Alert Priority MODERATE: Phone scammers impersonating the Australian Cyber Security Centre

10 May, 2019 by Andrew 0

10 May 2019

Telephone scams – where people pretend to be from a reputable organisation to try to get access to your computer and your bank account – are a constant threat.

We are aware of a telephone scam where people call pretending to be from the Australian Cyber Security Centre to seek your help to act against cyber criminals.

The scammers ask you to enter a URL in your web browser and provide your bank account details, and sometimes they try to entice you to transfer money – in one case, scammers asked for $20,000 to be transferred.

These types of scams are known as ‘remote access scams’ or ‘impersonation scams’ where scammers try to coax individuals into actions that could compromise computers or reveal bank information.

The Australian Cyber Security Centre will never contact you by phone to request access to your computer, ask you to install software, transfer money or request financial information.

If you get an unexpected telephone call from someone claiming to represent the Australian Cyber Security Centre who says your computer has been infected or hacked, hang up immediately.

Never give anyone your personal information such as your bank account or credit card details, or passwords.

If you have been a victim of a cybercrime, report it to the Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network (ACORN).

Contact IDCare at idcare.org if you’ve experienced identity theft.

To report a cyber security incident, email the ACSC at asd.assist@defence.gov.au or call 1300 CYBER1 (1300 292 371).

Read more about technical support scams (or ‘remote access scams’) – including what to do if you have given personal information to a scammer.

The information provided here is of a general nature. Everyone’s circumstances are different. If you require specific advice you should contact your local technical support provider.

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Disclaimer
This information has been prepared by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (‘the ACSC’). It was accurate and up to date at the time of publishing.
This information is general information only and is intended for use by private individuals and small to medium sized businesses. If you are concerned about a specific cyber security issue you should seek professional advice.
The Commonwealth and all other persons associated with this advisory accept no liability for any damage, loss or expense incurred as a result of the provision of this information, whether by way of negligence or otherwise.
Nothing in this information (including the listing of a person or organisation or links to other web sites) should be taken as an endorsement of a particular product or service.
Please note that third party views or recommendations included in this information do not reflect the views of the Commonwealth, or indicate its commitment to a particular course of action. The Commonwealth also cannot verify the accuracy of any third party material included in this information.