Sydney Web + Tech

Website and Internet Specialists

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Phone Scams – Still on the Attack

Pesky phone scams, we’re all onto them – right?

Maybe not.

A local bank recently contacted us to help one of their clients who had come into their branch to get advice. The client had been convinced to allow a caller into his computer via remote access. Credit card details were requested. Then he realised something was wrong and hung up.

Jim asked him to turn off his computer as he had not yet turned it off.
The bank had already closed his account.

On investigation, Jim found that the scammer had set up a Western Union app and a Remote Control app from the computer’s Google Play Store.
These apps allow for the syphoning of money from the victim’s account into the scammer’s account.

Fortunately no lasting damage was done.

Phone scammers are continually altering the way they approach people.
They especially prey on the elderly and the less tech savvy.

The simplest defence is to never give out personal information on the phone or through email. If it’s sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.

This phone scam is a version of a Voucher Exchange SCAM.
Read more about or report scams at Scamwatch

*Something to Note: If you have been a victim of a scam, your contact phone number is most likely shared around scammers and you will probably receive more calls.

Concerned that you may have been a victim of a scam or a virus placement on your computer? Contact us for help.

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If you get sent a bill from someone you Don’t know Don’t click on the link!

Malware One of my customers called this week. He received a link for a bill he was asked to pay immediately.
Malware embedded in a zip file was attached to the email. The message was not Was not flagged as spam in his webmail application.
It is unusual for this type of email content to go undetected, it is possible though, especially when it is a new type of threat.
Spam systems rely on intelligence from previously reported email messages. These applications, use a data bank of previously learned data to check each incoming message, in order to learn and assess threats There is no 100% reliable system. It’s a matter of doing the best it can to combat threats.

At the end of the day, the end user, (you) need to take some responsibility.

The golden rule is always be wary. If you are sent suspicious messages, especially if they contain dodgy links or attachments. You need to assess and not trust the spam / malware filtering. If in doubt delete the message or mark it as spam (or both) Spam detection systems eventually catch up and these messages will go away.

Remember also , if someone is sending you an invoice There is a fair chance you would remember purchasing a product or service from them.

I hope this is useful to you If you nee more information on how to protect yourself, please contact me.

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4 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Domain Name

Choosing the perfect domain name is almost as important as choosing your business name.
It is your online identity representing your business and brand.

A website domain name and domain name registration is a completely different service to website hosting, although they are often offered by the same provider.

We’ve found the steps below can help you choose the perfect domain name

1. Short and Simple

The perfect domain name is:

  • Easy to type – this is critical – avoid slang or words with multiple spellings
  • Easy to remember
  • Easy to relay to someone
  • Easy to pronounce
  • Easy to fit on printed material
  • Easy to fit into a SERP (Search Engine Results Pages)

2. Keywords

Keywords describe products or services your business offers – the words (or phrases) people enter into search engines.

Try to put a keyword for your business into your domain name.

3. Keep it Simple

Trendy domain names can be confusing and annoying. Generic words relating to your product or service are more effective.

Try to avoid:

  • Numbers
  • Hyphens
  • Deliberate misspellings

Definitely avoid choosing a domain name that is a variation of an existing domain name by:

  • Adding an ‘s’
  • Misspelling
  • Hyphenation
  • Adding an extra word
  • Mixing up the same words

4. Choose your Domain Name Extension

(Otherwise known as a tld: top level domain)

There are many domain name extensions available now.
You should consider who your target audience is.

Australian businesses wanting a local website domain name,
these are easily recognised and trusted locally:

.com.au
.net.au

Australian non-commercial organisations only (conditions apply)
are allowed to use these domain name extensions:

.org.au
.asn.au

Any organisation or individual worlwide, including those in Austrailia,
can use these domain extensions:

.com
.net
.org
.info
.biz

Determining a website domain name for your business can be a challenge. Doing some research and getting creative now will serve you well.
The domain name you select will represent your online business going forward.
You can contact us for any advice or assistance, we’re always happy to help.