In recent times, local IT shop Steele Technology has seen a surge in the number of scam victims of home users as well as businesses.
They are urging people to really think before acting, especially when you receive a call wanting access to your computer or regarding your internet.
If it doesn’t sound right, ask for a case number, tell them you will call them back, but do not call the number they provide. Look up the number on your last invoice or Google it.
The same principle applies to emails, or more recently a letter with a call back number on it. Ensure the sender is who they say they are. Never click on an invoice or link without being 100 percent sure it is correct. If you do click on a link and it takes you to a website, never enter any details!
Be sure that you have working, anti-virus protection or seek help to ensure your device is not corrupted. If you have provided your bank details, inform your bank. If you have provided someone with your password, change that password as well as for anything else you use the same password for.
Report any such incidents to scamwatch.gov.au