Stay protected -- Fighting Online Scams & Hoaxes
With more than one-third of Australians encountering a scam in a 12 month period*, Telstra has released timely advice to coincide with the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce's 2010 Fraud Week campaign: 'Online Offensive - Fighting Fraud Online'.
"Over eight out of ten Australians access the internet weekly, with online shopping and social networking increasingly popular pastimes**. Shopping sites, such as Trading Post, do what they can to minimise the risk of fraud, but there are lots of really simple things Australians can do for themselves to be safe online," Telstra's Officer of Internet Trust and Safety Darren Kane said.
Scammers target all age groups so it is important to think smart when online, no matter how internet savvy you are. Internet scams and schemes are an escalating problem in Australia with fraud costing the Australian community $8.5 billion each year*.
"So when it comes to shopping online for a new car, a pair of heels or an antique vase be aware of common internet scams. And remember, if it seems too good to be true, then it probably is," Darren said.
Darren said educating Australians about safe and secure internet and technology use was a key priority for Telstra.
"Events like Fraud Week allow us to remind Australians of a few key things when online such as, never give out personal information in response to unsolicited emails or messages from unfamiliar sources, make sure you use reputable sites when buying or selling and check your bank statements regularly," Darren said.
To help stay protected from fraud, Telstra recommends remembering these top three tips and common scams:
- Hoax emails - Banks and sites like BigPond will never ask for personal information like credit card or bank account details via email or SMS. If you receive an email or SMS asking for this information, delete it. If you are worried, contact the company the email or SMS claims it is from to verify that it is legitimate.
- Shopping - When buying big ticket items like a car, always try and speak directly with the seller and inspect the item prior to making payment.
- Transact safely online - Ensure the website you are using keeps your financial details private and secure and that they offer anti-fraud protection.
Common scams to be aware of:
Phishing: Beware of any unsolicited emails from organisations requesting you to update your personal/financial details. They may use these details to access your online account and then use it for fraudulent purposes.
Wire Transfer Scams: Beware of any sellers requesting you to send funds overseas - this scam involves the seller engaging the buyer off-site (usually via email) and convincing them to send money through an international money transfer service for an item that will never be shipped.
Domestic Non-Delivery Fraud: Beware of ads for high value electronic items advertised for a low price. Unsuspecting buyers make contact and send funds to the seller but never receive the item.
Buyer Fraud Scam: Beware of buyers requesting you send the item you are selling overseas. They may send a fake invoice from a financial provider to dupe you into thinking they have paid.
For more information, visit: www.scamwatch.gov.au
* Australian Institute of Criminology Report, September 2009
** ACMA, Australia in the Digital Economy Report 2: Online Participation, May 2009
