The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) says it is aware of cybercriminals claiming to be them through emails and phone calls, as well as falsely claiming our endorsement of products or services.
The content of the scam emails and phone calls vary, but typically ask you to give personal information (such as passwords or bank details), money, or ask you to download software.
The scam emails and phone calls also create a sense of urgency to try and pressure you into doing something quickly. Often, this will include threats that if you do not act now, something terrible will happen.
The nature of the fake endorsements claim that the ASD have helped develop or fund products or services, which are typically not aligned with what we do. For example, social media advertisements promoting crypto trading platforms.
To make the scam emails appear legitimate, cybercriminals have been using the ASD’s Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) ACSC logo and/or signature block, often alongside other trusted organisations’ branding.
ASD says it will never:
- Ask for personal information such as your passwords, bank details or answers to your security questions.
- Send you an email with a link to antivirus software or remote access applications such as AnyDesk or TeamViewer.If you click on a link sent by a cybercriminal, there is the potential that malicious software could be downloaded and installed to your computer.
- Ask you to purchase gift cards or cryptocurrency. The ASD’s ACSC does not charge money for our services. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be the ASD of ACSC regarding money or requesting you move your money out of your bank account, assume you have been contacted by a cybercriminal.
- Tell you that your IP is being used to access illegal websites or facilitate illegal activities, such as child exploitation material or money laundering.
- Stop you from hanging up the phone. We will never threaten or pressure you to stay on the line.
A real ASD’s ACSC employee will always encourage you to hang up and call 1300 CYBER1 to confirm you are speaking to us.
