AUSTRALIAN BANKERS’ ASSOCIATION WARNS AGAINST CRIMINAL EMAIL SCAMS
Sydney, April 5, 2004: The Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) is warning bank customers of recent hoax email scams which are being perpetrated by criminals.
David Bell, Chief Executive of the ABA, said: “Customer security is the number one priority for banks when choosing to offer online banking and banks are working with the Australian High Tech Crime Centre and the Australian Federal Police to identify and prosecute these criminals.”
Mr Bell said some bank customers have received examples of the following hoax emails:
1. Noting that funds have been transferred from their account or requesting verification of Internet banking password and logon details. This email also contains a link to a bank’s website and bank branding;
2. Asking customers to download anti-virus protection software via a link; and
3. A variety of emails designed to attract attention with headings, such as “Virus Threat” or “Terror Attack” also containing a link.
Some of the above emails contain or link to a Trojan[1] virus – which is activated when you click on the link - whether that is to the bank’s website or another website.
The Trojan virus then records the customer’s keystrokes, so when customers put in their logon and password information for Internet banking, the program records that confidential information. The Trojan virus retrieves that information for the criminals enabling them to fraudulently access customers’ accounts.
Authorities are aware of a number of suspect websites and are working with the banking industry to investigate their activities.
ADVICE TO BANK CUSTOMERS
You should not click a link in a suspicious email as this will activate the virus – you should delete the email and permanently delete from your deleted items folder.
This criminal attack underlines the importance of having virus protection on your home computer. Customers should ensure that they have installed the latest anti-virus software updates and other security patches on their home and other personal computers.
Never log on to Internet banking other than by typing the address into your browser – never use a link in email.
Mr Bell said: “Your logon PIN and password are the keys to your Internet banking account – they should never be revealed to anyone. A bank will never send you an email containing account information and will never ask you to reveal confidential logon and password information. An email requesting this information should be regarded with suspicion and deleted.”
“Your bank also provides updates and important security information on Internet banking websites – check with your bank for the latest information. If customers have any concerns they should contact their bank.”
For further information:
Heather Wellard
ABA Public Relations
Phone: 02 8298 0411
Mobile: 0409 830 439
ENDS
[1] A Trojan program conceals hidden programming, often used by criminals to spy on or destroy other people's data.
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