Users duped by stolen ID scam

A new scam deceives users by falsely stating their identity has been stolen, directing the recipient to a trojan-unleashing website, ACT Policing warned this week.

"This latest email scam is particularly shrewd as it appears under the title 'Your I.D. was stolen' and then attempts to induce the recipient to visit a website offering assistance," said Detective Sergeant Fiona Sagripanti.

"If the website is visited, a trojan is activated that allows the scammers to log the user's computer usage, which could include personal and financial details."

Sagripanti warns phishing is on the increase and urges all users to exercise care.

"Not all virus protection programs will guard against users accessing internet sites containing trojans," she said. "A very useful website to visit to find if something has been reported as spam, trojan or virus related is www.codephish.info." This website is updated by volunteers to help users stay one step ahead of malicious scammers.