BEWARE FRAUD SCAMS – WARNING FROM AUSTRALIAN BANKERS’ ASSOCIATION Sydney, 28 August, 2003: The Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) is warning the public of email scams targeting consumers. The first example involves scam emails purporting to be from banks which link to ‘ghost’ websites. The second involves companies that claim to sell goods and services direct to the public. Banks view all matters of security with the utmost priority and take immediate action to report these crimes to the police, both here and overseas. They are working closely with the Australian High Tech Crime Centre on these matters.   Email Scam 1 – ‘Ghost’ Websites   Some bank customers may have recently received a hoax email containing a link to a ‘ghost’ website located overseas.   Banks move quickly to shut down these ‘ghost’ websites. Customers should ignore emails requesting confidential information such as User IDs and Passwords.   Customers should ensure that they have installed the latest anti-virus software updates, other security patches on their home personal computers and should change their Internet banking passwords on a regular basis. It is recommended that you ‘bookmark your bank’ in your list of ‘favourite’ websites.   Banks also provide updates and important security information on Internet Banking websites. If customers have any concerns they should contact their bank.   The Australian High Tech Crime Centre website (www.ahtcc.gov.au) also contains advisories on online frauds and links to allied organisations that can help customers increase their Internet safety.   Email Scam 2 – Sell and Receive Commissions   Companies have been targeting Australian consumers to act as ‘money transfer agents’ in the sale of goods and services through a range of means including placing fake job advertisements, sending out unsolicited emails and approaching potential ‘agents’ via online chat rooms.     Some members of the public have responded by supplying their names and banking details.  These ‘agents’ then receive funds into their accounts along with instructions to withdraw the funds and remit them overseas.   The ABA advises that these funds are often the proceeds of fraud and persons who act as ‘agents’ in schemes like this are effectively laundering the proceeds of crime committed against their fellow consumers.   The ABA recommends that:   1.       Bank customers who have participated in such a scheme should immediately contact their bank and the police;   2.          Bank customers ignore or delete such emails from companies suggesting schemes such as these;   3.          Bank customers should ensure that they are confident about their personal firewalls, have installed the latest anti-virus software updates and other security patches on their home personal computers, and that they change their passwords on a regular basis.   For further information:   Heather Wellard ABA Public Relations Phone: 02 8298 0411 Mobile: 0409 830 439 ENDS