AALARA warns members over scam emails

The Australian Amusement, Leisure and Recreation Association (AALARA) has released a communication to members and partners of the need to remain vigilant in the wake of an email sent to an AALARA Board Member, purporting to be from AALARA President Ros Pullen.

In the communication, AALARA General Manager, Kristy Ahrens advises “this email is worryingly very realistic, though entirely false (and) … is not from the correct email address.”

Ahrens noted “AALARA will never send emails asking for payment into any other account other than AALARA's account ending in 6893.

“As a result of this phishing email, we have changed the AALARA24 Conference and Trade Show event listing to private so you will only be able to book tickets using the links from the website and our emails from now on. This is to reduce our exposure to these internet trawlers.”

Ahrens goes on to provide tips on staying cyber secure:

• Do not open email from people you don’t know. If you are unsure whether an email you received is legitimate, try contacting the sender directly via other means. Do not click on any links in an email unless you are sure it is safe.

• Be careful with links and new website addresses. Malicious website addresses may appear almost identical to legitimate sites. Scammers often use a slight variation in spelling or logo to lure you. Malicious links can also come from friends whose email has unknowingly been compromised, so be careful.

• Secure your personal information. Before providing any personal information, such as your date of birth, account numbers, and passwords, be sure the website is secure.

• Stay informed on the latest cyber threats. Keep yourself up to date on current scams. The Department of Home Affairs has some very useful information here.

• Use Strong Passwords. Strong passwords are critical to online security.

• Keep your software up to date and maintain preventative software programs. Keep all of your software applications up to date on your computers and mobile devices. Install software that provides antivirus, firewall, and email filter services.

AALARA’s Conference and Trade Show is being held from 20th to 24th May the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Click here for more information on the AALARA 2024 in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

Lower image shows a screenshot of the email sent to an AALARA Board Member purporting to be from AALARA President Ros Pullen.