Scams Target You: Protect Yourself

Microsoft is partnering with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on its 2008 consumer fraud campaign: Scams Target You. The campaign is an initiative of the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce, which includes State, Territory and the Australian and New Zealand Governments. This year’s campaign focuses on ‘protecting your identity’ and online phishing, which occurs when predators steal consumers’ identity online. This can lead to significant financial loss.

Consumers can do a number of simple things to help protect themselves. They include: never provide personal information to someone you don’t know or trust; destroy old bills, records or expired cards; and check your credit report at least once a year. Louise Sylvan, Chair of the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce said: “There is a common belief that victims of scams are foolish and greedy people. This is not true. Scams target all people.” For more information, visit www.scamwatch.gov.au or listen to the interview with Greg Stone, Chief Technology Officer, Microsoft Australia and Louise Sylvan click here