The Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce is currently running (1 – 7 March 2010) its annual scams education and awareness campaign.
This news bulletin is a public service of SPAMWATCHERS.COM to assist in creating awareness of online consumer frauds and scams.
You should be aware of the following more common online scams in order to protect yourself:
Requests for your account information (‘phishing’ scams)
Phishing (pronounced fishing) is the fraudulent process of attempting to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication.
Job and employment scams
Job and employment scams target people looking for a new job or a change of job. They often promise a lot of income (sometimes they even guarantee it) for not doing a lot of work.
Identity Theft
Identity theft works in a range of ways—from crude methods to well organised scams. Be suspicious if anyone asks you for your personal information. Scammers will use convincing stories to explain why you need to give them money or your personal details.
Always take your time to check whether it is a genuine request.
Want to know more about scams and how to report them?
You may visit the SCAMwatch site owned and maintained by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission at www.scamwatch.gov.au
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