Aussies urged to avoid email scams

People have been warned to protect themselves against scams carried out over the internet.

Email scams are a threat to Aussies' bank account and credit card security, a writer has warned.

Ben Higgins used a Daily Advertiser article to report that scammers are trying to obtain details through means such as hacking email accounts to request information from people on the contacts list or even trying to compromise phones and social network accounts.

Victims may receive an email from a friend's address and then get a virus when they open it.

Ken Eustace of Charles Sturt University warned that people may give too much personal information away on their social networking pages.

The New South Wales government has also advised Aussies to be on their guard against phone scams whereby callers pose as officials from the Fair Trading department.

Conmen tell victims that they are to be reimbursed bank fees and ask for account details.

The Fair Trading office reiterated that it does not provide such a service, nor does it ever ask people for bank data.

By Ashley King