Media release

Avoid being 'catch of the day' with iiNet's phishing tips

29 July 2011: iiNet, Australia's second largest DSL service provider, is urging email and Internet users to become more aware of phony emails that encourage recipients to disclose personal details or transfer money.

Known as email phishing, the scam occurs when fraudsters send an email that looks like it's come from a legitimate organisation (such as a bank or online service provider) and requests account details and passwords.

iiNet's Compliance Manager, Rebecca Moonen, said email phishing is a common occurrence but can be easy to avoid if people know what to look for.

"There are some really simple ways to avoid getting caught up in a phishing scam. As part of the iiNet Online Safety Series, we've put together some useful tips to help Internet users become more aware of what a 'phishy' email may look like," Rebecca said.

"You can never be too cautious when it comes to emails. Trust your instincts and do some ground work before taking any action."

Identifying and avoiding email phishing scams

  • Beware of the bait - most phony emails contain a generic greeting 'to the Account Owner', a call to take urgent action and shoddy looking copy with spelling mistakes or bad grammar.
  • Do a little detective work - scammers will often scare readers into giving up personal information. Keep cool and visit the company's official website rather than following any links in an email. Check out their official announcements or give them a call to see if they know what's going on.
  • Phishing in many forms - phishing isn't always done over email. Some users get caught out through everyday websites like Facebook, or a duped over the phone. If you're unsure about a phone call, offer to call the company back using the number listed in the phone book or on the back of your credit card or statement.
  • We're only human - if you've accidently revealed information to someone who you think might not have your best interests at heart, act quickly to change your passwords and pin numbers on accounts that may have been compromised.

These helpful hints and tips are part of iiNet's Online Safety Series which is designed to help Australians become more aware of safe practices when surfing the web. Each month, information will be released and made available for download from the iiNet website. Topics covered by the safety series include social networking, online shopping, phishing emails and password security.

To download this month's complete factsheet, learn more about iiNet's Online Safety Series or to register interest in an Online Safety Seminar visit www.iinet.net.au/about.

For further information, please contact:
Anthony Fisk or Jane Humphries
Communications
iiNet
08 9214 2210 or media@staff.iinet.net.au

About iiNet

iiNet is Australia's second largest DSL Internet Service Provider (ISP) and the leading challenger in the telecommunications market. We employ more than 2000 inquisitive staff across four countries and support over 1.3 million broadband, telephony and Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) services nationwide.

We're a publicly listed company and we maintain our own super-fast broadband network. Our vision is to lead the market with products that harness the potential of the Internet and then differentiate with award-winning customer service.

To achieve this, we employ creative thinkers and true advocates of technology. Our people are a huge part of the iiNet success story, so we've developed a unique and stimulating work culture to ensure they remain engaged and inspired.

A lot has changed since our CEO founded iiNet in a suburban garage back in 1993 and the broadband landscape continues to evolve. What hasn't changed is our passion for the transformative benefits of the Internet and our commitment to helping Australians connect better.