By Roy Weavers

Just recently we received a very authentic looking email from a family member who thought they were doing the right thing in passing on an email they had received from (apparently) the Police Federation.

This official looking email purported to advise readers of a potential problem in regard to mobile telephone numbers being released for telesales purposes. It gave a website address with an invitation to put your telephone number and email address on a register which would ensure your details were protected from the annoyance of telemarketing and let's face it who wouldn't want to be protected from those bloomin' calls !.

However, do NOT do it. This is a hoax and if you put your details up on this register you will undoubtedly experience problems that could include bank fraud, loss of identity, additional credit cards in your name which you didn't receive but will almost certainly be paying for and many other scams that these people can generate by using your personal details.

This email is one of many that are created all the time and is a great reminder to make sure you are vigilant when online!

Editors Comments: If you ever receive anything like this or similar and have the slightest doubt about it, please contact us at info@tmedia.com.au and we'll check it out for you. The rule of thumb is that most authentic organisations do not ask for your personal details by email. That's why banks and such like have passwords and they don't even ask you for them most of the time. By careful, there are some very clever people out their who would love to re-invent themselves as you and your hard earned money !