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SCAMwatch email alert: Looking for love online? Don’t get scammed into a broken heart and empty wallet [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

February 2014: This Valentine's Day, SCAMwatch is warning Australians looking for a romantic connection online to beware of scammers seeking to steal their heart and money.

Scammers will go to great lengths to court their targets and trick them into thinking it's a genuine relationship. They often approach victims through legitimate dating websites or online forums, and then move the communication off the platform and away from any safeguards in place by the site provider, where they can manipulate victims into handing over money. Scammers may also ask to chat via webcam, secretly film the interaction, then blackmail victims into handing over money in exchange for not sharing the footage with family and friends. They may even offer to meet victims in person, and will either not turn up, or worse put the person in a dangerous situation that can have tragic consequences.

Scammers will do anything to gain their victim's confidence and trust. They will invest months and even years grooming victims into believing that the connection is real. They may hide behind a fake profile of an attractive person, whose image has been taken straight from the internet. They may even seem to know all about the target's interests and hobbies as they have researched the person online or befriended them through an online forum.

Scammers are also expert at pushing people's emotional buttons. They may profess their love, send gifts, make promises and propose grand plans for the future – anything to strengthen the connection. Once their victim's defences are lowered, the scammer will spin an elaborate tale of woe about how they need financial help with a crisis, such as being ill or stranded. If the victim pays, the scammer will continue to ask for money to help them out of other situations. Scammers often request that the money be sent via wire transfer as it's almost impossible to trace and rare to recover money sent this way.

If you are looking for love online, don't let a scammer leave you broke and with a broken heart. If your online admirer asks for money, not matter what the reason is, ask yourself: 'Do I really know who I'm dealing with?'

How the scam works

  • You meet someone online through a dating or social networking website whom you seem to just 'connect' with.
  • The person may have an appealing profile, claim to have similar likes and dislikes or have gone through similar experiences.
  • Your online admirer will soon ask you to communicate through a private channel such as via email or webcam.
  • After you have established trust and rapport, they will ask you for money to help cover costs associated with illness, injury, a family crisis or travel to see them.
  • Alternatively, your admirer will secretly film a webcam chat between you and them, and then try to blackmail you into handing over money in exchange for the footage being kept private.
  • Regardless of the approach, the scammer will typically ask you to send them the money via wire transfer.
  • If you send them money, they will continue to ask for money to get out of other problems or to withhold the footage. Amounts requested may initially be small but tend to increase over time.
  • If you send money to a scammer – especially via a wire transfer – it is almost certainly gone forever.  Just as importantly, your heart may be broken and trust shattered.

Protect yourself

  • Keep your personal details personal: Never share personal, banking or credit card information or photos with someone you don't know and trust – especially photos or webcam of a private nature –scammers have been known to use this material to blackmail victims.
  • 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 very wary – scammers want you away from any safeguards that are in place on the site.
  • Search: Use the Google 'search by image' tool to check the authenticity of any photos provided by someone you met online as scammers often use fake photos they find online.
  • Think twice: Never send money to someone you have met online and cease contact with anyone who asks. Beware especially of any requests to send money via money order, wire transfer or international funds transfer – it's rare to recover money sent this way.
  • Avoid: Scammers may request to meet in person, sometimes overseas. This is potentially a life-threatening risk.  If you do decide to meet, choose a public place, make sure you tell your friends and family where you are going, and put arrangements in place with them to ensure your safety.
  • Report: If you think you have provided your financial details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately. If you think you met a scammer through an online dating service, let the site operator know.

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 several radars about romance scams, including the following in 2013:

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: Alert update –‘YellowPages’ directory scam moves to a new website address... [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

Alert update – 'Yellow Pages' directory scam moves to a new website address, continues to target Australian businesses

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Added: January 2014

SCAMwatch is warning small businesses to continue to be alert to the fake 'Yellow Pages' business directory scam. The scammers are now operating a site registered in Austria, 'www.yellow-page-australia.at', after their previous site, 'www.yellow-page-australia.com', was shut down.

