Online ‘Police’ scam
pops up on radar

A reminder warning has been issued urging web users to be wary as online scammers continued to use the Australian Federal Police (AFP) logo.
   Reports have been made of scammers using the AFP logo in an attempt to defraud Australians by asking them to pay sums of money to unlock their personal computers.
   The scams feature a “pop up” message which seems to be from the AFP to inform the computer user that their computer is “locked” and requires them to pay a fee to “unlock” their system.
Warning on internet fraud
   The appearance of the “pop up” message is due to a virus that is on the personal computer.
   Users who come across the scam have been urged not to pay any money and seek support from a repair centre if they needed assistance to remove the virus.
   Manager of the Cybercrime Operations at the AFP, Commander Glen McEwen said members of the public needed to educate themselves and be wary of online scams.
   “Unfortunately members of the public are still being affected by this scam,” Commander McEwen said.
   “The Australian community is reminded that the AFP does not solicit funds and this message is not associated with the AFP in any way.
   “I strongly advise personal computer users to take steps to protect themselves against scams.”
   Meanwhile the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is also urging people to be aware of scam emails currently circulating that claim to be from the ATO.
   The emails reportedly request the recipient to download an attachment that contains malware or to click on a link to an external website that is used to steal personal details.
   The ATO has advised that people should delete such emails immediately.
Edition 347, 5 February 2013
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