How can we protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats? – 22 March 2024
Chris Novak, managing director of cybersecurity consulting at Verizon Business talks about data breaches, ransomware, scams and cybersecurity. He says everyone from individuals to the highest levels of the government. In particular, companies like the telcos which are critical parts of our infrastructure need to be ready for potential catastrophe.
Canberra married couple sentenced to two years in jail for staging car crash to commit insurance fraud – 22 March 2024
Canberra couple Rabea Fares and Lina Faris have been sentenced in the ACT Supreme Court for staging a car crash to commit insurance fraud. Acting Justice Peter Berman said the plan unravelled due to “bad luck, bad planning”, and a lack of understanding of how experts investigate fraud. They were both sentenced to two years jail, but the wife will serve her time on an intensive corrections order so she can stay with the couple’s children. The husband will be eligible for parole after a year in jail.
North Korea is behind cyberattacks worth $US3 billion and is stealing cryptocurrency to fund weapons programs, UN report find – 22 March 2024
The United Nations is investigating cyberattacks worth $US3 billion allegedly orchestrated by North Korea. An expert panel has found the regime is funding its nuclear and weapons programs with the stolen cryptocurrency. A number of other investigations are underway for other breaches of UN sanctions.
Australians among those allegedly scammed out of about $120,000 in fake Bali villa swindle – 23 March 2024
Two Australians claim they were victims of a villa investment scam in Bali after transferring more than $120,000 for a villa “that didn’t exist”, while people from the other side of the world were allegedly conned by a different ruse run by the same alleged con woman, who the ABC understands has just returned to NSW.
How much does it cost for a scammer to hack your email? The answer is probably less than you think – 25 March 2024
New data reveals the cost of fake or stolen documents like passports and driver’s licenses on the dark web has gone up significantly, as demand increases and the number of people being scammed decreases. According to a report from accounting firm BDO, the average cost of buying a fake or stolen passport on the dark web is now $2,372 (up from $1,399 in the previous quarter), while a driver’s license will set you back $844 (up from $465).
Student’s legs amputated in alleged $1.3 million insurance fraud ploy – 25 March 2024
A university student who had his legs amputated after claiming he suffered frostbite during a motorbike ride faces charges of insurance fraud.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-03-25/student-amputates-feet-for-insurance-police-say/103631028
Chinese property developer Evergrande faces a $120 billion fraud accusation and its chairman is barred for life. Here’s what we know so far – 26 March 2024
The founder of embattled property developer Evergrande has been barred for life from China’s financial markets after the company allegedly falsified its revenue by almost $120 billion. Mr Hui, also known as Xu Jiayin, was fined 47 million yuan ($9.95 million) and banned from China’s markets for life.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-03-26/evergrande-fraud-fines-explained/103621114
Fraud investigation: An overview – 26 March 2024
This paper explores the process of uncovering deceit, identifying perpetrators, and mitigating losses for organizational integrity and security. Detecting potential fraud is crucial to an organisation’s effective functioning. Organisations of all kinds and sizes can be victims of fraud. And the dangers are likely to continue and even grow.
https://legal.thomsonreuters.com/blog/what-is-fraud-investigation/
Australian companies are being used in scams and authorities are struggling to catch the culprits – 27 March 2024
Legitimately registered Australian companies are being used to allegedly shift scam victims’ money overseas and the directors are not being prosecuted.
One financial crime expert says “the vast majority” of investment scam crimes are using shell companies to create plausible deniability. Scam victim Jo O’Brien is trying to sue a company allegedly linked to the disappearance of her funds, in the hope she’ll get some money back.
Former sex industry worker sues employer over claims she was fired due to her past – 27 March 2024
A Melbourne woman claims she was fired two days into a new job after her employers learned of her history in the sex industry. She has lodged a case with Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) seeking financial compensation for her termination.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-03-27/former-sex-industry-worker-sues-employer-over/103638428
Big Tech: what will the new Digital ID law mean for you? – 28 March 2024
Online fraud and scams are a growing risk, putting pressure on the government to tackle identity theft.
This week a new Digital ID law has passed which the government hopes will help keep our personal information safe. We look at how it will work and what it will mean for you.
