Owners of Flash Computers, located in Mullumbimby, have told The Echo they have seen an increase in serious cyber hacks where locals have lost thousands of dollars and access to their devices and accounts.
Ben Buob’s wife, Sheri, contacted The Echo to alert readers and offer advice for avoiding scams and hackers.
Sheri says, ‘Every week, there are new problems coming in. Lately, there have been a lot of scams. Big scams, like the hijacking of people’s complete digital identities. One customer had her computer hacked and her life savings of tens of thousands in her bank account stolen’.
‘Her bank has done nothing. She’s locked out of her account now. Her entire computer, phone and systems have been taken over by hackers, and she is unable to access any of her email, texts, or anything on her devices without the hackers seeing what she is typing and having complete access also.
‘It’s very creepy, and needless to say, extremely devastating.
‘Apple, the police and banks have not been able to help. Even after she bought new devices, she was hacked again immediately.
Mystery callers
‘Never give your details to mystery callers, texts or emails, and if someone contacts you in any way offering to help you or saying you owe money, ignore it. It is most often a scam’.
Sheri suggests googling a number or email address to check if it is legit.
And for those who believe they have been hacked, Sheri suggests taking photos with a separate camera (ideally not on your phone) of anything unusual happening on your computer. ‘It is very hard to explain to banks and police without proof’.
She adds, ‘The more evidence you have, the better your chances are of finding a good solution’.
‘My own mother, who is usually very wary, was scammed when she received a text that said it was from “me”, but it came from a random number, asking for money urgently, claiming I was stuck in a situation where I couldn’t access my own phone or bank account.
‘Other scams look like a flashing message on your screen, saying you have a virus and to call the number provided. Don’t call it.
‘There are also many cold callers saying you have a virus and they can help you. Don’t give them your details.
‘There are fake”phishing” emails and text messages, for example, claiming to be from Optus or Telstra or other name brand companies, including road tolls, telling you that you have a bill to pay. If the message seems urgent and panicked, do not take the bait.
‘Remain calm, and do your own research.
‘If it is legitimate you can always follow it up later.
‘If in doubt, don’t do anything. One good way to stay safe is to not answer any unknown numbers.
‘Nothing bad can happen if you do absolutely nothing. In my experience, lazy people get hacked less than vigilant people’.
Sheri also suggests using cash when you can, ‘in this climate with power outages and digital theft, cash may be the more reliable currency’.
For more info, and to report cyber hacking, visit www.cyber.gov.au.
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