Published Tuesday, 07 August, 2007 at 05:13 PM
Minister for Tourism, Fair Trading, Wine Industry Development and Women
The Honourable Margaret Keech
DON’T GET SUCKED IN BY INTERNET BANKING HOAX
Fair Trading Minister Margaret Keech is warning Sunshine Coast residents not to get taken in by the latest Internet banking hoax.
“Internet users on the Sunshine Coast are being targeted by an email supposedly from the Commonwealth Bank warning customers about the threat of identity fraud.
“The email directs people to a website and asks them to confirm their banking details.
“The email is a hoax.
“If you’ve received a copy, delete it – whatever you do, don’t click on the web link in the email.
“Email scams usually direct Internet users to a website, where you will be asked for credit card or banking details.
“Once the scammers have your personal details, they can empty your accounts or rip off your details for identity fraud.
“To protect your self online:
• never give your net banking or other passwords to anyone else, not even family members or friends;
• only access the official website for your financial institution using your 'favourites' or by typing its URL in the address bar of your web browser. Never click any hyperlink in an email;
• follow the security instructions on your bank's web pages;
• check for a padlock symbol, generally located in the bottom right hand corner of your browser;
• get an effective virus protection program and regularly download the latest version;
• install a 'firewall' and keep your security program up-to-date to protect your computer from unauthorised access;
• delete suspicious emails without opening them. Avoid opening suspect attachments, even if the email seems to come from someone you trust; and
• ignore and delete spam, chain and junk emails.”
Mrs Keech said that if consumers are in any doubt, they should contact their financial institution to confirm that the information request is legitimate.
Media contact: Peter McCarthy, phone 3225 1005
“Internet users on the Sunshine Coast are being targeted by an email supposedly from the Commonwealth Bank warning customers about the threat of identity fraud.
“The email directs people to a website and asks them to confirm their banking details.
“The email is a hoax.
“If you’ve received a copy, delete it – whatever you do, don’t click on the web link in the email.
“Email scams usually direct Internet users to a website, where you will be asked for credit card or banking details.
“Once the scammers have your personal details, they can empty your accounts or rip off your details for identity fraud.
“To protect your self online:
• never give your net banking or other passwords to anyone else, not even family members or friends;
• only access the official website for your financial institution using your 'favourites' or by typing its URL in the address bar of your web browser. Never click any hyperlink in an email;
• follow the security instructions on your bank's web pages;
• check for a padlock symbol, generally located in the bottom right hand corner of your browser;
• get an effective virus protection program and regularly download the latest version;
• install a 'firewall' and keep your security program up-to-date to protect your computer from unauthorised access;
• delete suspicious emails without opening them. Avoid opening suspect attachments, even if the email seems to come from someone you trust; and
• ignore and delete spam, chain and junk emails.”
Mrs Keech said that if consumers are in any doubt, they should contact their financial institution to confirm that the information request is legitimate.
Media contact: Peter McCarthy, phone 3225 1005