Malware attack hits Origin Energy customers in new scam
Police and Origin Energy are warning customers about a string of hoax bills.
The energy giant has been hit by another wave of malware attacks for the fourth time in two months.
NSW Police have shared the scam email, which was brought to its attention by email-filtering company MailGuard.
“Please be aware of scam emails asking customers to view their bill online,” police posted on Facebook.
“The ‘View bill’ link is malicious.”
The email claims to be from Origin Energy, but has the address noreply@globalenergyfinance.com, which police say, is not registered with Origin.
The link downloads hostile software and NSW Police have advised anyone who comes across the email to delete it immediately.
Origin has also tweeted an alert to warn customers of the scam.
Ways to spot a scam email or SMS according to Origin
It might be a scam if the sender has a suspicious email address
You’ll always have options on how to pay your bills. You can find a list of payment methods on Origin's website
Origin always include your customer number. You can check this against your bill/ agreement pack
A company spokesman told New Corp it was impossible to tell how many people had been affected as it was sent to both Origin and non-Origin customers.
“We’re doing what we can to inform our customers and communities about how to spot fake bills, and what to do if they’ve received one,” the spokesman said.
“We’re asking customers to consider when they last paid their account and to look closely at the sender, contact details and any links contained in the email.”
He said no personal data had been compromised.
Anyone who has received the email can contact the ACCC’s Scamwatch service, or can follow Origin Energy’s checklist for identifying scam emails.
