Police warn about ingenious new email scam

Another day, another scam… Scammers are stepping up their game lately, with numerous reports about fake police emails being sent to hundreds of Australians enticing them to download malicious software onto their computers.

The Australian Federal Police has been forced to step in after an email scam began to circulate over the past few days.

The fake email is headed “you are invited to the law court by the judge because of an offense against the law” and asks the recipient to provide “all necessary information to the court”.

The email includes attachments which people are told to download to view their case file.

The AFP tweeted out a picture of the scam warning people to delete it immediately if they find it in their inbox.

“We are not inviting people to attend court,” the tweet read.

They also warned about giving out personal details to strangers online, saying many people have fallen for the convincing looking document.

#SCAM Alert – we are not inviting people to attend court. Delete email. Tips for spotting scams @Scamwatch_gov pic.twitter.com/DwvSJ9r0hr

— AFP National Media (@AFPmedia) May 18, 2016

“There are several links in the email which may be malicious. Don’t click on the links — delete the email from your inbox and deleted items folder immediately,” the statement said.

“Remember, the AFP does not send emails requesting court attendance.”

The warning comes at the same time a second fake AFP email is making its way around the internet.

This email tells people they need to pay a $150 traffic fine.

As soon as the email is clicked into, malware infects the persons computer rendering it inoperable.

If you think you may have received a suspicious or scam email you should report it to the Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network.

Police are encouraging people to share the message with their friends and family.

Have you ever received a scam email or phone call? Did you fall for it?