31 January 2012
SCAMwatch is warning Australian consumers to beware of a fake website pretending to be the official Australia Government Department of Climate Change website.
The official government site has the following web address: www.climatechange.gov.au.
The copied site appears identical to the Department of Climate Change site but has a different web address: www.fsasshoes.co.cc.
Protect Yourself - Most Australian government websites use the '.gov.au' extension – never .org, .net or .com
- If you know what the correct internet address should be, check the address of the site you are viewing matches and ensure it hasn’t changed from what you entered or expected.
Government services are never paid via wire transfer - The Australian Government website www.australia.gov.au is a safe portal for finding government services.
- Be wary of misused trust marks, logos, seals of approval – they may just be copies and not the real thing.
- Never enter your personal, credit card or banking details on a website unless you have checked it is authentic—scammers can use your details to commit identity fraud or steal your money.
- Keep your computer programs updated - many programs give you the option to receive updates automatically. Install and regularly update antivirus, antispyware and firewall software.
If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
Report - You can report scams to the ACCC via the report a scam page on SCAMwatch or by calling 1300 795 995.
Courtesy Wishart NHW, Queensland
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