Queensland Consumer Watch

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.

QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Damaging Winds

QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Damaging Winds

Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 4:37 pm Wednesday, 17 April 2013.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and large hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Gold Coast, Brisbane, Maroochydore, Gympie, Kingaroy and Noosa.

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Darling Downs and Granite Belt district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED.

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: 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.

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

QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Heavy Rain, Damaging Winds

QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Heavy Rain, 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 2:30 pm Sunday, 31 March 2013.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Warwick, Toowoomba, Dalby, Ipswich, Stanthorpe, Boonah, Oakey, Chinchilla and Miles.

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.

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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

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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

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

QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Heavy Rain, Damaging Winds

QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Heavy Rain, Damaging Winds

Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of the
Central Highlands and Coalfields,
Maranoa and Warrego,
Darling Downs and Granite Belt and
Southeast Coast Forecast Districts.

Issued at 4:11 pm Sunday, 24 March 2013.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and large hailstones over the next several hours in parts of the Darling Downs and Granite Belt and Southeast Coast districts. Locations which may be affected include Warwick, Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Coolangatta, Ipswich and Stanthorpe.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds over the next several hours in parts of the Central Highlands and Coalfields, Maranoa and Warrego and Darling Downs and Granite Belt districts. Locations which may be affected include Roma, Charleville, Mitchell, Injune, Surat and Lorne.

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.

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SCAMwatch email alert: Police scareware scam continues to target Australians [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

Police scareware scam continues to target Australians

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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.

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

QLD Severe Weather Warning: Heavy Rain

QLD Severe Weather Warning: Heavy Rain

Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 4:56 pm Monday, 25 February 2013.

Synoptic Situation:
At 4pm AEST Monday, a slow moving upper low was situated across central Queensland. The upper low is expected to move slowly eastwards and begin weakening from tonight. A surface trough lies offshore of the central and Capricorn coasts and is expected to move west on to the coast late Tuesday or early Wednesday. Another surface trough over southeastern Queensland is expected to weaken during Tuesday.

Areas of HEAVY RAIN, which may lead to flash flooding, are expected east of a line from St Lawrence to Stanthorpe, excluding the Gold Coast region. 24 hour totals of between 100 to 200mm are likely, with locally heavier totals in excess of 200mm possible. Periods of more intense rain may deliver totals in excess of 100mm over a shorter duration of up to 6 hours. Locations which may be affected include Rockhampton, Gladstone, Gympie, Bundaberg, Kingaroy, Hervey Bay, Fraser Island, the Sunshine Coast and adjacent hinterland areas, Brisbane, Ipswich, the Lockyer Valley, Toowoomba and the Cunningham Range.

Currently, the heaviest rain is located on radar over the Sunshine Coast and hinterland, extending into the Burnett region and south to Ipswich. In the past six hours highest rainfall totals have included 81mm at Lake MacDonald Dam, 78mm at Peachester, 68mm at Mt Castle and 63mm at Toowoomba.

The focus for heavy rain is expected to contract north into the Wide Bay and Burnett and Capricornia districts during Tuesday.

A Flood Warning is current for coastal rivers and adjacent inland catchments from St Lawrence to the NSW Border.

Emergency Management Queensland advises that people should:
* Avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.

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QLD Severe Weather Warning: Heavy Rainfall

QLD Severe Weather Warning: Heavy Rainfall

Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:02 am Sunday, 24 February 2013.

Synoptic Situation:
At 10am AEST Sunday, a slow moving upper trough and associated upper low were situated across central Queensland. The upper trough and low are expected to move slowly eastwards while amplifying tonight and into Monday. A surface trough off the central and southeast Queensland coast is expected to move onto the coast during Monday.

Areas of HEAVY RAIN, which may lead to flash flooding, is expected to develop overnight tonight and during Monday. 24 hour totals of between 100 to 200mm are likely, with locally heavier totals in excess of 200mm possible particularly near the coast and about adjacent inland areas. Periods of more intense rain may deliver totals of up to 100mm over a shorter duration of up to 6 hours.

Locations which may be affected include Gladstone, Gympie, Bundaberg, Kingaroy, Hervey Bay, Fraser Island, the Sunshine Coast and adjacent hinterland areas, Brisbane, Ipswich and the Gold Coast and adjacent hinterland areas.

At 10am AEST, a separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning was current parts of the Capricornia district. Refer to this product for more information.

Emergency Management Queensland advises that people should:
* Avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.

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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

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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

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

QLD Severe Weather Warning: Heavy Rain

QLD Severe Weather Warning: Heavy Rain

Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of the
Central Coast and Whitsundays,
Capricornia,
Wide Bay and Burnett and
Southeast Coast Forecast Districts.

Issued at 3:54 am Monday, 18 February 2013.

