SMS scammers using World Cup to cash in
Posted in: Spam at 24/06/2010 00:09
[AAP] Mobile phone scammers are using the FIFA World Cup to tempt Australians into providing their personal banking details in exchange for millions of dollars in phantom prizes.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has detected a number of scams related to the international football event.
http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/sms-scammers-using-world-cup-to-cash-in-20100621-yplc.html
http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/sms-scammers-using-world-cup-to-cash-in-20100621-yplc.html
Also see:
Spammers use World Cup fever to score [news release]
The Australian Communications and Media Authority is warning people to beware of spammers trying to cash in on World Cup fever. The ACMA has started to receive reports of various scams purporting to be linked to the 2010 FIFA World Cup tournament that offer substantial cash prizes. If recipients attempt to claim the prize they are asked to provide bank details and other personal information.
'Increasingly, spam scammers are framing their messages around topical events, such as the World Cup,' said ACMA Chairman Chris Chapman. 'These types of messages typically come in waves, and play on people's enhanced interest in the event as a hook.'
'The best defence against SMS spam is to ignore the message and forward it to "Spam SMS" by SMS on 0429 999 888 or report it online at www.spam.acma.gov.au.'
While the ACMA has received only a small number of reports of the World Cup messages to date, it is urging consumers to beware as numbers are likely to increase. The ACMA is aware of three major World Cup scams being circulated via SMS:
- Congratulations from Fifa World Cup Promo you won $1,000,000.00 contact our agent to claim your prize Mr Fred Samuel Email: (email address)
- Your mobile number has won $100,000 and to watch the finals live at the FIFA WORLD CUP PROMO REF: SA3T10.send email to (email address)mailto: or call: (phone number)
- This is to confirm your cell have won US$5.8M for FIFA 2010 International Award. To claim contact Mrs. Martins via: (email address)
Mr Chapman added that people should never provide bank details or other personal details.
'Even if money is not taken from your account, this information might be used to steal your identity in the future,' he said.
"Spam SMS," the ACMA's new spam reporting tool, has recorded more than 150 reports of SMS spam in the first week since its launch - 20 per cent of these reports were spam scams. "Spam SMS" allows people to instantly report spam by forwarding it to 0429 999 888.
The ACMA's spam website (www.spam.acma.gov.au) regularly posts warnings. More information about "Spam SMS" can be found at: www.acma.gov.au/media_spam.
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The ACMA is Australia's regulator for broadcasting, the internet, radiocommunications and telecommunications. The ACMA's strategic intent is to make communications and media work in Australia's public interest. For more information: www.acma.gov.au.
This ACMA news release was sourced from:
http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_312181
