Internet fraud and scams

Scams include emails that:

• ask you to 'verify' your personal or banking details by following a link
• ask for an upfront payment of a relatively small fee in return for promised riches
• suggest you have won a lottery draw you have never entered
• give you information you've not asked for about terrific investment opportunities.

The best defence against scams is not to respond.

You can get a list of current and historical scams, frauds and schemes from the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce website www.scamwatch.gov.au.

Child safety and the internet

• Spend time online with your kids.
• Help your kids use the internet as an effective research tool.
• Be aware of online stranger danger, particularly in chat rooms.
• Place the internet computer in a public area of the home rather than in a bedroom.
• Talk to your kids about their internet experiences. Let them know it's okay to tell you if they come across something that worries them.
• Teach your kids how to deal with inappropriate and disturbing material.
• Teach children that internet information is not always reliable.
• Encourage children to treat others online as they would in real life situations.
• Know the best ways of avoiding spam (unwanted 'junk' e-mail)
• Consider using filters, labels and safe zones to control, monitor or limit what your children can see.

Remember the best protection is parental supervision.

If you suspect a person of using an internet chat room to engage in inappropriate behaviour refer the incident to the police.

For more information

For more information about internet safety and awareness:

www.e-safety.org.au
E-safety is a joint initiative with other groups to provide an education pack and newsletters for schools.

www.netalert.net.au or freecall 1800 880 176
NetAlert is an independent community advisory body established by the Australian Government.

Virtual Global Taskforce web site www.virtualglobaltaskforce.com
The Virtual Global Taskforce (VGT) is a collaborative alliance involving law enforcement agencies from around the world working together to combat online child sex exploitation and to make the Internet a safer place.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority www.acma.gov.au
ACMA have a school based education program called Cybersmart Detectives which is on their website. This is an interactive online internet activity conducted through schools which promotes key internet safety messages. Organisation of this event is through ACMA. South Australia Police provide assistance to the activities.

Cybersmart Kids www.cybersmartkids.com.au
This site provides a young person's guide to smart 'net surfing, chatting and emailing.