SCAMwatch is warning consumers to beware of an airline ticketing scam that can download malicious software onto your computer.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has received a number of complaints from consumers who were sent an email that claimed they were charged for an airline ticket.
The email claimed that the recipient's credit card was charged around $500 and contained an attachment that appeared to be the ticket and receipt.
It was not a ticket and the recipient's card was not charged, but if the attachment was opened, malicious software may be downloaded into your computer.
Scammers use these programs to steal passwords such as online banking passwords. They may also use spyware to steal other personal information from you, such as documents that you have stored on your computer.
Anyone who receives an unexpected email should not open any attachments and should simply delete the email. Alternatively contact the airline to confirm if a ticket was purchased in your name. When doing so, make sure to use contact details that you have looked up yourself – DO NOT use any contact details provided in the email.
If you think you have opened an attachment, it would be wise to check the computer for malicious software.
Emails like this are a reminder to ensure you have up-to-date virus protection software and a good firewall for your computer.
Explore SCAMwatch for more tips on how to recognise and protect yourself from internet scams.
To report a suspected scam, visit the report a scam page.
Back to the SCAMwatch radar.
