Media Release

Consumers reminded to protect themselves from online scams

Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, today in the final week of Fraud Fortnight, reminded consumers to protect themselves from online scams.

Running from 24 February to 8 March 2008 the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce's two-week fraud awareness initiative, Fraud Fortnight, aims to raise awareness about deceptive and seductive scams and educate people on how to report them.

“Fraud Fortnight is a timely reminder to consumers that scams can come in many forms such as emails,” Senator Conroy said.

“Hoax or phishing emails are email messages used to gain access to personal information for illegal purposes, such as transferring funds or purchasing goods.”

“These fraudulent emails are increasingly sophisticated in their design and can be difficult to recognise,” Senator Conroy said.

Hoax and phishing emails appear to come from legitimate businesses such as banks and other financial institutions and are designed to trick people into disclosing personal data such as bank account details, passwords or credit card numbers. This information is then used to withdraw money from their account or make unauthorised purchases.

It is also common for phishing emails to contain links to a website that is a convincing replica of a financial institution's home page.

“Be very suspicious of emails and websites from unknown origin, particularly ones that promise you money, good health or a solution to all your problems. A simple way to remember is ‘if in doubt, don't give it out',” Senator Conroy said.

The Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce is distributing fact sheets and brochures during Fraud Fortnight to educate consumers on what to do if they are faced with a potential scam.

To find out more about scams and to report scams visit www.scamwatch.gov.au or call SCAMwatch on 1300 795 995.

Fraud Fortnight is an initiative of the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce. Established in March 2005, the Taskforce is comprised of 18 federal and state government regulatory agencies and departments that have a responsibility for consumer protection in relation to frauds and scams.

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Date: 6 March 2008

Contact: Tim Marshall 0408 258 457