[LINK] update of email scam reporting

[Jan Whitaker]

Linkers,

I shared with you my frustration when I couldn't find a place to report an 
email that solicited my participation in a money laundering scheme. I ended 
up sending the information to AusCERT per Link advice and got a nice letter 
back saying they would help and note the emails are out there. Even gave me 
the proper name for them: mule recruitment scams. I also wrote to both 
Chris Ellison (Justice Minister) and Helen Coonan (you all know her) to 
advise that I could find NO law enforcement agency to report this 
solicitation to.

Well, my email was forwarded to the Australian High Tech Crime Centre and I 
received an email from an agent there today. It essentially says 'delete 
the message, don't participate, because if you do you could go to jail.' 
Yeah, I figured that out because I'm not one of the 15% who reply to spam 
scams. Pity the poor 15%er who does!

I can't post the message here because there are all sorts of scary warnings 
at the bottom that either say they will send me to jail if I do, or if I'm 
not the right person to whom the message was meant, they will. I'm not into 
taking chances.

But I will put this email address:   "AHTCC-Enquiries" 
<AHTCC-Enquiries at ahtcc.gov.au> as a place to report potential crime since 
this seems to be attached to a person who may or may not deal with the 
illegal activity. I'll write back to this agent (won't share his name 
though (see above)).

So far I haven't received a reply from Ellison or Coonan explaining why 
they do NOT have a place to report internet crime, but only a bunch of 
marketing bulldust about how important the AHTCC is. NO where does it 
provide instructions for reporting anything. I'll raise that with Mr Agent too.

Thought you might want to hear what happened.
Jan
PS: slight correction. Their website has a buried link within the FAQ about 
reporting advice. here is partially what it says (more buck passing; NO 
evident central reporting point, just to overworked and understaffed state 
police, where I tried to report an attack on my neighbour and the police 
REFUSED to come -- as if they would do anything about online crime!)

If you are the victim of online fraud

Report it to your local police, who should:

     * Take a report of the crime, identifying relevant offence(s) under 
State legislation.
     * Compile any relevant victim and witness statements.
     * Take copies of relevant documentation.
     * Consider capturing electronic evidence. Your local law enforcement 
agency has a specialist area to assist with this consideration and any 
requirements.
     * Conduct any relevant checks relating to suspect information and 
include an investigation file.
     * Compile a cover sheet detailing the investigation conducted and 
requesting any further investigation.
     * Transfer the file to the appropriate agency with jurisdiction 
relating to the suspect.

You will need to ensure that you preserve any electronic evidence relating 
to the matter, including emails and any relevant computer logs. If you can, 
please copy this information to a CD or DVD and take it to the police 
station when you report the matter.

The AHTCC recommends that you print out the above advice and present it to 
your local police when you report the matter.


Jan Whitaker
JLWhitaker Associates, Melbourne Victoria
jwhit at janwhitaker.com
business: http://www.janwhitaker.com
personal: http://www.janwhitaker.com/personal/
commentary: http://janwhitaker.com/jansblog/

'Seed planting is often the most important step. Without the seed, there is 
no plant.' - JW, April 2005
_ __________________ _