Synoptic Situation: At 4am AEST Monday, a slow moving surface trough was situated near the Queensland east coast. A low is expected to develop along the trough off the Herbert and Lower Burdekin coast today and move in a south to southeast direction parallel to the Queensland east coast before deepening further off the southeast Queensland coast on Tuesday.

Heavy rain, which may lead to flash flooding, is expected to develop about coastal and adjacent inland areas between Bowen and Brisbane during today and into Tuesday. 24 hour totals of up to 100 to 200mm are likely, with isolated totals in excess of 200mm possible.

These conditions are expected to contract to the south of about St Lawrence tonight, before also possibly extending down to the NSW border on Tuesday.

Locations which may be affected include Brisbane, Maroochydore, Gympie, Bundaberg, Gladstone, Mackay, Proserpine and Bowen.

Emergency Management Queensland advises that people should:
* Avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.

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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

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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.

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

EWN SMS Alerts Expired

In the last few weeks we have seen it all, floods, fires, tornadoes, heatwaves and more. You never know what the next emergency might be, which is why it is important to maintain your premium account so you receive SMS alerts when it matters most.

The EWN team work tirelessly monitoring potentially hazardous events 24 hours a day, sending alerts to just those that need it. We provide free support to all our members and work hard to deliver you the best possible service we can – your safety really does matter to us.

Unfortunately we have to pay for SMS just like everyone else and we receive no government assistance – which is why we need to charge a small fee. But let's face it; is what amounts to 20c per week too much to help make you and those you care about safer? By confirming your premium account we can continue to deliver you critical warnings where ever you are.

If you have any questions about the service visit www.ewn.com.au/support OR call us on 1300 703 017 /02 6674 2711 or email support@ewn.com.au or ring me on my personal mobile 0403 147 197. I'm a natural worrier, I worry about everyone we provide alerts to, which is why you can ring me at any time because I really do care - as do the rest of the team here at EWN.

Kerry Plowright

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Southeast QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Damaging Winds

Southeast QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Damaging Winds

Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 8:30 pm Friday, 1 February 2013.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 8:25 pm, a line of severe thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near the New South Wales border near Killarney and extending north to near Toowoomba. These thunderstorms are moving towards the east. They are forecast to affect Gatton, Maryvale, Cunninghams Gap and Mulgowie by 8:55 pm and Boonah, Laidley, the area south of Esk and Lowood by 9:25 pm.

Damaging winds 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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QLD Severe Weather Warning: Heavy Rain & Destructive Winds

QLD Severe Weather Warning: Heavy Rain & Destructive Winds

Source: Bureau of Meteorology

for DESTRUCTIVE WINDS, HEAVY RAINFALL, ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDES and DANGEROUS SURF
For people in the
Wide Bay and Burnett,
Southeast Coast and parts of the
Darling Downs and Granite Belt Forecast Districts.

Issued at 4:30 pm Saturday, 26 January 2013.

Synoptic Situation:
At 4pm EST, Ex Tropical Cyclone Oswald was slow moving over the Central Highlands and Coalfields district, about 75km east northeast of Emerald and 250km west northwest of Gladstone. Ex Tropical Cyclone Oswald is expected to move south southeast this evening and through Sunday, contracting into New South Wales on Monday.

Damaging winds, with gusts of around 110km/h are expected over the Wide Bay and Burnett, northern stretches of the Sunshine Coast and northern parts of the Darling Downs and Granite Belt district. Wind gusts in excess of 125km/h may occur and this could cause significant damage or destruction to homes and property in localised areas.

These conditions are expected to contract southwards into the Southeast Coast district and also extend west to the Great Dividing Range during Sunday, with destructive wind gusts in excess of 125 km/h possibly developing, which could cause significant damage or destruction to homes and property in localised areas.

There have been multiple reports of tornado activity through the northern Wide Bay this afternoon.

Heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding is expected over the Wide Bay and Burnett district and Southeast Coast district, extending west to the Great Dividing Range. Six hour rainfall accumulations in excess of 100mm are likely. This could lead to rapid river and stream rises. Widespread 24 hour rainfall accumulations in excess of 250mm are likely.

Currently, the heaviest rain is located on radar over the southern Capricornia district and through the Wide Bay and Burnett district. Some areas through the southern Capricornia have now recorded over 1000mm over the past 48 hours. Since 9am today, Walla has recorded 154mm, Bundaberg 104mm and Bungadoo 102mm.

Water levels on the morning high tides are likely to exceed the highest tide of the year about coastal and island locations from Burnett Heads to the New South Wales border during Sunday and Monday. The sea level is likely to rise above the normal tide and the exposed beaches will experience damaging waves and flooding of some low lying areas close to the shoreline.

Dangerous surf conditions, with significant beach erosion, are expected along the coast from Burnett Heads to the New South Wales border, particularly during Sunday and Monday. This includes Hervey Bay and northern parts of Moreton Bay.

