Police issue warning over internet banking fraud (’phishing’)
NSW Police and the Australian High Tech Crime Centre (AHTCC) have today issued a warning to internet banking customers following a rise in the number of ‘phishing’ attacks.
‘Phishing’ involves the sending of spam emails which purport to be from a bank. The emails look real and ask customers to log on to their bank site from a hyperlink.
NSW Police Fraud Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Colin Dyson, warned that a ‘phishing’ email takes you to a website controlled by organised criminals.
“Members of the public who respond to the email by accessing the link expose their financial accounts to fraudsters,” Detective Superintendent Dyson said.
“You are strongly advised not to respond to emails of this nature or enter any personal information on the fraudulent website to which you may be directed.
“Phishing emails can carry a nasty trojan payload, which will steal financial information. If you receive a phishing email, delete it and run an updated virus scan.”
Federal Agent Kevin Zuccato, Director of the Australian High Tech Crime Centre, said emails purporting to be from banks should never be opened and should be deleted immediately.
“Our advice is never access internet banking from a link in an email, delete all spam email and install up-to-date anti-virus software and firewalls,” Federal Agent Zuccato said.
For more information go to:
http://www.dcita.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/20446/Phishing_brochure.pdf
