Warning about hoax SMS messages that appear to be from your bank

The Australian Government Stay Smart Online Alert Service recently issued the below warning. While it refers specifically  to hoax SMS messages addressed to ANZ Bank customers, it is possible that the same type of hoax will be directed at customers of other financial institutions so everyone should be alert.

ANZ Bank warns of hoax SMS that attempts to scam customers: Alert Priority High
The ANZ Bank has issued a warning about a fake SMS message that urges customers to click on a link to stop the bank suspending their accounts.

The bank advised on social media that anyone who received the text should delete it immediately, and asked people who viewed its warning to share it with their family and friends.

On its security alerts and reporting fraud page, the ANZ Bank advises customers who have received hoax messages and clicked on any links, downloaded any attachments or responded to these messages with their banking details, to contact the ANZ helpdesk ‘immediately’.

The bank also extends the advice to customers that have noticed any unusual payments.

Clicking on a link in an unsolicited SMS message may expose a customer to malicious software such as viruses. This malware may capture your bank account details or other sensitive personal information, hand control of your smartphone to a remote attacker, or perform other unwanted activities.

Stay Smart Online recommends that if you are unsure whether an SMS message is legitimate, you verify the authenticity of the message with the organisation the message purports to be from. Always use contact details sourced from the business or government organisation’s legitimate website rather than any details included in the message itself.

If you do click on any suspicious links, immediately advise the relevant business and government organisation and monitor your accounts for unusual activity. If you believe your phone may be infected, you may choose to seek assistance from an independent technical expert.

Reporting cybercrimes
If your smartphone has been compromised, you can report the incident to the Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network (ACORN).

ACORN provides information on how to recognise and avoid common forms of cybercrime, such as hacking, online scams, online fraud, identity theft, attacks on computer systems and illegal or prohibited content, as well as offering advice to those who have fallen victim.

ACORN makes it easier and more convenient to report cybercrime to a law enforcement agency.

 (Source: Neighbourhood Watch Queensland blog)

Is your smartphone or tablet vulnerable to a virus attack?

Did you know that it is not only desktop computers that can be attacked by viruses?

Smartphones and tablets are also vulnerable, and the Australian Government Stay Smart Online Alert Service has recently issued two warnings in relation to such devices.

Both alerts have High Priority so if you have a relevant device it would be wise to explore further and take appropriate action if necessary.

The alerts are:

iOS update issued to address vulnerability: Alert Priority High

Apple has released a security update for the iOS mobile operating system that runs on devices such as iPhones, iPads and the iPod touch. The update addresses a vulnerability that, according to US-CERT, ‘may allow a remote attacker to take control of an affected system’.

Apple has made the update available for iPhone 4s and later, iPad 2 and later and iPod touch (5th generation and later). You are advised to review the Apple advisory here (https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207026) and apply the update as required.

Updates close vulnerabilities in computer systems that remote attackers can otherwise use to gain access to systems or information (such as online banking details). A vulnerability is a weakness that can leave a computer and its systems open to attack. Attacks can be carried out a number of ways, including through malicious software (malware) such as viruses and spyware that can monitor a users’ activity on a computer and stop systems operating properly.

Around 10 million Australian Android devices affected by Quadrooter: Alert Priority High

New vulnerabilities have reportedly been uncovered that may affect up to 10 million smartphones and tablets in Australia. The vulnerabilities are believed to potentially allow attackers to take control of devices running the popular Android mobile operating system.

According to news reports, because the ‘Quadrooter’ vulnerabilities reportedly exist in software drivers for chipsets commonly used in Android devices, users need to rely on updates being provided by distributors or telecommunications companies. These businesses need first to receive the updates from Qualcomm, the vendor whose chipsets are reportedly affected by the vulnerability.

Security researchers claim that attackers could use a malicious application to infiltrate an unprotected Android device and gain access to sensitive information without a user knowing.

According to the researchers, the list of affected manufacturers includes the most popular smartphones in Australia, including devices from:

• Google

• Samsung

• Sony

• LG

The reports reinforce the importance of applying software updates as they become available, and avoiding downloading and installing suspicious apps.

