Consumer Fraud Awareness week runs from 1-7 March and is a timely reminder to protect yourself online and be on the look out for scams.
You can boost your level of protection online by following our simple six-step checklist:
1. Ensure your computer has up-to-date anti-virus and security software.
2. Enable automatic updates for your operating system and applications including your web browsers to ensure they remain current.
3. Use spam filtering software to help block fake emails or emails containing viruses.
If you receive a spam email, delete it and don't open email attachments from unknown sources.
4. When using social networking sites such as Facebook, be careful about the personal information you publish, and customise your security settings to ensure your profile is only accessible to those you trust.
5. Do not provide your tax file number online unless you are certain about the authenticity of the website.
6. Remember, we will never send you an email requesting you to confirm, update or disclose your personal details. If you receive an email like that, please do not respond to it.
For more information on how to report and protect yourself from scams and to see examples of genuine ATO communications, visit www.ato.gov.au/onlinesecurity
You can boost your level of protection online by following our simple six-step checklist:
1. Ensure your computer has up-to-date anti-virus and security software.
2. Enable automatic updates for your operating system and applications including your web browsers to ensure they remain current.
3. Use spam filtering software to help block fake emails or emails containing viruses.
If you receive a spam email, delete it and don't open email attachments from unknown sources.
4. When using social networking sites such as Facebook, be careful about the personal information you publish, and customise your security settings to ensure your profile is only accessible to those you trust.
5. Do not provide your tax file number online unless you are certain about the authenticity of the website.
6. Remember, we will never send you an email requesting you to confirm, update or disclose your personal details. If you receive an email like that, please do not respond to it.
For more information on how to report and protect yourself from scams and to see examples of genuine ATO communications, visit www.ato.gov.au/onlinesecurity
