Hackers scam staff member at one of Australia’s biggest law firms – 18 April 2024
One of the country’s top six law firms (MinterEllison), was the victim of an attempted scam attack, after one of its staff members was tricked into transferring a large sum of money into the account of a fraudster, impersonating a trusted business associate.
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Five Australians among 37 arrested over global phishing scam following international investigation – 18 April 2024
Five Australians are among 37 individuals who have been arrested in relation to an alleged global phishing scam that targeted tens of thousands of people, the Australian Federal Police (AFP). Police said the scam involved 10,000 cybercriminals from around the world who used the platform LabHost to trick victims into providing their personal information, such as online banking logins, credit card details and passwords. Among the victims were 94,000 Australians.
Tasmanian woman sentenced for fraud after Bunnings bender with council funds – 19 April 2024
A former council worker has been sentenced to 18 months home detention for defrauding her employer of more than $130,000 for household goods. The Supreme Court in Hobart heard Casey Bryant’s conduct was “planned and calculated” and her actions have taken away funds from the Central Highlands community.
Her husband, Jamie Bryant, was sentenced to six months imprisonment, wholly suspended for 18 months.
Increase in vigilance leads to spike in NDIS fraud reports – 23 April 2024
Bill Shorten, the Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and Government Services, has highlighted the importance of public contributions to combating fraud within the NDIS framework. Recent data revealed that the NDIA experienced a 75% surge in fraud-related tip-offs in the last quarter compared to previous quarters.
Cyber fraud threat growing – 23 April 2024
Facebook and Instagram users are reporting more hackings of their accounts than ever. And the consequence for some small businesses is that they’re losing customers. Some are accusing tech giant Meta of failing to help them regain access to their computers but the Federal Government is considering a new social media Ombudsman to manage these disputes.
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/am/cyber-fraud-threat-growing/103756590
How search empowers cybersecurity, fraud prevention and detection – 23 April 2024
Digitisation is almost purpose-built for fraud. Automated, anonymous, and mostly working offshore and outside jurisdictions, cybercrime has become the perfect low-risk, high-reward crime. With low barriers to entry (in many cases, a laptop and a connection are all that’s necessary), online fraud is becoming increasingly sophisticated thanks to bots, social engineering tactics, malware attacks, and deepfake technology.
Arizona indicts 18, including Rudy Giuliani, for ‘fake elector’ scheme to overturn 2020 election for Donald Trump – 25 April 2024
Donald Trump’s former lawyer Rudy Giuliani and chief of staff Mark Meadows are among 18 people indicted in Arizona for trying to overturn Trump’s loss to Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election. Arizona is the fourth US state to bring charges against “fake electors”. The US Supreme Court will hear arguments on Trump’s bid to avoid federal prosecution over his efforts to reverse his loss.
Could Benjamin Netanyahu go to jail? – 25 April 2024
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. He is doing everything he can to stay in office, because if he holds office, he can’t be thrown in jail.
WADA launches independent review of handling of Chinese swimmers’ positive doping tests before Tokyo Olympics – 26 April 2024
A Swiss prosecutor will lead an investigation into how 23 Chinese swimmers went unpunished after failing doping tests in the lead-up to the Tokyo Olympics. WADA said Eric Cottier would have access to all files and documents related to the case and would be free to consult independent experts. Cottier will begin his work in the coming days and is expected to deliver his findings within two months.
‘Fight to clear name’ at Daryl Maguire visa fraud tria – 26 April 2024
Former MP Daryl Maguire has said he will “fight to clear his name” over a charge he conspired to commit visa fraud allowing non-citizens to remain in Australia over a decade ago. The disgraced ex-NSW Liberal politician appeared at Sydney’s Downing Centre District Court on Friday where he pleaded not guilty to the single conspiracy charge. The 65-year-old was charged in 2022.
