Telstra has warned customers to delete a phishing email that claims they need to update their billing information following the introduction of 4G services on the 700MHz spectrum.
In a blog post, the telco’s national security advisor, Rachael Falk, said the scam has an added lure – the promise of an iPhone 6 Plus.
“The first 100 [Telstra] customers to update their billing information via the link in the email will receive a 'very special gift', the new iPhone 6 Plus. The email also falsely claims that Telstra is giving away 1,000 contracts for one year with free talk nights, weekends and unlimited text messages,” she wrote.
The only 'very special gift' customers may get if they click on the link is malware downloaded to their PC or tablet and personal details shared illegally with third parties, Falk said.
“If this phishing email has been sent to you don’t open it and don’t click on the embedded link. You should delete the email straight away. It is another example of how opportunistic cyber criminals are becoming in their attempts to try and illegally obtain our customers’ personal information,” she added.
Telstra has shared some tips for people to deal with spam emails:
- Don’t click on embedded links in emails or sites you don’t know or trust. If in doubt, visit trusted websites by typing the Internet address (URL) directly into the browser address bar, rather than clicking on a link embedded in an email.
- Never respond to requests for personal information in an unexpected email or pop-up window.
- If in doubt, always contact the company that claims to be the sender of the email or pop-up window, using their official contact details.
- Make sure all your devices are protected with updated operating system and applications.
- Use a spam filter to help block unsolicited and unwanted email.
In September 2014, Telstra announced that more 4G services using the 700MHz band would be switched on early ahead of the full release of the spectrum in 2015.
Services were switched on in Sydney and Adelaide during September. In addition, 700MHz services are available in parts of Bundaberg, Yamba and Sarina.
In June, Telstra began trialling 4G services in Perth using the 2x20MHz of 700MHz spectrum it won in the government-run Digital Dividend auction.
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