Please note that there is an email scam going around
whereby unsuspecting people are getting emails requesting financial help using the names of well-known priests. this has happened locally too. this is a scam. We do not request money from people in this way. if you receive such a request, please ignore it and under no circumstances reply to the email and never send money under the scammer's request.
If you receive an email requesting you for help. Do not open any attachments or click any links.
We do not ask people for money via these methods, nor would we ask you to provide banking details or financial help in this way.
EMAIL SCAMS PURPORTING TO BE FROM PRIESTS
A number of long-serving priests are reporting that fake emails purporting to be coming from them are being sent out by spammers.
The emails are signed off as though coming from the priest but the email address bears no resemblance to them—in one example it came from headoffice68585@gma... Some other variations also mimic the parish priest email; for example pp.StBparish@gmail.c... or frTedsmyth@gmail.co.... These are clearly not official emails.
To be absolutely certain, you are advised to independently contact the person or organisation (that is, not by using any links or addresses in or attached to or linked to the suspect email or message). the best strategy is to do an independent search for the official phone number, address or email contact or, even better, speaking personally to the real person identified, in a way that is completely independent of the present form of contact. To verify the message or look up the number or the official website independently, please ensure that the web address matches up with the one you are looking for, as some scams have a duplicated web page appearance but then forward the link to another site that does not match the original real address.
The Australian government has a "Scamwatch" service. it can be found by independent searching of contacts.
Here is the link but feel free to search for these contacts independently of this email.
https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam
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Protect yourself from scams
Scammers are getting increasingly sophisticated in their attempts to get your money or personal details. Be alert and protect yourself from being scammed by following our tips.
Scams target everyone
Scams target people of all backgrounds, ages and income levels across Australia. There's no one group of people who are more likely to become a victim of a scam, all of us may be vulnerable to a scam at some time.
Scams succeed because they look like the real thing and catch you off guard when you’re not expecting it. Scammers are getting smarter and taking advantage of new technology, new products or services and major events to create believable stories that will convince you to give them your money or personal details.
Protect yourself
- Be alert to the fact that scams exist. When dealing with uninvited contacts from people or businesses, whether it's over the phone, by mail, email, in person or on a social networking site, always consider the possibility that the approach may be a scam. Remember, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
- Know who you're dealing with. If you've only ever met someone online or are unsure of the legitimacy of a business, take some time to do a bit more research. Do a Google image search on photos or search the internet for others who may have had dealings with them. If a message or email comes from a friend and it seems unusual or out of character for them, contact your friend directly to check that it was really them that sent it.
- Do not open suspicious texts, pop-up windows or click on links or attachments in emails – delete them: If unsure, verify the identity of the contact through an independent source such as a phone book or online search. Don't use the contact details provided in the message sent to you.
- Don't respond to phone calls about your computer asking for remote access – hang up – even if they mention a well-known company such as Telstra. Scammers will often ask you to turn on your computer to fix a problem or install a free upgrade, which is actually a virus which will give them your passwords and personal details.
- Keep your personal details secure. Put a lock on your mailbox and shred your bills and other important documents before throwing them out. Keep your passwords and pin numbers in a safe place. Be very careful about how much personal information you share on social media sites. Scammers can use your information and pictures to create a fake identity or to target you with a scam.
- Keep your mobile devices and computers secure. Always use password protection, don’t share access with others (including remotely), update security software and back up content. Protect your WiFi network with a password and avoid using public computers or WiFi hotspots to access online banking or provide personal information.
- Choose your passwords carefully. Choose passwords that would be difficult for others to guess and update them regularly. A strong password should include a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols. Don’t use the same password for every account/profile, and don’t share your passwords with anyone.
- Review your privacy and security settings on social media. If you use social networking sites, such as Facebook, be careful who you connect with and learn how to use your privacy and security settings to ensure you stay safe. If you recognise suspicious behaviour, clicked on spam or have been scammed online, take steps to secure your account and be sure to report it.
- Beware of any requests for your details or money. Never send money or give credit card details, online account details or copies of personal documents to anyone you don’t know or trust. Don't agree to transfer money or goods for someone else: money laundering is a criminal offence.
- Be wary of unusual payment requests. Scammers will often ask you to use an unusual payment method, including preloaded debit cards, gift cards, iTunes cards or virtual currency such as Bitcoin.
- Be careful when shopping online. Beware of offers that seem too good to be true, and always use an online shopping service that you know and trust. Think twice before using virtual currencies (like Bitcoin) - they do not have the same protections as other transaction methods, which means you can’t get your money back once you send it. Learn more about online shopping scams.
How to spot a fake
Clues for spotting a fake document
Documents are easily faked. Some will look just like the real thing but others might have warning signs, such as:
- generic rather than a personal greeting
- names of organisations that don't exist
- poorer quality presentation
- poorer quality grammar and spelling
- overly official or forced language.
Documents such as flight itineraries and bank statements have simple, uncomplicated layouts even when they are legitimate because such businesses allow their customers to print online statements. This means that scammers can easily create fake documents by using information available online such as company logos and graphics from websites.
Clues for spotting a fake email
Scammers can easily fake an official-looking email, using the same logo and design as the real company.
Often your guard is down when you receive an email from a company you've dealt with before, such as Australia Post or an online shopping site you use. If you're not expecting an email, always be alert to a fake before clicking on any links or opening any attachments.
Follow up scams
Scammers will often try to take advantage when you’re feeling vulnerable and try to extract more money from you through a follow-up scam.
Some common follow up scams include:
- offers from a law enforcement agency to investigate your scam and retrieve your money for a fee. Law enforcement agencies do not charge for their services
- a doctor calling you to alert you that the scammer urgently needs medical bills to be paid or they might die
- a woman contacting you to explain she is the scammer’s wife and wants to escape him but needs money to do so.
These are only a few of the follow up approaches scammers may use try to get more money from you. New approaches could be quite different from the original scam and could come quickly or some time later. Scammers may have passed your details to other scammers who use entirely different methods and the new approach may seem totally unrelated to the original scam.
