Warning to broadband users over Internet scams

The Australian Federal Police authority has warned the public over an internet scam that uses the identity of one of its own officers in order to defraud consumers of money.

With Christmas coming up it is likely that many people across Australia will be getting online and using their broadband services to do some Christmas shopping, book tickets for entertainment, and more. However, the Australian Federal Police is warning consumers to be careful because of an internet scam that is going around using the identity of one of its own officers.

The scam uses an AFP officer’s identity in order to try and obtain large amounts of cash from unsuspecting internet users. According to figures six victims have been taken in so far, and have lost a total of sixty thousand dollars between them to the fraudsters. The scam pretends that the officer is in Haiti helping with rescue efforts, and it asks the user to donate cash to help get him back to the United States, help with tuition fees for a daughter, or to pay for a shipment of diamonds to Australia.

Assistant Commissioner Gaughan said: “Upon the AFP raising awareness of this scam, the criminal syndicate is likely to change the scenario, but probably continue to use the same images. There is a second warning for the community – anyone can have their photo taken from a social networking site and used for a scam, even a police officer. It is imperative that those choosing to use social networking and dating sites utilise the security settings available to them to the full extent. People must secure their personal information including dates of birth and images or photos of themselves.”

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Source – AFP