Consumer Protection is issuing a warning to people in South West Western Australia after a recent increase in reports of mobile phone and email scams.

Within the last two weeks a number of consumers in Bunbury, Busselton, Dunsborough, Collie and Donnybrook have reported receiving the same bogus text message telling them they have won one million pounds in a UK-run lottery.

Others have had an email claiming to be from a major bank which asks for secure information in order to reactivate an account, even though the receiver may not have an account with the bank in question.

Tresslyn Smith, Consumer Protection’s Senior Regional Officer for Bunbury, is urging people to delete unsolicited text messages and emails.

“Do not be duped by SMS or email messages which turn up out of the blue offering a prize or money when you have not even entered a competition. It is more than likely a case of too good to be true,” she said.

“No legitimate organisation will ask you to provide secure information like your username or password by email. When visiting a website, such as your bank, always type the web address directly into your browser. Avoid clicking on links or calling phone numbers sent via your email inbox.

“Use strong passwords for email or internet accounts – combine words and numbers and perhaps throw in a couple of capital letters. Do not use obvious passwords such as your date of birth, maiden name, sequential numbers like 1234 or PASSWORD.

“We have a dedicated section of Consumer Protection which looks into scams – it is called WA ScamNet. Consumers can sign up for email alerts or check out scams affecting WA, by logging onto www.commerce.wa.gov.au/wascamnet.”

Consumers who require further information about this or any other consumer issue can either visit Consumer Protection on the 8th floor of the Bunbury Tower, 61 Victoria Street, Bunbury or call (08) 97 222 888 or 1300 30 40 54.