Cybercrime warning

A fake AGL energy bill email is infecting computers, highlighting the importance for members to limit their risk to cybercrime.

The scam asks users to click on a link which then downloads a damaging virus and tries to steal user names and passwords to spread it further. Thousands of Australians are believed to have already fallen victim.

AGL says the scam emails tell users they have passed their energy consumption limit and need to pay their bill. The email “presents as an e-Account”, which prompts customers to download a .zip file containing ‘ransomware’, which locks the computer and demands an $800 payment.

Last week alone three member practices reported that they had been subject to ransomware attacks which locked them out of their data.

To help members protect their businesses from cybercrime, ADAVB has worked with specialist brokers Cyber Data-Risk Managers Pty Ltd to offer cyber insurance.

To report cybercrime, contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s Scamwatch or the Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network (ACORN).