Watch Out For Scams!

If you’re a small business owner scouring the internet to find the latest information on COVID-19 to determine how it will impact your business, you are not alone. The information you are searching for may include access to emergency relief funds, tax relief from the ATO, how to start working remotely using cloud applications and so on.

Internet criminals are aware that this is the type of information numerous business owners are on the hunt for and often use enticing headlines to lure unsuspecting searchers.

More specifically, cyber criminals are now impersonating Government, Health, Accounting and IT Support organisations online and over the phone to gain access to confidential business information. Examples of this include:

• Fake relief fund websites.
• Fake websites selling coronavirus testing kits.
• Fake website selling cheap remote working technologies.
• Text messages from what appears to be a government department with a link for receivers to click and follow.
• Text messages from Australia Post requesting receivers to click a link to claim a free gift.
• Receiving calls from internet and telecommunications providers asking to gain remote access to your computer. 

There are a number of ways to protect your business from these scams outlined by the Federal Government:

• Do not open any emails, text messages or attachments from senders or organisations you do not know.
• Do not click on any links from senders or organisations you do not know.
• Do not provide your bank details via email or over the phone. Your provider should already have such information available on their database.
• Contact the individual or company by phone to confirm their requests.
• Search the company, products or services online to confirm their legitimacy
• Assess whether the company provides adequate information on privacy, terms and conditions of use, dispute resolution or contact details 

For more information on COVID-19 related scams and threats click here