WARNING TO INTERNET USERS ABOUT HOAX E-MAIL
Sydney, 8 May, 2007: The Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) is warning the public of a hoax e-mail scam that is targeting Internet users.
The hoax e-mail notes that selected Australian banks have been hacked, that online banking services are suspended and directs consumers to a website. This information is false.
It is important that consumers do not visit the website mentioned in this hoax e-mail. Generally these websites attempt to lure customers into divulging PINs or Internet banking passwords which should remain confidential or a download of malicious software is triggered which can log the consumer’s key strokes.
David Bell, Chief Executive of the ABA, said: “Hoax e-mails should be ignored and deleted. Be very suspicious of e-mails sent by people unknown to you, containing spelling mistakes and directing you to a link.”
“It is important to remember that no bank or bona fide organisation will ask you to reveal your online banking passwords or logon identification and that this important information should not be shared with anyone.”
The Australian High Tech Crime Centre (AHTCC) has already been notified about this hoax e-mail. Appropriate steps have been taken to investigate its source and to take further action as necessary.
To protect your home computer, install and frequently update proven anti-virus and firewall software products 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. There are also some useful fact sheets on the ‘Protect Your Financial Identity’ website (
www.protectfinancialid.org.au) an initiative of the ABA, AHTCC and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
Advice to customers who have received the hoax e-mail
Delete the e-mail from your Inbox and from your Deleted Items
Do not click on the link embedded in the e-mail
If you have clicked on the link to the website in this hoax e-mail, contact your bank immediately for advice
Install and keep up-to-date anti-virus and firewall software on your computer
Example of hoax e-mail:
Dear online-banking user!
Please note that from May the 6th the online-banking service in Australia will be suspended due to a vigorous hacker attack on the websites of the most popular Australian banks (National, Common (sic), Bendigo, BOQ etc.).
Please be extremely carefull (sic) with your credit cards and accounts.
To get more information on the situation of the online-banking service of your bank please follow the link below:
[LINK DELETED]
Best regards,
AntiFraud.com
For further information:
Heather Wellard
Director, Public Relations
Phone: 02 8298 0411
Mobile: 0409 830 439
ENDS