Sydney, 12 September, 2006: The Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) and News Limited are warning the public of a hoax email scam which is targeting Internet users.

The hoax email (see over) purports to be sent from News Limited (news.com.au) and announces that Australian banks will be closed this week. This information is false – Australian banks will be trading as normal.

It is important that users do not click on the link embedded in the email. If the link is activated, a Trojan is deployed and subsequent keystrokes may be recorded and transmitted, sending highly sensitive information to criminals such as online banking passwords and logon identification.

Advice to customers who have received the hoax email

• Delete the email from your Inbox and delete from your Deleted Items
• Do not click on the link embedded in the email
• If you have replied to this hoax email, contact your bank immediately for advice
• Install and keep up-to-date anti-virus and firewall software on your computer

David Bell, Chief Executive of the ABA said: “Banks advise that these hoax emails should be ignored and deleted. Be very suspicious of emails sent by people unknown to you, containing misspelt words and directing you to a link. 

“To protect your home computer, install and frequently update a proven anti-virus software product and always ensure you are operating in a secure environment. Many banks have detailed information on their websites on how bank customers can protect themselves from Internet fraud attempts perpetrated by criminals.”

“It is important to remember that no bona fide organisation, including a bank, will ask you to reveal your online banking passwords or logon identification and that this important information should not be shared with anyone.”
 
Example of the hoax email

From: News Limited Important Information [mailto:important@news.com.au]
Sent: Tuesday, 12 September 2006 1:07 AM
Subject: News.com.au: AUSTRALIAN BANKS - CLOSING



Dear Australian Bank Clients

You must NOT Update or Confirm Your Account information. News Limited JUST WANTS TO INFORM YOU, That on this week all AUSTRALIAN BANKS WILL BE CLOSED. In this list: Commonwealth bank, ANZ Bank, WestPack Bank and others.
To get all information about those, that all banks will be closed within 1 week read on our web site:

(embedded link removed)

This procedure is performed one time only and it does not require further actions on the customer side. This is an automated message, no reply or confirmation is required.

Copyright 2006 News Limited. All times AEST (GMT + 10).
 
 
For further information:

Heather Wellard
Director, Public Relations
Phone: 02 8298 0411
Mobile: 0409 830 439

Greg Baxter
Director Corporate Relations
News Limited
Phone: 02 9288 3242
Mobile: 0419 461 368