Reverse the threat of cybercrime

Every day cyber criminals steal the online identities of people just like you, it doesn't matter if you're young or old, whether you are male or female, or where you live, cyber criminals look to take advantage of people who make it easy for them to steal from. 

The statistics tell us that the risk of falling victim to online crime is climbing every day. 

Almost one in three Australian adults were impacted by cybercrime in 2018, and victims can spend so much time, energy and emotion recovering from the damage caused.

But Australians still think about their personal information differently to their physical belongings. Isn't it strange how we always lock our front door, but not our computer?

Don't wait for a cyber criminal to steal your identity - take control of your online identity today with a few easy steps:

• Setting your social media to private - Cyber criminals can piece together information from your social media and all over the internet to steal your identity. Check the privacy settings on your devices, apps and social media so that you are only sharing information with people you know. Complete your privacy check-up. 
• Using a different password for each of your important online accounts - Passwords are the first line of defence against cyber criminals. If you are using the same password on multiple accounts, by guessing one of your passwords a cyber criminal could access all of your accounts. 
• Never provide your details via a link in a message - Scam messages are one of the most common ways cyber criminals try to steal your information online. Do you think you know how to spot a scam? Put your skills to the test - take the quiz. 
• Know how to spot an ATO Phishing scam - The ATO will never ask you to:
  • Click on a link in a text message or email to download forms or attachments. 
  • Provide your personal identifying and financial institution details via a return SMS, social media or email in order to receive a refund.
  • Click on a hyperlink in a text message or email to log on to the ATO online services. 

You can phone the scam hotline on 1800 008 540 or visit ato.gov.au/scams to verify the contact is legitimate. 

Don't become a victim! 

The Money Edge | Bundaberg