SCAMwatch warned consumers to be on the lookout for bogus phone calls, emails and other scams relating to the government's economic stimulus package. SCAMwatch has received reports of scammers sending bogus emails or calling to seek personal information such as your name, date of birth, address and bank details.
Scammers pose as government officials (e.g. from the Australian Taxation Office and Centrelink) and inform the recipient that an application form must be completed to receive the bonus payments when this is not the case. SCAMwatch understands that the majority of Australians will not need to do anything to receive payments. The ATO will make payments into accounts nominated in 2007–08 tax returns. Some taxpayers, such as those who have not yet lodged their 2007–08 return and those who have changed banking details, may need to take action to receive payments. For more information, visit the ATO website or call 1300 686 636.
Bogus McDonald's email 'phishing' for your bank details
SCAMwatch warned consumers to continue to be wary of unsolicited emails that appear to come from well-known businesses or agencies. Scammers trick unsuspecting victims into providing personal details so that they can steal your money or your identity!
SCAMwatch has received several reports about consumers receiving unsolicited emails supposedly from McDonalds. This bogus email offers McDonald's customers a $50 bonus for filling out an online 'customer satisfaction survey'. Below is a copy of the email's text:
Dear McDonald's Customer,
We are planning big changes for 2009 at McDonalds AU chain of restaurants and because your opinion is very important to us, we invite you to take a short Customer Satisfaction Survey that will help us improve the quality of our food and services.
We know your time is valuable, so we will give you a $50 bonus just for taking our quick 7 question survey. The entire process will take no more than 5 minutes.
Once the survey is completed, the scammer will request the consumer to provide their credit card/bank details to receive the $50 payment. Instead, the scammer will use these details to steal money or to commit identity fraud.
SCAMwatch warns that if you receive this email or any other unsolicited email that appears to come from a company, banking institution or agency, do not follow any of the links in the email because this can result in an unwanted download to your computer.
