NSW Fair Trading Minister, Virginia Judge today urged consumers to be more vigilant when it comes to protecting their identity on the internet.

The warning coincides with the start of National Fraud Week (1-7 March) with this year’s theme focusing on Online Offensive – Fighting Online Fraud which aims to reduce the incidence of online identity theft.

“Over the last 20 years we have seen the emergence of a new type of criminal who is taking advantage of the internet to steal money and people’s identities,” Ms Judge said.

“One of the most common ways online scammers target their victims is via phishing emails which are designed to con consumers into divulging their personal details.

“The scammers often use reputable company names in a bid to gain your trust, but this is just a clever way to rip you off.”

Ms Judge said some of the most recent online scams have included the:

• Nigerian fee scam which promises to make you money,
• Commonwealth Bank scam which offers to refund bank fees,
• Myer scam which offers non-existent gift cards and
• Australian Tax Office scam that promises bogus tax refunds.

“The best protection against online fraud is vigilance,” she said.

“Legitimate companies will not email you asking for personal information, so if you receive one you can bet you’re the target of scammers.

“If you are contacted by an organisation that you are associated with, always seek independent advice.”

Ms Judge said a Sydney woman avoided being ripped off by an online real estate scam after doing her own research.

“The woman was looking for university accommodation for her son over the internet and saw an advert for a room to rent in Jamieson Street for $600 a month, including amenities, plus $600 bond.

“The landlord asked the consumer to transfer $1200 through Western Union to her bank account in London where she claims she was studying.

“The landlord claimed that once she received the money the keys to the flat could be picked up from a Fedex office in Liverpool Street.

“However, when the Sydney woman rang Fedex she discovered the advert was a scam and that three consumers had already lost their money.

“That one phone call saved the woman a lot of financial and emotional heartache.”

Ms Judge said consumers should follow these top ten tips to avoid being scammed:

• Don’t respond to online or telephone offers, deals or requests for your personal details before establishing they are from genuine and reputable companies.
• Never send money or give credit card, account or other personal details to anyone who makes unsolicited offers or requests for your information.
• Always type in the address of a website of a bank, business or authority you are interested in to ensure you are logging onto the genuine website.
• Never click on a link provided with unsolicited email as it will probably lead to a fake website designed to trick you into providing personal details.
• Shred old bills, records and expired cards.
• Review your credit card statements when they arrive for any anomalies and check your credit rating at least once a year.
• Never call phone numbers provided with unsolicited requests or offers.
• Always look up phone numbers in a directory when you wish to check if an offer or request is genuine and
• Don’t rely on glowing testimonials, do your own checks.

Ms Judge urged consumers to call Fair Trading on 13 32 20 if they have been targeted by scammers.

Consumers can also have their say about online fraud by completing the online survey on the Australian Institute of Criminology website at www.aic.gov.au

Further information on scams and how to avoid them is available from this website or the SCAMwatch website at www.scamwatch.gov.au

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