The fake bill scam that could already be in your inbox
Just when you thought it was safe to cehck your emails! Seniors have been warned to be on high alert regarding an email scam that has targeted tens of thousands of Australians.
The well-crafted emails feature Origin Energy branding including the energy provider’s official logo, and claim the recipients owe the company varying amounts.
The emails contain malicious software which spy on the victim’s internet activity and steal the recipient’s personal details.
While the email looks legitimate, there are a couple of little details that give it away including a 1300 customer-service number registered to a recycling business in Victoria, and the sender domain name “originenergysolar.net” which was registered in China only a few days ago.
MailGuard CEO Craig McDonald told Fairfax Media these hoaxes were on the rise.
"Increasingly we're seeing cyber criminals carrying out targeted attacks by impersonating well-known and trusted entities, such as Australia Post, Telstra, FedEx, Google and the Australian Government's myGov website," he said.
"This is because these scammers realise that by impersonating brands people deal with daily, there's a good chance people will click the link to find out about a parcel they've apparently ordered, or to find out how much money they supposedly owe."
Have you ever fallen victim to an internet scam?