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New scam landing Aussie inboxes offering fake government cash returns

A clever new scam has begun circulating through Aussie email inboxes, offering cash returns through a well known government agency.

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A dangerous new scam is circulating online through emails, sparking a warning for Australians.

On Monday, email security software company MailGuard shared emails, posing as emails from Australian government agency myGov.

The emails are offering “outstanding refunds,” with the subject line enticing readers to read further.

Although the sender name says myGov, the first hint the site is a scam is through it’s website address, which does not match the official government site real address.

The email comes from a fake website, but asks readers to enter personal details for a refund. Picture: MailGuard
The email comes from a fake website, but asks readers to enter personal details for a refund. Picture: MailGuard

The body of the email addresses the “customers,” and goes on to explain that the reader has an outstanding refund of $640.98 available from myGov.

There is then a link to accept the payment online, which takes the reader to a fake login page where they are prompted to enter their username and password.

They are then asked to provide their full name, address, phone number, credit card information and CVV number.

“These details will again be stolen by the criminal and will likely be used for their personal financial gain or sold on the dark web,” a statement from MailGuard said.

It asks readers to sign in to their account. Picture: MailGuard
It asks readers to sign in to their account. Picture: MailGuard

Readers are then asked to enter a code allegedly sent through to their mobile – codes are typically used to verify credit card payments.

Anyone who receives the suspicious emai is urged not to supply any personal information, or face losing their personal data to cyber criminals on the dark web.

myGov said they would never send a hyperlink requesting data through email or SMS.

“myGov is delivered by Services Australia,” the government agency said.

“Always access myGov by typing in the web address yourself.

If supplied with information, it will likely end up on the dark web. Picture: MailGuard
If supplied with information, it will likely end up on the dark web. Picture: MailGuard
The text code is usually sent to confirm credit card details. Picture: MailGuard
The text code is usually sent to confirm credit card details. Picture: MailGuard

“Services Australia and myGov will never send you an email or text message asking for your username, password, myGov PIN, secret questions and answers, personal details.”

They said any messages in your myGov inbox once you are signed in to your account are safe and secure.

“It’s safe to open links included in myGov Inbox messages.”

MailGuard said anyone who receives the suspicious email should delete it immediately without clicking on the links.

An email should be treated as suspicious if it:

– does not address you by name or omits personal details a real company would normally include

– appear to be from a legitimate company but has a poor use of English

– are from businesses that you wouldn’t expect to hear from

– take you to a new page or website that is not a legitimate URL of the business

Anyone who is concerned by potential scam emails can speak to MailGuard on 1300 30 44 30.

If supplied, the information will go to cyber criminals for illegal use.
If supplied, the information will go to cyber criminals for illegal use.

Originally published as New scam landing Aussie inboxes offering fake government cash returns

Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/technology/online/new-scam-landing-aussie-inboxes-offering-fake-government-cash-returns/news-story/5d52049c43884faff1f9d1ea3d1ebb01