EASTER SCAM ALERTS!

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued an alert for Australians to be on the look out for the following scams during the easter period.

(1) As there is often a lot of charitable work done during the easter period, scammers dress up and pretend to be accepting donations on behalf of charity groups or schools. The scammer(s) my work singularly or in groups and may approach you in the street, at your door or by telephone. Please be aware of this scam before you give to charity.

If you wish to give to charity it may be a good idea to call the charity directly and pledge your donation that way.

(2) Holiday & Accommodation scams happen most often during periods like easter. If you receive an unsolicited phone call or email offering you a discount holiday or accommodation this could be a scam. Do not give payment upfront to such persons and demand a contact phone number and address for the agent offering the holiday special. Hang up, search online to make sure they really are legit and if so call them back to confirm the holiday offer.

(3) If you get emails wish subject lines like "Your friend has sent you an easter card" this is probably a virus/trojan. If you open the email your computer will become infected. It's best to ask your friends to tell you before hand if they're going to send you an electronic greeting card over easter. If you get a card which no one has told you about, DO NOT OPEN IT, simply delete it. And of course as always make sure you computer has up-to-date anti-virus definitions and firewall protection.