24 Jul 2011

Warning issued about Rugby World Cup internet scams

6:45 am on 24 July 2011

The Department of Internal Affairs is warning of a possible rise in email and text message scams and spam, during the build-up to the Rugby World Cup.

The department says e-criminals often target big international events to trick people into sending them money and personal information.

Senior Investigator Toni Demetriou says corporate branding and official sponsorship linked to the tournament may be used to manipulate people into thinking they are getting legitimate messages.

Mr Demetriou also says opening the messages can put computers at risk from viruses.