SCAMwatch continues to receive reports from small businesses about receiving 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.at' are in no way connected with Sensis or Telstra.

In December 2013, Sensis was granted control of the original website, 'www.yellow-page-australia.com', in accordance with the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy, to reduce the risk to customers targeted by the scam. Efforts have already been made to close the new website down, with Western Australia Department of Commerce notifying Austrian authorities.  

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.

[Text deleted re: scammers tying in invoice due date with the busy tax time]

Fortunately reports suggest that Aussie businesses are generally alert to the scam and not sending any money or handing over their financial details. However, businesses should be aware that if they complete and return the fax, the scammers may start hassling them 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. Don't let these scammers intimidate you or your staff.

SCAMwatch urges small businesses to be alert and follow these three key rules:

  1. If you receive a 'Yellow Pages' fax or email and want to confirm if it is authentic, call Sensis on 13 23 78
  2. If you receive a threatening call, email or fax demanding payment, ignore it and report it.
  3. 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– 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.

Western Australian Department of Commerce and the Small Business Development Corporation are working with Austrian authorities and Australia Post to disrupt this scam – find out more here.

SCAMwatch has  also previously issued alerts on this scam:

For more information on the ACCC's successful 2011 court action against this type of scam, see here:

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.

 

QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Heavy Rain


QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Heavy Rain
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 2:58 pm Thursday, 23 January 2014.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Toowoomba, Brisbane, Dalby, Ipswich, Kingaroy, Beenleigh, Oakey, Yarraman and Chinchilla.

55mm has been reported at Toowoomba in 60 minutes.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:
* 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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Southeast QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Heavy Rain, Damaging Winds


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

For people in parts of the
LOGAN CITY,
IPSWICH CITY and
SCENIC RIM Council Areas.

Issued at 3:14 pm Wednesday, 22 January 2014.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 3:10 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near Harrisville. These thunderstorms are slow moving. They are forecast to affect Peak Crossing by 3:40 pm and the area south of Amberley by 4:10 pm.

Damaging winds, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and large hailstones are likely.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services 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: Computer virus scams now targeting smartphone and tablet users [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

Computer virus scams now targeting smartphone and tablet users

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Added: January 2014

SCAMwatch is warning consumers to beware of scammers targeting their smartphones and tablet devices with the computer virus scam.

This scam has caught out many Australians in recent years, with victims receiving a call out of the blue from a 'technical specialist' claiming that their computer has a virus. The caller convinces the victim to provide them with remote access to their computer, claims that their security has been compromised, and then offers to fix it on the spot – for a fee.

In a new twist, scammers are claiming to be able to fix similar viruses on people's smartphones or tablets. As with the previous version, the scammer will ask you to grant them remote access to your computer, however they will also ask you to connect your mobile device to the computer so that they can access the device through it.

Don't let your guard drop by a sense of urgency – these scammers are well-versed at applying high pressure sales tactics to incite fear and anxiety that your device has been compromised and must be fixed immediately. In fact, the only way that you risk your device's security is by providing access in the first place. If you hand over your money, your device will not receive the promised protection.

Ask yourself: why would a business call and offer to fix your computer unless you contacted them in the first place? If you store personal information on your phone, tablet or computer, keep it out of the hands of scammers – never provide remote access to a stranger.

How the scam works

  • You receive a call out of the blue from someone claiming to be a technical support specialist, who informs you that your computer, smartphone or tablet has been compromised by malicious software.
  • The caller may claim to represent a reputable business such as Microsoft, Windows, Telstra or Bigpond. They may also sound like an expert as they use technical jargon.
  • The 'technician' will ask you to provide them with remote access to your computer so that they can run a scan. If they claim the virus is on your smartphone or tablet, they will ask you to connect the device to your computer so that they can access the device through it.
  • If you provide them with access, they will claim that the scan has indeed detected a virus, and any information stored on the device has been compromised.
  • The 'technician' will then claim that they can restore your computer's security on the spot – for a fee. They will offer to install anti-virus software on to your device for a one-off payment that typically ranges from $100 to $300.
  • If you hesitate to agree, the caller will be very persistent and try to evoke a sense of urgency by claiming that anything could happen to your device if you don't fix it now.
  • To pay, they will ask for your credit card or banking details, or to transfer them money.
  • If you provide remote access to the caller, only then are your compromising your device and personal information. If you hand over your money, your device will never receive the promised security software.

