A poorly worded scam email, featuring a claim regarding the Bank of America and purporting to be from the South Australia Police, is currently being circulated, according to SA Police.
Police have today issued a reminder to the public to be vigilant with regard to unsolicited requests for money - however they come about.
In a recent example forwarded to police, the email contains a range of spelling errors and poor grammar, however it seeks a transfer of funds.
Anyone receiving such an email should simply delete it.
Would-be scammers will use a variety of methods to contact potential victims and will seek to use the branding or reputation of otherwise reliable organisations in a bid to gain credibility.
To reduce your chances of becoming a victim of a scam, please consider the following crime prevention tips:
* Always know who you are communicating with and where your information is going. If you are uncertain, confirm the contact is legitimate through methods other than what they have provided.
* Never give your personal details, passwords, credit card or online account details to a person you cannot identify in an official capacity.
* Legitimate companies, particularly financial institutions will not send emails requesting you to log on via a link – log on independently if you need to access that site.
* Ignore emails and text messages which advise you have won a competition that you did not enter.
* Do not send money to receive lottery winnings or to claim a prize.
* Never give an unsolicited person remote access to your computer. You may compromise the security of your device and your personal information.
* Ensure your computer is protected with regularly updated anti-virus and anti-spyware software.
Please share this information - and discuss the prevalence of these type of scams with people in your circle who may be less savvy about this type of approach.
