Email phishing scams on the rise in Ballarat

AN INCREASING number of "phishing" emails, where criminals try to dupe bank customers into providing passwords and account numbers, have been detected in Ballarat.People have been warned of an escalation in the number, and professionalism, of the emails, which have bypassed security firewalls at the University of Ballarat's Internet Commerce Security Laboratory.The emails are made to look like they have come from a major bank and are complete with corporate logos, telephone numbers, and links to websites which also look legitimate.Users are often asked to click a link which directs them to another fake website to update or confirm their details.ICSL's Robert Layton, who is completing a PHD in phishing profiling, said the number of phishing emails had increased from about two to 24 in recent days and the newer versions looked authentic in every way."There has been people in Ballarat defrauded of their money," he said."They are looking for personal details. They want your username and password to your banking or your number so they can use that to steal money or take-out loans in your name."The real worrying thing is they are using smarter technology of writing them. These emails are using key words to get around spam filters by using smarter language."Most of the emails are originating in eastern Europe, Mr Layton said.Australian Bankers Association chief executive officer David Bell said people who had given their details should contact their bank so accounts could be protected."It is important to remember banks will never send you an email asking for personal details like your internet banking password or PIN," he said."Customers should be wary of anyone asking them for their pin or Internet banking password which could be a criminal attempt to gain access to your account."Internet users are also encouraged to visit www.protectfinancialid.org.au for security tips and advice.