Protect yourself

  • If you receive a phone call from someone claiming there is something wrong with your computer or mobile device's security, just hang up.
  • Never give a stranger remote access to your mobile device or computer.
  • Do not give out your personal, credit card or online account details over the phone unless you initiated the call and the phone number came from a trusted source.
  • Make sure your computer is protected with anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a good firewall - but only purchase the software from a source that you know and trust.
  • If you think your mobile device or computer's security has been compromised, seek out help or advice from a qualified and reputable technician.
  • 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

Check out previous radars issued on the computer virus 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.

Google Alert - "Queensland Scam"

News 1 new result for "Queensland Scam"
Scam power bills sent to Queenslanders Brisbane Times
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SCAMwatch email alert: Don’t let weight loss scams ruin your resolve this New Year [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

Don't let weight loss scams ruin your resolve this New Year

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Added: January 2014

SCAMwatch is warning consumers to beware of weight loss scams when looking to fulfil a new year's resolution.

Scammers take advantage of people's good intentions to improve their health in the new year by pedalling fast and easy weight loss schemes. These schemes often come with claims that you can achieve amazing results with minimal effort, such as 'lose 30 kilos in 30 days' or 'lose weight while you sleep', usually accompanied by bogus before-and-after pictures. They typically involve an unusual or restrictive diet, revolutionary exercise, 'fat-busting' device, or products such as pills, patches or creams.

Weight loss scams often involve people signing up to a free trial of a weight loss product, only to find out later that they've been signed up to a hidden and costly subscription to the scheme. When they try to cancel the subscription, they can't reach anyone. 

Get-thin-quick schemes lack any scientific evidence or demonstrated links between the product or program and the result. What's more, these schemes can have serious consequences on your health, particularly if they involve shoddy medicines, supplements or other treatments.

If you're seeking to lose weight this year, remember these two golden rules:
1. Always check first with a health care professional if you're thinking of making a radical change to your diet or fitness regime.
2. Don't be tricked by offers for fast and easy results – if you do, the only place you will feel lighter is your wallet. 
 

How the scam works

  • You come across an offer online, on TV or in the mail about  a weight loss program, food, supplement, gadget or process.
  • The weight loss scheme is advertised with claims that it can produce amazing results quickly and with minimal effort. Examples of weight loss scam claims include 'guaranteed' or 'miracle' results, 'lost 30 kilos in 30 days', or even 'lose weight while you sleep'.
  • The advertisement might also come with testimonials and before-and-after pictures from happy customers of the scheme that claim dramatic results.
  • These weight loss schemes often come at a hefty price. You may be asked to pay a large up-front fee to receive the product. Alternatively, you may initially sign up to a 'free' trial period, only to later find out that you have been signed up to a hidden and costly long-term subscription.
  • If you pay or sign up to a weight loss scam, all you will lose this New Year is your money.

Protect yourself

  • Remember - there are no magic pills for rapid weight loss. Speak with your GP about healthy and safe weight loss options.
  • Always get independent advice if an offer involves significant money, time or commitment.
  • Read all the terms and conditions of any offer very carefully: claims of free or very cheap offers often have hidden costs.
  • Watch out – scammers use all the tricks in the book to convince you that their offers are the real deal, including creating slick-looking ads complete with bogus pictures and testimonials.
  • If you think you're being charged costs for a subscription you didn't sign up to, contact you 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

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.

Southeast QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Heavy Rain, Destructive Winds


Southeast QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Heavy Rain, Destructive Winds
Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 2:49 pm Monday, 6 January 2014.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 2:50 pm, very dangerous thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near Laidley and the McPherson Range. These thunderstorms are moving towards the east. Very dangerous thunderstorms are forecast to affect Marburg by 3:20 pm and Ipswich and Coolangatta by 3:50 pm.