Flood Warnings are current for various rivers and streams in these districts, see www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings.

A separate Severe Weather Warning is current for the Capricornia and Central Highlands and Coalfields districts.

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.
* Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.
* Avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* Surf Life Saving Australia recommends that you stay out of the water and stay well away from surf-exposed areas.
* Check your property regularly for erosion or inundation by sea water, and if necessary raise goods and electrical items.
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.

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QLD Severe Weather Warning: Heavy Rain & Damaging Winds

QLD Severe Weather Warning: Heavy Rain & Damaging Winds

Source: Bureau of Meteorology

for DAMAGING WINDS, HEAVY RAINFALL, ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDES and DANGEROUS SURF
For people in the
Wide Bay and Burnett,
Southeast Coast and parts of the
Darling Downs and Granite Belt Forecast Districts.

Issued at 4:45 pm Friday, 25 January 2013.

Synoptic Situation:
At 4pm EST, Ex Tropical Cyclone Oswald was located over the central interior of Queensland around 100km northeast of Emerald and 160km west northwest of Rockhampton, moving south southeast at around 15 km/h. A trough extends from Ex Tropical Cyclone Oswald to the southern Capricornia coast. The trough and low are expected to continue moving south, reaching southeast districts on Sunday.

Damaging winds, with peak gusts of around 100km/h are possible over the Wide Bay and Burnett and northern stretches of the Darling Downs and Granite Belt district today, particularly over higher ground and near the coast. These conditions are expected to extend through remaining areas on and east of the Great Dividing Range and to the New South Wales border over the weekend, particularly Saturday night and Sunday.

Heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding is expected over the Wide Bay and Burnett district and areas of the Southeast Coast district north of Brisbane for the remainder of today, extending through remaining parts of the Southeast Coast district late tonight or early Saturday. 6 hour rainfall accumulations in excess of 100mm are likely. Areas from Fraser Island to the New South Wales border and west to the Great Dividing Range are likely to be affected, particularly coastal locations and the hinterland. Currently, the heaviest rain is located on radar over the southern Capricornia into far northern parts of the Wide Bay and Burnett district. Areas just south of Rockhampton have recorded 170mm since 9am today.

Water levels on the high tide are likely to exceed the highest tide of the year about coastal and island locations from Burnett Heads to the New South Wales border during Saturday and Sunday. The sea is likely to rise to a level above the normal tide and the exposed beaches will experience damaging waves and flooding of some low lying areas close to the shoreline.

Dangerous surf conditions, with some beach erosion, are expected to develop along the coast from Burnett Heads to the New South Wales border from Saturday, particularly late Sunday and Monday. This includes Hervey Bay and northern parts of Moreton Bay.

Flood Warnings are current for various rivers and streams in these districts, see www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings.

A separate Severe Weather Warning is current for the Capricornia and Central Highlands and Coalfields forecast districts.

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.
* Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.
* Avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* Surf Life Saving Australia recommends that you stay out of the water and stay well away from surf-exposed areas.
* Check your property regularly for erosion or inundation by sea water, and if necessary raise goods and electrical items.
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.

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QLD Severe Weather Warning: Heavy Rain

QLD Severe Weather Warning: Heavy Rain

Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in the Central Coast and Whitsundays, Capricornia, Wide Bay and Burnett and parts of the Central Highlands and Coalfields and Southeast Coast Forecast Districts.

Issued at 10:38 pm Thursday, 24 January 2013.

Synoptic Situation:
At 10pm, Ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald was located over land, approximately 150 km west-northwest of Mackay and moving south-southeast at about 20 kilometres per hour. The monsoon trough extended from the Gulf of Carpentaria to Ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald and then to the east coast near Fraser Island.

Destructive winds with gusts in excess of 125 km/hr are possible about the Central Coast-Whitsundays and Capricornia districts. Areas that may be affected include islands and coastal areas between Bowen and Agnes Water.

Damaging winds with gusts to 90 km/hr are possible over the Wide Bay and Burnett district. Areas that may be affected include islands and coastal locations between Agnes Water and Sandy Cape.

Heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding is likely over the Central Coast-Whitsundays, Capricornia, Wide Bay and Burnett, eastern parts of the Central Highlands and Coalfields, extending to the Sunshine Coast during Friday. Coastal locations and adjacent inland areas between Bowen and Brisbane may be affected. Six hour rainfall accumulations of 100 to 200mm are possible. Heavy rain areas are expected to begin easing from the Central Coast-Whitsundays district during Friday morning.

Flood Warnings are current for various rivers and streams in these districts, see www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings.

Heavy rainfall and damaging winds are no longer occurring in the Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders and Herbert and Lower Burdekin districts, hence the Severe Weather Warning for these districts is CANCELLED.

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.
* Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.
* Avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.

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