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Email phishing and spam
Phishing and spam
We've all heard stories about people being taken for a ride by internet savvy swindlers. But it can be pretty easy to protect yourself if you have some good protective software and a bit of knowledge about what to look out for.
What is...
Phishing?
Phishing involves tricking people into giving out their personal details by sending hoax emails that appear to come from a trusted organisation. To make their emails look genuine, phishers may have copied an organisation's logo, images or even their entire website.
Spam?
Spam is unsolicited or junk email that is usually sent in bulk. The most common uses of spam are to:
- spread malicious software (viruses, spyware and Trojans etc)
- encourage reply emails (including 'unsubscribe' reply emails) to confirm that the scammer has reached a real email address.
Fake Fraud Alert?
Fake fraud alert is similar to phishing but may take place via hoax email or phone. Typically, a scammer will contact you and tell you that there has been a problem with your account and they require you to confirm all your personal details in order to fix it.
Tricks that have been used by scammers to fake a fraud alert include telling a person that:
- their credit card details have been used to make a suspicious purchase, or
- their personal details are required to upgrade security on their account
Did you know?
The term 'spam' is believed to have originated from a television sketch.
"Monty Pythons's Flying Circus" screened in 1970 and included a sketch set in a cafe where nearly every item on the menu contained SPAM, a pre-cooked canned lunch meat.
Recognising a scam
Genuine organisations, including Trading Post®, will never ask you to disclose your personal details via email or submit it online. Additionally, a genuine organisation will never ask you to disclose your password, even over the phone.
Look out for hoax emails or phone calls:
- where you are asked to update, validate or confirm your account details, password or personal information by replying to the email or visiting a website
- from a person or sender you do not know
- that are not specifically addressed to you
- that promise you some sort of benefit
if you receive an email you suspect is a phishing or spam email, delete it without replying or clicking on any links (even the ones that say 'unsubscribe'). And if you're not sure of the legitimacy of an email or phone call, give the organisation a call yourself to check before you give out any details.
More info...
A lot of our information has come from the ACCC's 'Little Black Book of Scams'. This handy little booklet contains a heap of information about these types of scams and many others, and how you can avoid being ripped off. Download or order a free copy here
