Cybercriminals Impersonate NSW OSR Officials

Bordermail.com.au reported on 2nd march, 2015 stating that scammers are masked as the NSW (New South Wales) office of State Revenue (OSR) and sending fake emails speeding fines to patrons all over the world.

Tony Newbury, Commissioner of NSW Fines Administration, said that he was informed about the alleged phishing scam in October last year but a recent rush in reports led him to issue a warning in public's interest.

Minimum 20 people have reported the scam during last week of February 2015.

He added that this scam is planned to dupe people by paying money or to disclose their important classified information.

25 years old Yu Qing Li from Zetland (NSW) opened the real-looking scam email in mid -February and clicked on the 'View camera images' button. Bordermail.com.au reported on 2nd March, 2015 stating that online security software blocked the website because she was working on a computer.

"Do not do it and never respond otherwise they could rob your money. Simply delete the email."

OSR never sends fines via email as they only fine on-the-spot or by snail mail.

IT experts of the agency say that if a customer clicks on the link in the fake email, a virus known as Cryptolocker will lock the system and then demand ransom. The virus has struck shores before where victims have been asked to pay between $500 and $700 as ransom to unlock their computers.

Even if the victim pays money, the "key" may not function and information regarding identity may also be stolen.

Theaustralian .com.au published news on 5th march, 2015 stating that Mr. Newbury also warned that anti-virus software may not pick up the scam emails.

Mr. Newbury said that if people know about it then they should inform all their known persons so that we can't allow criminals to make money through their criminal behavior.

He added that the source of the email and the number of emails distributed could not be found because these criminals are very good in covering their trace.

Meanwhile, OSR has reported the matter to AusCERT, peak emergency response team of Australia's computer, for further investigation.

» SPAMfighter News - 3/12/2015