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Protect Yourself Online

Recently we have been made aware of people receiving fake job alerts via WhatsApp and Telegram from scammers purporting to be from MACRO.

We have investigated these and discovered that in all cases reported, the recipients where not registered with MACRO prior. MACRO does not use WhatsApp or Telegram. This points to those individuals having their data leaked from sources other than MACRO Recruitment. MACRO's systems remain secure and we have not detected any successful hacking attempts to date.

We're committed to protecting your privacy online. As part of this commitment, we're continually improving our efforts to make job hunting safe and secure.

MACRO Recruitment does not:

  • Charge any fees to job seekers for finding work nor
  • Provide visa migration services

If you receive any notification from a person purporting to being from MACRO and asking for money, please do not click any links or open attachments.

These scams can be delivered not only through traditional emails but also text messages, WhatsApp and social media.

Noticed something suspicious?

Have you seen suspicious activity on your account, or accidentally performed any of the following:

  • Received and/or replied to a suspicious email
  • Clicked on a suspicious link
  • Received and opened an attachment that you weren't expecting
  • Visited a suspicious website.
If the answer is 'Yes', then here are some steps you can take to help protect yourself.

I've received a "Job alert" from MACRO

Yes, we do send these out.

When you register with us looking for work, we'll routinely send you job alert emails and text messages with vacancies we think you could be interested in. We may have even got your details from SEEK, when you registered with their Talent Search service ad opted in to be contacted regarding job opportunities from their partners. All our communications direct you to the apply page on our website and contain an unsubscribe option and our phone number.

I've been contacted by Telegram or WhatsApp

These are scams. We only communicate by phone, SMS and Email. Our adverts are all posted on our website. If you have received anything from WhatsApp or Telegram, please notify Scam Watch at https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/. Below are some examples we have been made aware of. Emily Wright and Jessie are not employees of MACRO.

Phishing

Phishing is a type of fraud whereby someone sends you an email, posing as MACRO or another trusted company, in an attempt to acquire your username, password or credit card details. These deceptive messages often mimic legitimate and trusted organisations like MACRO, and can be sent via email, SMS, instant messaging or social media platforms.

The aim of these emails is to trick you into clicking on links to:

  • A fake website where you are encouraged to enter confidential details
  • Accidentally download a "Trojan" or "key logging" program, which could compromise your security.

Common signs of a phishing email

  • Not addressing you by your name.
  • Using poor spelling, grammar and punctuation, and inconsistent graphics/images.
  • Asking for sensitive information or requesting you confirm the security of your account.
  • Creating a sense of urgency - scammers may try to test you by stating that something needs your immediate attention.
  • Using a sender address that may look unfamiliar or peculiar.
  • Having unfamiliar or unexpected attachments - don't open them as they may contain malicious software.
  • Including instructions to click on a link to sign into MACRO or open an attachment.

If you have any concerns over the legitimacy of an email

  • Do NOT respond to the email.
  • Report it to MACRO immediately, by forwarding a copy to jobshop@macrorecruitment.com.au
  • Ensure you have up-to-date anti-virus software to protect your computer.
  • Contact your financial institution immediately and ask for their advice, if you have supplied your bank account or credit card details.
  • Be alert for suspicious emails asking for personal details.

If you receive a suspect email, the best course of action is to delete it immediately. Do not follow any links, or reply to the sender. By following a link, you may accidentally download a 'Trojan' or 'key logging' program, which could compromise your security. By replying, you run the risk of receiving more emails from this source. If you suspect that you have received a phishing email you can report it to ScamWatch at https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam

Trojans

Malware is malicious software also known as Trojans which are inserted into a computer system for the purpose of causing harm, such as stealing personal and financial information.

How to identify a Trojan?

If you think an email is a hoax, or if it is from an untrusted/unknown source, never click on it's links or attachments. If you did click on a link and you are worried, use your security anti-virus/anti-malware software to run a scan of your computer or device.

Symptoms to look for:

  • Unusual pop ups asking for personal or financial information, such as credit cards or date of birth.
  • Unusual changes to your Internet Banking page, e.g., displaying upgrade or 'under maintenance' messages.
  • Irregular webpage layout such as missing fields or additional buttons.
  • Significant slowness in logging on.
  • A "please wait" message replacing the login button, after it has been pressed

What to do if I suspect I have a Trojan?

Trust your instinct if something feels suspicious. If it doesn't look quite right, err on the side of caution and assume it's not right.

'ASSURE' yourself and stay one step ahead of the fraudsters:

  • Abort what you are doing - close the browser or exit the app.
  • Seek security software updates.
  • Scan your PC/Device to remove threats.
  • Use another device, check for anomalies and payment history.
  • Report any suspected fraud immediately.
  • Enquire further if in doubt.

Scams and spam

Electronic junk mail is commonly known as spam. These are electronic messages you haven't asked for that are sent to your email account, mobile phone number, or instant messaging account. The content of spam messages varies. Some messages promote legitimate products or services, while others will attempt to trick you into following a link to a scam website where you will be asked to enter your bank account or credit card details. Scammers can easily fake an official-looking email, using the same logo and email design as the real company. They collect or buy your address from websites, customer lists or viruses that harvest address books.

It is best to be wary of unexpected emails, especially if it is from a company you've dealt with before, such as MACRO, or an online shopping site you use. Always be alert for fake emails. If you receive an email you're not expecting, don't click on any links or open any attachments. Contact us if you have any concerns.

Things to consider:

  • Don't open messages if you don't know the sender or if you're not expecting them.
  • Be suspicious of messages that aren't addressed directly to you, or don't use your correct name.
  • Don't reply to, attempt to unsubscribe from or forward, chain letters you receive by email.
  • Think carefully before clicking on any links or opening any attachments.
  • Ensure you have up-to-date anti-virus software installed on any device used to access email.
  • Protect your email accounts with two-step verification.
  • Sign up to ScamWatch to keep on top of current scams.

General scam and spam tips

The best way to protect yourself from malicious emails is to stop them from reaching you. Spammers and scammers can be clever though, and some messages might still make it through to your inbox. To protect yourself from these malicious messages:

  • Don't share your email address online unless you need to, and consider setting up a separate email address just to use for online forms or shopping.
  • If you're suspicious of an email, access the website by typing the address into a browser, not by clicking the provided link.
  • As much as possible, have separate email accounts for personal and business use.
  • Use a spam filter to catch these messages before they get to your inbox. Most email systems have reasonably effective spam filters to prevent spam appearing in your inbox. If you're not sure, ask your internet service provider.
  • Delete spam messages without opening them.

If you are unsure, please email us at jobshop@macrorecruitment.com.au