AFP warns of credit card scam

People are being urged to be aware of a credit card scam currently in operation, it has been revealed.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) reports that consumers are receiving emails where fraudsters - pretending to be from the police force - claim that their credit card has been detected as being involved in transactions linked with criminal gangs.

From here, they are invited to click through to a website via a link attached to their email, as they are advised against getting in touch with the local authorities or their bank so as to avoid facing legal action.

However, the AFP points out that it does not send emails to members of the public asking them to disclose personal or financial details and that anyone receiving such a message should delete it immediately.

Indeed, the police form claims such emails and websites look to obtain confidential information and often contain malicious software which can track people's keystrokes.

Last month, the Australian Tax Office revealed a fraudulent email was in circulation where cybercriminals - under the pretence that they were from the office - claimed to be offering a tax refund to people and requested their credit card details.

Written by Emma North