Other severe thunderstorms were located near Maroon Dam and Mount Barney. They are forecast to affect Kooralbyn by 3:20 pm and Little Nerang Dam by 3:50 pm.

Destructive winds, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and large hailstones are likely.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services 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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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 GOLD COAST CITY, LOCKYER VALLEY, IPSWICH CITY, SCENIC RIM, SOMERSET and TOOWOOMBA Council Areas.

Issued at 1:54 pm Monday, 6 January 2014.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 1:55 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near the area west of Esk, the area south of the NSW border and the area northwest of Cunninghams Gap. These thunderstorms are moving towards the east. They are forecast to affect Esk by 2:25 pm and Boonah by 2:55 pm.

Damaging winds and large hailstones are likely.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services 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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Severe Weather Forecast


Severe Weather Forecast


Severe Weather Forecast

The following is an advisory produced by the Early Warning Network. An SMS has not been sent with this message.

Monday 6 January

There is an increased chance of severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening across the Southeast Coast district and parts of the Wide Bay Burnett and Darling Downs districts. Flash flooding, damaging winds and large hailstones are a possibility in storms today.


Email us or share your weather photos on our Facebook page or use your EWN Mobile App to upload weather images and observations to the EWN Alerts Page.



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QLD Fire Weather Warning


QLD Fire Weather Warning
Source: Bureau of Meteorology

for the Central Highlands and Coalfields, Channel Country, Maranoa and Warrego, Darling Downs and Granite Belt, Wide Bay and Burnett and Southeast Coast forecast districts

Issued at 2:52 pm EST on Friday 3 January 2014.

Weather Situation

Very hot conditions will persist over most of Queensland today and tomorrow. A surface trough is moving east over western Queensland today and will move into the southeast of the state tomorrow. A southeasterly wind change will move into the Southeast Coast district from midday tomorrow. The strong and gusty winds associated with this surface trough will combine with hot conditions to produce Severe Fire Dangers for a large part of southern Queensland for today and tomorrow, reaching Extreme in the Maranoa and Warrego district today.

For the rest of Friday 3 January:

Extreme Fire Danger in the following forecast districts:
Maranoa and Warrego and Darling Downs and Granite Belt

Severe Fire Danger in the following forecast district:
Channel Country

For Saturday 4 January:

Severe Fire Danger is forecast for the following forecast districts:
Central Highlands and Coalfields, Darling Downs and Granite Belt, Wide Bay and Burnett and Southeast Coast

The Rural Fire Service Queensland advises that fires may be unpredictable, uncontrollable and fast-moving.

The Rural Fire Service Queensland advises you to:

Check your bushfire survival plan - Now.
Monitor the fire and weather situation in any way you can through www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au and www.bom.gov.au, television or radio.
Call Triple Zero if you see a fire.

The Rural Fire Service Queensland advises that if you are in an area of Extreme Fire Danger:

Leaving is the only option for your survival.
If you plan to leave finalise your options and leave early on the day.
A well prepared and well constructed home may not be safe.

The Rural Fire Service Queensland advises that if you are in an area of Severe Fire Danger:

Leaving is the safest option for your survival.
If you plan to leave finalise your options and leave early on the day.
Only stay if your home is well prepared and well constructed and you can actively defend it.
Prepare for the emotional, mental and physical impact of defending your property - if in doubt, leave early.

For information on Fire Bans and how to Prepare. Act. Survive. Visit the Rural Fire Service web page at www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au or call the hotline on 1800 020 440.

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Southeast QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Destructive Winds


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

For people in the
GOLD COAST CITY,
SCENIC RIM and parts of the
LOGAN CITY Council Areas.

Issued at 3:39 pm Sunday, 29 December 2013.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 3:40 pm, very dangerous thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near Border Ranges National Park, Rathdowney, the NSW border and the area south of the NSW border. These thunderstorms are moving towards the northeast. Very dangerous thunderstorms are forecast to affect Laravale, Canungra, Lamington National Park and the area south of Canungra by 4:40 pm.

