Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Alert over air ticketing scam

Air ticketing scam includes malicious download

Australian consumers are being warned of a ticketing scam which causes malicious software to be downloaded to their computers.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has received a number of complaints about a bogus email claiming to be from an airline company.

The email, which has a bogus ticket and receipt attached, advises consumers they have been charged about A$500. Opening the attachment runs the risk of activating malicious software, which could infect the computer, the commission said.

Opening the attachment runs the risk of activating malicious software, which could infect the computer, the commission said.

Scammers use malicious software programs to retrieve personal details including online banking passwords or personal records stored on a computer's hard drive.

If consumers receive such emails, they should delete them straight away or contact the airline by phone to confirm the purchase, the commission said.

No comments: