Login
iscover
Share this article on:
Powered by
MOMENTUM
MEDIA
Powered by MOMENTUMMEDIA
Scammers pretending to represent the ACSC are attempting to harvest personal information and promote cryptocurrency schemes.
The Australian Signals Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has issued an alert regarding a scam campaign impersonating the ACSC.
The scammers are posing as the ACSC via both emails and phone calls in an attempt to gather personal information such as bank details or passwords, or to ask the victim to download software.
“The scam emails and phone calls also create a sense of urgency to try and pressure you into doing something quickly. Often, this will include threats that if you do not act now, something terrible will happen,” the ACSC said in a 13 June advisory.
“The nature of the fake endorsements claim that we have helped develop or fund products or services, which are typically not aligned with what we do. For example, social media advertisements promoting crypto trading platforms.”
The scam emails use the ACSC logo and signature block to appear legitimate; however, the agency has said it will never ask anyone for their personal information, nor attempt to encourage anyone to download “antivirus” software or install remote access tools.
One scam tactic appears to feature the fraudulent ACSC representative warning a victim that their IP address has been accessing illegal websites, such as those hosting child exploitation material. The scammers also threaten their victims if they attempt to hang up the phone.
Again, these are not things the ACSC will ever do.
“If you receive an email or phone call from the ASD’s ACSC and you wish to verify that it is legitimate, please contact us on 1300 CYBER1 (1300 292 371),” the ACSC said.
“We will never give you an alternative phone number to contact.”
What to do if you think you’ve been scammed
David Hollingworth has been writing about technology for over 20 years, and has worked for a range of print and online titles in his career. He is enjoying getting to grips with cyber security, especially when it lets him talk about Lego.
Be the first to hear the latest developments in the cyber industry.
