PlayStation scam warning

29 April 2011

The Department of Internal Affairs’ Anti-Spam Compliance Unit is warning people they could be targeted by scammers following the theft of personal details on Sony’s PlayStation Network by hackers.

The Acting General Manager of Regulatory and Compliance Operations, Mike Hill, said the stolen data of names, addresses, email address, birth date, username, passwords and login and security questions means scammers know a lot about customers registered with Sony.

“This provides them with a fertile field for their scams so we are advising people to be particularly vigilant of anyone contacting them using this information,” Mike Hill said. “This could be by email or other electronic means.

“People need to review their online security particularly their passwords and secret questions and answers used to verify their identity. It’s never a good idea to use the same password and Q and As for all your online transactions.

“Scammers will do anything to rip you off, so it's important to be aware of the different kinds of scams circulating - especially if you use email or a mobile phone. Learn how to identify scams, so you can protect yourself and others from harm. Be suspicious - any offer that sounds too good to be true probably is, so don't be fooled!”

The Anti-Spam Compliance Unit provides useful information on its website for combating spam and scams.

Media contact:
Trevor Henry, senior communications adviser, Department of Internal Affairs
Ph 04 495 7211; cell 0275 843 679