Phishers Duping People by Offering Myer Gift Cards

A new scam e-mail is in circulation in Australia that promises consumers of Myer (chain of departmental stores) gift cards worth $500. The e-mail, in actual, may contain a hidden virus created to steal the bank details of consumers.

Virginia Judge, New South Wales (NSW) Fair Trading Minister, informs that this fake e-mail from "Shoppers Saving Centre" urges people to take part in a survey for which they will receive gift cards from Myer, as reported by Sydney Morning Herald on May 12, 2009.

According to the NSW Department of Fair Trading, the people who responded to the fake survey conducted by Shoppers Saving Centre are yet to receive the gift cards while Myer has clarified that it has nothing to do with the offer.

Ms. Judge stated that this seems to be a phishing scam designed especially to obtain the IP addresses of the consumers so that a hidden virus can easily access their bank details, as reported by WESTERNWEEKENDER on May 12, 2009.

Security experts have advised people not to respond to such an e-mail in any case rather they should immediately delete the e-mail.

Phishing scam is becoming very common and consumers ought to be aware of any unsolicited e-mail hitting their inbox. Phishers act very smartly and are in search of unsuspecting users whom they can easily cheat. Thus, the best way to avoid these scams is awareness, according to Ms. Judge.

She further added that consumers should acknowledge the warning indications prior responding to any unsolicited e-mail. Especially, they should never respond to e-mails asking for bank details. Consumers should not get enticed towards the schemes promising them easy and handsome amounts.

The e-mails that make offers that are too good to believe are, at most of the times, phishing in nature or may be some other sort of online fraud, which can ultimately result in identity theft.

If Internet users want to get more knowledge about phishing scams and various other related Internet scams, they should view the Scams - How to avoid being ripped off publication on www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au or visit www.scamwatch.gov.au.

Related article: Phishers Expand Their Sphere of Attacks

» SPAMfighter News - 5/22/2009