A lot of internet scams take place without the victim even noticing. It is only when the person checks their banking or financial information that they realise they have been scammed. However, you can take a number of simple precautions to protect yourself from internet scams.

Protection software

Use computer protection software, including anti-virus software, to prevent viruses and other malware (malicious software) from exposing you to scams and damaging your computer.

Viruses and other malware are programs that alter the way a computer operates, often with undesirable consequences. This can be a major problem when your computer is connected to the internet, as personal and sensitive information may be sent from your computer without you knowing.

Malware can be installed on your computer in many ways, particularly through:

• opening an email attachment
• downloading infected programs from websites
• file sharing with other internet users (“peer-to-peer” sharing) or
• accessing an infected USB memory stick, floppy disk or CD.

The potential uses of malware are varied. For example, malware can be used to log your keystrokes to record information, such as banking account data, credit card details and passwords used to access financial accounts. It could also make your computer a “zombie”, allowing it to be controlled remotely to send spam and undertake other malicious activities on the internet.

An increasingly important protection tool is a “firewall”, which helps prevent unauthorised access to and communications from your computer. Your computer operating software may already have a firewall, which should be turned on.

You should:

• use anti-virus and other security software
• regularly download and install the latest security patches for all your software, including web browser applications
• use personal firewall software and
• open an attachment to an email only when you know the sender and the contents of the attachment. Suspect emails should be deleted immediately.

Anti-virus, anti-malware and personal firewall software is available from your ISP or from computer shops, and more information about acquiring and using this software can be found on the Internet Industry Association web site: www.security.iia.net.au.

Don’t respond to unsolicited emails

Think before you click—don’t click on links in suspicious emails. Be sceptical of offers that are too good to be true—they usually are!

Be very suspicious of emails from an unknown origin, especially ones that promise you money, good health or a solution to all your problems. Opening spam messages may lead to malware being secretly installed on your computer.

Never respond to suspicious emails. Responding to scam emails also confirms your address to the spammer. Be as wary of unsolicited emails as you would be about a telephone call or letter from an unknown source that made unusual promises or asked you for personal or financial details.

Be wary of unexpected “pop-up” boxes that appear on your computer screen when browsing the internet. Clicking the link in the box may install malicious software on your computer.

Don’t disclose personal information. Never respond to an email requesting confidential banking details such as your PIN or internet banking password. Banks will never send you an email asking for personal security details.

How the TIO can help

The TIO is not a law-enforcement agency and cannot help when consumers are subject to criminal activity.

The TIO has the power to help consumers in three specific areas:

• where a consumer’s internet account has been hacked
• where a person is receiving spam from their internet service provider
• where a person’s internet service provider has not provided adequate advice to ensure that the person is able to protect themselves from receiving spam.

More information about the TIO’s powers in these specific areas is contained in the position statements: Hacking or “Freeloading”, and Spamming or on request by phoning 03 8600 8701.

Consumers who think they’ve spotted a scam can check the SCAMWatch website at www.scamwatch.gov.au which has detailed information about scams, or report a scam on 1300 795 995.