You are advised to ensure that your Android device is set to automatically receive security updates, and to ensure the latest updates have been applied. In the case of Quadrooter, you may check with your telecommunications provider as to the availability of a security update for your smartphone, tablet or similar device. Stay Smart Online also advises that you only install trusted apps from official app stores, especially on devices that carry any personal information.

Smartphones and tablets are portable computers, and should be treated as such. This includes installing antivirus software and being careful when running apps or opening files from untrusted sources.

If you wish to visit Stay Smart Online it can be found at www.staysmartonline.gov.au and you can subscribe to receive alerts as they are issued.

(Source: Neighbourhood WatchQueensland Blog post dated 10 August 2016 with some editorial changes)

Thank you to our local businesses

Thank you to these local businesses for supporting our NHW.

Sass Hairapy

Sheer Therapy for your hair

4/78 Basnett Street, Chermside West

Tel: 3359 8254

***


Mint Place

Vietnamese Restaurant

Shop 10 / 76 Basnett Street
Chermside West

Open Tues-Friday
11 am to 2 pm and 4 pm to 8.45 pm

Sat 9 am to 2 pm and 
Sat/Sun 4 pm to 8.45 pm 

Ph. 3350 5915

***

The Golden Roast

Planning a party… and need catering…??  They will come to you with their mobile Spit Roast Oven. Their chef will prepare and present their GOLDEN ROAST BUFFET. 

All menus online at www.goldenroast.com OR they supply the Spit Roast – you cater the rest.

Phone Narelle 3861 4732

***
Loria Deli

Shop 11/72 Basnett Street West Chermside

Ph 3359 6087

Great selection of cheeses, smallgoods and pasta.
Take Home frozen meals
Pizza, sandwiches and more
All day coffee facilities available for your enjoyment

***
Glasshaus Constructions Pty Ltd

Developers, builders, importers

Phone 3860 5333

***

Leddy’s & Associates Pty Ltd

3/78 Basnett Street, Chermside West

Phone 3359 8333

Fax 3350 5355

ACCOUNTANTS & TAX AGENTS

***

Rode Meats

Simply The Best

Brad Cammack

Proprietor

Telephone 3359 7425

Rode Shopping Centre

Appleby Road, Stafford Q 4053

*** 

Photocopying of latest newsletter is by courtesy:

Councillor Fiona King

BCC Councillor for Marchant Ward

Phone 3407 0707 Fax 3407 0797

Email: marchant.ward@bcc.qld.gov.au

Basnett Street Community Open Day Sat 20th August

Basnett Street shops will be hosting a Community Open Day 

Saturday 20th of August 

from 10 am to 4 pm.

• Prizes and Giveaways
• FREE kids art activities
• art demos & art exhibition
• Wine tasting at pARTy ARTworks
• Flower Heart Designs' Florist will be hosting FREE 'Kokedama making demos!
• Exclusive discounts from local businesses
• Taste the cuisine from your local restaurants, specialty cupcakes or local authentic Italian deli selling delicious food and coffee all day!
• much, much more!

Corner of Basnett St and Maundrell Tce Chermside West 

Next Carseldine 6 NHW Update Meeting and AGM - Thu 4 August

The next Carseldine 6 NHW Update meeting will be held on Thursday 4th of August at the Craigslea State School P&C Building at 7.30 pm.

The P&C building is situated at the rear of the school.

This meeting will be our Annual General Meeting when the election of officers for our Area Committee will be conducted.

Anyone interested in filling one of the positions on the Area Committee - please contact the Secretary at carseldine6nhw@gmail.com or just turn up on the night and nominate from the floor.

A representative from Queensland Police will be in attendance to update us on crime prevention in our area and the Queensland scene generally (subject to operational requirements).

This year is the 20th Anniversary of the start of our NHW Group. Our thanks goes to all those volunteers, past and present, who have given their time and efforts in support of this very worthwhile project initiated by the State Government through the Queensland Police Service.

Well done all!!!

Car parking - please use the western car park near the swimming pool. You can then walk through the covered play area to the last building on the left.

