bunnings talks competition with Masters - Current.com.au

Bunnings talks competition with Masters - Current.com.au:


Bunnings talks competition with Masters
Current.com.au
... Masters, is set to open in Melbourne next month, offering consumers a variety of hardware and electrical products including a dedicated appliance range. In addition to stores that will be rolled out across Queensland, Victoria and the ACT, ...

Poor Foster's result puts bidder in driver's seat - Sydney Morning Herald

Poor Foster's result puts bidder in driver's seat - Sydney Morning Herald:

Telegraph.co.uk
Poor Foster's result puts bidder in driver's seat
Sydney Morning Herald
Shareholders understand that beer sales have been falling in the face of weak consumer confidence and the Queensland floods. But they also understand that for years Foster's has been losing market share to its competitors - even though management said ...
THE DISTILLERY: SABMiller pursuitBusiness Spectator
Foster's poor results clear the way for SABMiller takeoverTelegraph.co.uk
Foster's May Use Share Buyback to Blunt Appeal of SABMiller's Hostile BidBloomberg
The Australian
all 392 news articles »
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