Detectives from the Crime and Intelligence Command Financial and Cyber Crime Group have charged a 30-year-old Aitkenvale following an ongoing investigation into a text message 'phishing' scam where fraudulent text messages were allegedly sent to community members.
It will be alleged between March and June, a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Box, capable of sending thousands of fake text messages in short periods of time across the Australian telecommunications network, was being utilised in Townsville, directing victims to fake websites for the purpose of stealing money and identity information.
Following extensive investigations, police executed a search warrant at an Aitkenvale address on Tuesday, September 24, where they allegedly located a SIM Box and more than 1,200 SIM cards.
A 30-year-old Aitkenvale who was present during the search was taken into police custody, and subsequently charged with one count of possessing equipment for purpose of committing/facilitating the commission of an offence against s 408D(1) of the Queensland Criminal Code.
He was remanded in custody and due to reappear at Townsville Magistrates Court today, September 26.
Detective Chief Inspector Vince Byrnes from the Cybercrime Squad said it was important to remain vigilant, and encouraged victims to come forward.
"The Queensland Police Service is committed to keeping the community safe from online criminals seeking to steal personal information and money," Detective Chief Inspector Byrnes said.
"Offenders who facilitate sending these types of text messages and emails will remain a focus of our investigations, and we will continue to do everything we can to ensure they face serious criminal charges.
"We urge anyone who has information which could assist us to come forward."
The Financial and Cyber Crime Group are reminding Queenslanders to maintain control when online by ensuring the any requests for money are thoroughly checked prior to making any payments.
Top tips to avoid being scammed include:
- If you do not know the sender of an email or text message then delete the message.
- Never click on links in a text message or email.
- If you were not expecting the email or text message, check with the company via your own internet search.
- Never send money to a web page or company that originated from a text message.
- Research the website by using a search engine, look at the URL, see what else is being marketed, don't be pressured into making a rash decision through fear of missing out.
- Make sure that the payment details are encrypted - look for the prefix "https" in the URL and a padlock icon in the URL bar and use a secure payment method. Pay by PayPal or your credit/debit card.
- Use strong passwords.
- Stop and think before committing to a trade or purchase.
- If it is too good to be true be then it probably is.
To learn more about scams, visit scamwatch.gov.au.
If you have been the victim of a cybercrime, you can report online at ReportCyber.
If you have lost money, notify your bank or financial institution immediately.
For support and advice, visit IDCARE.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