Other severe thunderstorms were located near Moogerah and Lismore(NSW). They are forecast to affect Boonah and Moogerah Dam by 4:10 pm.

Destructive winds and large hailstones are likely.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services 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: Don’t let scammers ruin your Christmas [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

Don't let scammers ruin your Christmas

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Added: December 2013

With only days until Christmas, SCAMwatch is warning consumers to watch out for fake delivery scams arriving in your inbox or letter box.

Scammers take advantage of busy times of the year to target Australians, and with Christmas just around the corner, they are jumping on the mail rush by posing as postal and courier service providers who for a fee will redeliver a parcel that doesn't exist.

If you are expecting a parcel to give as a gift to family or friends, or expect to receive one, don't be fooled by an email or phone call out the blue requesting a fee for a parcel to be re-delivered. The scammer will often claim that no one was home to receive the parcel on the first attempt.

A tell-tale sign that it's a bogus delivery is if the scammer asks you to pay the fee by international wire transfer – it's rare to trace or recover any money sent this way.

This Christmas, warning bells should ring louder than jingle bells if you are asked to pay to receive a parcel. If you hand over your money, all that will be delivered this Christmas is a hole in your pocket.

How the scam works

  • You are contacted out of the blue over the phone or via email from someone posing as an employee from a legitimate parcel delivery service.
  • If you are contacted via email, it may look like the real deal, complete with a legitimate company's logos and branding.  The sender may also claim to be from an authentic-sounding section of the company e.g. the 'FedEx Delivery Department'.
  • The scammer will claim that they have been unsuccessful in delivering a parcel to you; however, for a small fee, redelivery can be arranged.
  • The scammer will provide a range of reasons as to why the initial delivery failed, such as the parcel being too large or no one being home at the time of the delivery to sign for it.
  • The scammer will ask for you to pay the fee (usually ranging from $10 to $30) by providing them with your credit or bank account details, or by sending money via international wire transfer. 
  • If you pay, all you will have delivered is a hole in your pocket as you will never see your money again.

Protect yourself

  • Parcel delivery services such as Australia Post will never call you to request payment for an undeliverable mail item. If you receive a call that matches this description hang up!
  • If you are suspicious about a 'missed' parcel delivery, call the company directly to verify that the correspondence is genuine. Independently source the contact details through an internet search or phone book – do not rely on numbers provided.
  • Remember – these days, it's easy for a scammer to create a professional looking email. Double-check the email address, look for grammatical errors (a tell-tale sign of a scammer!), and if you have any doubts, don't respond or click on anything.
  • If you think you have provided your banking or credit card details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.

Report

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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 LOGAN CITY, SCENIC RIM and parts of the BRISBANE CITY, GOLD COAST CITY and IPSWICH CITY Council Areas.

Issued at 5:40 pm Saturday, 14 December 2013.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 5:45 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near Boonah, the area between Boonah and Beaudesert and Kooralbyn. These thunderstorms are moving towards the north. They are forecast to affect Harrisville, Peak Crossing and Bundamba Lagoon by 6:45 pm.

Damaging winds and large hailstones are likely.

Golf ball sized hail was reported at Mount Barney at around 5:30pm.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services 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 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
Darling Downs and Granite Belt and
Southeast Coast Forecast Districts.

Issued at 12:05 pm Friday, 13 December 2013.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and large hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Warwick, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Stanthorpe, Boonah and Beenleigh.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services 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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QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Damaging Winds


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

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

Issued at 1:21 pm Sunday, 24 November 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 Brisbane, Maroochydore, Gympie, Kingaroy, Noosa and Biloela.

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 Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Damaging Winds

QLD Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail, Damaging Winds

Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 5:02 pm Saturday, 23 November 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 Warwick, Toowoomba, Dalby, Ipswich, Biloela, Stanthorpe, Taroom, Rolleston, Baralaba, Springsure, Goondiwindi and Carnarvon National Park.

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.

EWN Radar & Alerts Map | QLD Facebook Alerts | Twitter Alerts

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