WA ScamNet reiterates Hotmail warning
Issue Date: - Wednesday, 7 October 2009
WA ScamNet is backing calls by website experts for Hotmail, MSN and Windows Live users to change passwords on their email accounts.
Microsoft say thousands of peoples passwords have been posted online in a phishing scam – where a criminally fraudulent process is used to by-pass computer security and access sensitive information.
The accounts affected are said to be mainly in Europe but there are likely to be many people with European accounts now living or travelling in WA.
While Microsoft has blogged that it is blocking the accounts of the email users who are victims of the scam, WA ScamNet would like to reiterate the general advice to change passwords every 90 days and keep virus protection and firewall software up to date.
WA ScamNet aims to combat scams, rip-offs and frauds by profiling, giving consumers advice on prevalent types of scams, how to recognise them and what to do if you receive suspect emails, letters or phone calls. ScamNet also provides information to law enforcement agencies in Australia and overseas.
In September, Consumer Protection’s helpline dealt with 353 scam-related calls and responded to 1,863 emails about scams.
For the latest on scams affecting consumers and businesses in WA, log on to www.commerce.wa.gov.au/wascamnet or if you think you’ve been a victim, call the Consumer Protection advice line on 1300 30 40 54.
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(Consumer Protection is a division of the Department of Commerce)
Media Contact: Alina Cavanagh, 9282 0679 or 0423-846397