Media Statement
18.12.23
TIMELY REMINDER TO BE CAREFUL THIS FESTIVE SEASON
TasICT, the peak body representing the local Information Communications Technology industry, is urging Tasmanians to be extra vigilant in the lead-up to Christmas.
Many people conduct their Christmas shopping online and are eagerly awaiting parcels and packages in the coming week. It’s understandable that they might mistakenly click on a scam email or text message, thinking it is associated with a delivery they are expecting.
TasICT Chief Executive Officer, Steve Adermann, believes there are some simple steps people can take to ensure they don’t become victims of cybercrime.
He said, “Before clicking on links or responding to a confirmation request, check the delivery details provided by the vendor that sold the product. Utilise the tracking system provided with the receipt, tax invoice, or order confirmation. Recently, there has been a spate of unsolicited text messages about deliveries, which may seem genuine, but they are just as likely to be from cybercriminals. Unless it is clear the message is from the courier handling the delivery, people should be cautious about responding. In the majority of cases, the purchase has been completed, so no further payment is required. The vendor already has the delivery address and contact details, so any request for personal information or payment should be treated with extreme caution.”
A simple lapse of caution during the hectic time leading up to Christmas could end up spoiling the festive season for Tasmanian families. TasICT pleads with people to make the extra effort to check who that text or email message is from and if it’s genuinely related to the courier company linked to the delivery.
Cyber Security resources on the TasICT website: https://www.tasict.com.au/cyber-security/
