22/07
Monday 19 March

Protect your computer from Internet scams

Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, today welcomed the 2007 Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce initiative encouraging Australian Internet users to protect their computers.

“Australians are increasingly using the Internet and enjoying the many benefits it offers,” said Senator Coonan.

“However, it’s important that people also think about security when they go online.

“Online scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in the hope of catching people out. While the same old scams are still being used, a growing number of scams employ malicious software designed to steal your personal details, without your knowledge.

“It’s important that you install and continue to update your security software. This is the best way to help ensure you are protected every time you go online.

“The Australian Government is committed to protecting consumers from scams of all kinds through effective legislation, regulation and education. As such, the Australian Government has introduced a broad package of practical initiatives to target Internet, email, phone and mobile scams.”

The Australian Government’s online security website, www.staysmartonline.gov.au provides simple advice on how to secure your computer, transact and interact safely online.

“I encourage Australian Internet users to visit Stay Smart Online to keep up to date with the latest online security threats,” said Senator Coonan.

“I welcome the strong representation by the telecommunications and Internet industries in support of the campaign. The Internet Industry Association has helped galvanise a strong industry participation and commitment to this co-ordinated government-business-community campaign. We are much more effectively reaching consumers and the public with our joint efforts.”

“Protecting Your Computer is the theme for the third week of a four week campaign by the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce.

The Taskforce recommends a number of simple steps that Australians can take to protect themselves online from Internet scams:

1. Keep your security software up-to-date;
2. Don’t respond in any way to unsolicited emails; and
3. If in doubt, delete.

Background to the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce

As part of a whole-of-Government approach to combat consumer fraud and scams targeted at consumers, the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce was established in March 2005 and comprises all of the governmental regulatory agencies and departments in Australia and New Zealand who have responsibilities for consumer protection.

The four-week campaign was launched on 4 March by the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce to help people protect themselves from scams.

The overall theme for the four weeks of the campaign is ‘SCAMS TARGET YOU—Protect Yourself’.

The theme for the third week of the campaign is ‘Protect Your Computer’.

Agencies participating in the Taskforce are:

Australian Government: Attorney-General’s Department; Australian Bureau of Statistics; Australian Communications and Media Authority; Australian Competition and Consumer Commission; Australian Federal Police (represented by the Australian High Tech Crime Centre); Australian Institute of Criminology; Australian Securities and Investment Commission; and the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts.

New Zealand Government: NZ Commerce Commission; Ministry of Consumer Affairs.

State and territory governments: All State and Territory Police jurisdictions; Australian Capital Territory—Office of Fair Trading; Consumer Affairs Victoria; New South Wales—Office of Fair Trading; Consumer Affairs Northern Territory; Queensland—Department of Tourism, Fair Trading and Wine Industry Development; South Australia—Office of Consumer and Business Affairs; Tasmania—Office of Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading; Western Australia—Department of Consumer and Employment Protection.

Taskforce partners

Taskforce members are joined in communicating with Australian consumers about scams by a range of community, non-government and private sector organisations. Visit www.scamwatch.gov.au for a list of Taskforce partners.

Consumers who think they’ve spotted a scam can check the SCAMwatch website at www.scamwatch.gov.au which has detailed information about scams, or report a scam on 1300 795 995.