The Queensland Police Service Fraud
and Cyber Crime Group is warning the public about phone scams as part of
National Consumer Fraud Week.
The group has been receiving regular
complaints from members of the public after receiving phone calls by people
attempting them to defraud them.
One very common complaint is a person
representing themselves as being from a respected company such as Telstra or
Microsoft. The caller tells their intended victim that there is a problem with
their computer that requires the caller to remotely log into the victims’
computer to fix the alleged problem.
The caller informs the victim that
there is indeed a problem with their computer and because they are outside the
warranty they will be able to service the issue for a fee. This fee may vary from $100 to $600 and
payment is requested via credit card.
Once the caller is given access to the
computer by the victim, they may install malicious software on the computer
that gives access to the computer at any time, and allows them to capture
sensitive usernames and passwords that can be used to access the victims’
accounts such as banking, finance, web based email or their place of work. These callers will generally have a foreign
accent – typically Indian.
Queenslanders have also been receiving
calls from persons offering investment opportunities in arbitrage systems,
stocks or betting programs offering high yield returns.
“People are often sent professionally
produced glossy brochures, are elevated through the investment program to more
senior account managers, and may even be granted their own online account which
allows the investor to log in and view their investment portfolio generating
income and performing well – allegedly.
This online viewing instills confidence in the investor who may then
introduce friends and relatives to the opportunity and it is not uncommon for
investors to borrow against their mortgage to increase their investment.
“When receiving unsolicited calls
strongly considering terminating the call.
If you do engage in conversation take their name and number, do some
online research and call them back. Do
not take comfort simply by the fact the number commences with 02 or 03 it may
still very much be a fraudster on the other end of the phone call,” Detective
Superintendent Hay of the Fraud and Cyber Crime Group warns.
The Office of Fair Trading is involved
in this year’s National Consumer Fraud Week and advises consumers to know who
they’re dealing with.
Fair Trading Executive Director Brian
Bauer states, “Never provide personal, credit card or online details over the
phone unless you made the call. Scammers often pose as well-known and reputable
businesses to try to convince you that they’re the real deal.”
Any investment entity should be
checked with ASIC to ensure they hold the appropriate license, again check the
internet for adverse comments and ALWAYS seek independent legal and financial
advice prior to making any investment decision.
More information about National
Consumer Fraud Week can be found at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au
Contact the Fraud and Cyber Crime
Group if you wish to discuss your circumstances on 3364 6622.
(Source: myPolice QPS News)
