Hoax fuel email a risk
Issue Date: - Friday, 12 September 2008
An email offering an online voucher for free Shell fuel has been found to be a prank, but Consumer Protection is warning computer users not to let their guard down as there could be something more sinister to it.
When a link in the email is clicked, a song with the words ‘you are an idiot’ plays and a ‘smiley’ face flashes on the screen.
“While this has been a nuisance to Shell and consumers alike, we want to renew our warnings about hidden viruses and spyware that can lurk in seemingly innocent emails,’ Consumer Protection Commissioner Anne Driscoll said.
“This particular email has been forwarded by numerous people.
“Do not to click on links contained in emails nor respond to messages from sources you do not know and trust, as they could harvest information from your computer and be used for cyber fraud and identity theft.
“Generating or distributing unsolicited bulk emails is known as ‘Spam’ and is an offence that carries stiff penalties,” Commissioner Driscoll said.
Report ‘Spam’ to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) via the form on their website www.acma.gov.au .