Beware - Business Scams impersonating the ACCC

Published on 21 July 2016

Gannawarra Shire Council is warning businesses to be on the lookout for scam emails claiming to be from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

In the past week several businesses have reported receiving fake requests from scammers claiming to be the ACCC. The emails are asking businesses to respond to a complaint that has been made about them, or seek payment for an infringement notice for breach of copyright.

Mayor Lorraine Learmonth says if you receive one of these emails before opening it be sure to check the email address, valid emails from government agencies will always have an email address that ends in .gov.au.

"If you do receive a scam email do not click on any suspicious links and check the address very carefully, and if you believe it’s a scam delete the email," says Councillor Learmonth.

Mayor Learmonth also suggests businesses ensure they have up-to-date virus protection and firewall software installed.

If you are uncertain about the legitimacy on an email you have received you can call the ACCC’s Scam watch call center on 1300 795 995

For more information go to ACCC’s Scam watch website

…ENDS…

Date: 20 July 2016

Media contact: Katrina Thorne T. 03 5450 9333 M. 0409 616 627