Email Spammers Cash In On World Cup Soccer In Australia
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.
For more information or to arrange an interview please contact: Donald Robertson, Media Manager, on (02) 9334 7980, 0418 86 1766 or media@acma.gov.au.
Topics: 2010, 2010 FIFA World Cup, ACMA, Australia, business, commercial electronic messages, consent, email, email marketing, Governance, government, internet, moniter, monitor, news, online, online retailer, opt in, opt out, referral campaign, retail industry, soccer, Spam Act 2003, Spam SMS, sports, technology, Topbuy
Print This Article in Plain Text
|
|
Latest Headlines
- Osama Bin Laden Dead?
- Florida To Share $1 Billion For Gulf Coast Restoration Efforts
- Texas Prays For Rain During Extreme Drought Conditions
- Governor Christie Takes Action To Reduce Diesel Emissions, Improve Air Quality
- Governor McDonnell Outlines Draft Transportation Improvement Program
- Alaska Energy Bill Passes Legislature
- Illinois State Building Receives ENERGY STAR Award
- Homeland Security Begins Using National Terrorism Advisory System
- U.S. Outlines New Health Insurance Options For Graduating College Students
- Electrolux Expands In North Carolina, To Create 200 Jobs In Charlotte
- Virginia Storm Victims To Receive Tax Extension
- U.S. Expands Broadband Investment For Rural Areas To Accelerate Job Creation
- U.S. To Invest $130 Million For Advanced Energy Research
- Michigan Passes “I’m Sorry” Bill
- Kentucky Sells Two State Aircraft To Save Taxpayer Dollars