Your support of Neighbourhood Watch is of vital importance to the safety and security of our neighbourhood.  Come along, meet your neighbours and share a social word or two.

We hope to see you there. 

All welcome!!!

Beware of extra charges when shopping online

The latest issue of the National Seniors Connect newsletter includes a warning that people who buy discounted products online may be signing up for conditions and fees of which they were not aware.

This follows a report in this week’s Courier Mail and in online news articles about a fitness clothing company called Fabletics, co-founded by movie star Kate Hudson.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said concerns were raised about inadequate disclosure of conditions and the ongoing costs of its 'VIP' membership program.

After customers made an initial purchase of discounted active wear clothing on the website they were then charged a monthly $US49.95 subscription for VIP membership.

The ACCC said it had received complaints that some Fabletics customers were unaware they had signed up to monthly subscription payments, and some had difficulty cancelling their memberships.

Another online retailer, Scootprice failed to adequately disclose the fees for its ‘premium’ membership, which ranged from $29.90 per month to $99 per quarter and has since refunded subscription payments following the ACCC investigation.

The ACCC said it has seen a spike in complaints from unhappy consumers regarding the use of the relatively new ‘subscription trap’ model by online retailers.

“This involves online retailers treating a consumer’s decision to make a single purchase as consent to signing them up to a paid, ongoing subscription service without adequately disclosing that the subscription service involves ongoing fees,” said ACCC Chairman Rod Sims.

The ACCC said that Fabletics has agreed to make changes to its website.

A similar trap which has existed for many years involves people downloading special ring tones for their mobile phones then being charged unexpected ongoing monthly charges.

It pays to be very careful whenever paying for anything on the internet, and to read all terms and conditions very carefully (these fees may sometimes be stated on websites but hidden among a long list of terms and conditions and be easily missed).

(This article is based in part on information published online by National Seniors on 23 June 2016)

No more car rego stickers

Did you know that for cars and many other vehicle types, you no longer receive a tegistration label to put on the windscreen.

Other vehicle types that no longer have rego stickers include:

• motorcycles
• light trailers
• light caravans
• light buses
• motorised wheelchairs
• light commercial vehicles
• conditionally registered vehicles
• dealer/trader plates
• special purpose vehicles

Note that recreational boats and heavy vehicles (over 4.5t gross vehicle mass will still need to display registration labels (excluding conditionally registered and special purpose vehicles).

REMOVE CURRENT LABEL

From 1 October you can remove your registration label if you choose or you can keep it on until it expires.

But you won’t get a fine if you leave your current registration label on.

So now you don’t get a rego sticker, how can you check if your car is registered?

You can Check your vehicle’s registration online or via the free QLD Rego Check mobile app which can be downloaded using iTunes or Google Play. 

You can search for a registration and check the details by using the:

• registration number
• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): only for vehicles made since 1 January 1989. You cannot search by chassis, hull identification, or serial identification number

This service does not provide a registered owner’s details!

You can use this service to check:

• registration status and expiry date
• make, model and body shape
• learner approved motorcycles
• purpose of use – for example private, commercial
• inspection due date – for vehicles that need an inspection

You can also check your registration by calling the Department of Transport and Main Roads on   13 23 80, or checking the due date by looking on your registration documentation for when you paid last time.

STILL NEED TO REGISTER YOUR VEHICLE

Note that even though there are no longer rego stickers, you still need to register your vehicle  - you just won’t have to put a registration label on your vehicle.

Driving an unregistered vehicle is an offence and you may get a fine. It is your responsibility to make sure the vehicle you are driving is registered and has Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance. If you don’t have CTP insurance you may not be covered if there is an accident or injury to yourself or others.

Transport inspectors and police officers can check that your car is registered through your number plate. This can be done through in car checks using hand held devices, or through the use of mobile and fixed cameras—which have the ability to quickly check the registration status of your vehicle

You will also still receive registration renewal notices so you haven’t got to worry about remembering when your rego is due.

You can visit the Dept of TMR’s website for further details about registration: http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Registration

(This item is adapted from a Neighbouhood Watch Queensland blog article dated 8/6/16)