ACCC: phishers using financial crisis to scam Australians

The ACCC has issued a warning to Australian businesses and consumers about phishing scams claiming to be related to the global financial crisis.

The government agency issued the warning through its SCAMwatch service, citing a similar warning from the United States Federal Trade Commission which was also issued recently.

“Tough economic times can make people more vulnerable to scams,” the ACCC said in the warning. “Scammers often adjust their messages to take into account current high-profile events or economic developments.”

“While fake bank emails or phishing scams are not new, the current focus on financial issues means such emails are more likely to catch the attention of consumers.”

The ACCC also cautioned job-seekers about the proliferation of employment scams, with the number of people looking for jobs rising dramatically on the back of increasing unemployment.

The ACCC is reminding consumers that legitimate financial institutions will not request the disclosure of sensitive personal information via an unsolicited email or phone call.

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