The Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources has released a guide to help businesses protect themselves from COVID-19 related fraud.
The Department said scammers targeted small businesses because they recognised that owners were busy and usually had limited resources to keep their systems safe.
“This risk has increased as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” the Department said.
“The latest COVID-19 scams are designed to take advantage of the changes to our daily life – including loss of jobs and financial vulnerability, fear of infection and the shortage of particular goods and services,” it said.
“This guide is intended to highlight some of the common scams to be aware of, and show you where to get further information and assistance.
The Department said its guide, Be COVID Fraud Aware, contained information on common scams, including phishing; fake charities; business email compromise; and supply scams.
“Phishing is when scammers impersonate a Government Department or trusted business to obtain your personal, business or financial information,” it said.
“Phishing can lure you into providing those details, or prompt you to click on links or attachments that download software that steals this information, or even damages your device.”
It said scammers were also known to pose as charities collecting money for people affected by the pandemic.
The Department said email compromise could involve a scammer posing as a supplier or employee in an attempt to redirect legitimate payments to their own bank accounts.
“As the COVID-19 vaccine rolls out in Australia, scammers may ask you to pay for a vaccine, or get early access to a vaccine, for you or your employees,” it said.
“Be aware that COVID-19 vaccines are voluntary, free and available to all people living in Australia; you cannot pay to get early access,” it said.
The Department’s two-page COVID-19 fraud awareness Guide can be downloaded on the Business.gov.au website at this PS News link.
