QLD: Govt moves to stop cyber scams

AAP General News (Australia)
08-26-2001
QLD: Govt moves to stop cyber scams

BRISBANE, Aug 26 AAP - The Queensland Government has joined a national effort to protect
the public from cyber scams.

Fair Trading Minister Merri Rose said a working party had been formed by the states
to examine protective options.

"With the number of households using the internet steadily increasing, the unsavoury
characters behind illegal schemes and scams are taking advantage of the new technology,"

Ms Rose said.

To spread the warning, fair trading offices around Australia were creating a national
database to receive, store and transmit information on consumer alerts, she said.

As well, the Queensland office was examining a Canadian system to boost protection
against cyber scams, she said.

"Consumers should be on guard against phoney get-rich-quick offers they receive by
e-mail," Ms Rose said.

She said offers about miracle health products, phoney lotteries and shares used to
arrive by post or fax.

"Now they are staring to arrive by e-mail," she said.

AAP geb/vr

KEYWORD: CYBER

2001 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.