MYALL Coast residents are warned to be alert to fake emails which appear to have been sent from the Department of Human Services.

This advice comes after Hawks Nest resident Cathrine Humphreys contacted News Of The Area, advising she had received a scam message stating she was eligible for a government subsidy benefit.

In order to claim the benefit, Mrs Humphreys was directed to click on a link and provide personal information.

“The message came late at night, they requested a tax file number and I found that unusual,” Mrs Humphreys said.

“We had our suspicions and it had made us very nervous, so we contacted the ACCC.”

Mrs Humphreys told News Of The Area she has received a few suspicious emails in the past.

Department of Human Services General Manager Hank Jongen said they are aware of recent email scams and remind people to be cautious if they receive an email claiming to be from the government.

“While the department contacts people from time to time via email, emails from the department do not include hyperlinks,” Mr Jongen said.

“If you receive an email claiming to be from the department with a hyperlink, you should not click on the link and delete the email immediately.”

Mr Jongen urges anyone who has clicked the link and entered their Customer Reference Number or any other personal details, to contact the department.

“If you are ever unsure about who an email is from, don’t give out any personal information,” he said.

Scams can be reported to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) at scamwatch.gov.au or on 1300 795 995.

For cyber-related scams, contact the the Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network (ACORN) at report.acorn.gov.au.

 

 

By John SAHYOUN