BigPond or Telstra users should be aware of email messages like the one below, which claim that there was an internal authentication error with their accounts, and their accounts will be deleted or closed if they do not confirm. The is because the email messages are phishing scams being sent by cybercriminals to trick potential victims into visiting phishing websites that will steal their Telstra account's usernames and passwords (credentials).
The BigPond Phishing Email Message
From: BigPond Security Service
Subject: BIGPOND EMAIL RESET ALERT CONFIRMATION!! XX-Z02
Internal Authentication Error
Hello User,
Inbox and Sent Folders
We will delete & Close Your Account Within 10 hours
You need to confirm his request or we will continue with the request.
If you think it is an error, take action immediately to stop this process.
Download attached instructions manual
Thank You
Bigpond Email 2017
BigPond customers who have received email messages like the one above, are asked to delete them and should not follow the instructions in them. The link in the fake email message opens a document with links that go to a phishing website looking exactly like Telstra's website. Any attempt to sign into the fake website will send visitors' usernames and passwords to the cybercriminals responsible for it. Once the cybercriminals have their potential victims’ usernames and passwords, they’ll use it to gain access to their accounts and use them fraudulently.
BigPond or Telstra users who have been tricked by the phishing scam are asked to change their passwords and contact BigPond or Telstra for help. And, BigPond or Telstra who have received email messages claiming there is something wrong with their accounts, should always go to http://www.my.telstra.com.au, sign into their accounts and check their accounts from there, instead of clicking on a link in an email message that may take them to a phishing website.
Telstra, formerly BigPond, is an Australian Internet Service Provider.