### Beware of Scams Following CrowdStrike Outage: National Anti-Scam Centre Issues Warning
In light of recent events, the National Anti-Scam Centre has issued a critical warning to consumers and small businesses about potential scams exploiting the recent CrowdStrike outage.
As incidents like these can act as a breeding ground for fraudsters, it’s essential to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures. Scammers may attempt to trick individuals and businesses into downloading malicious software or revealing sensitive information under the guise of offering solutions or protection related to the outage.
Here are the key steps you need to follow to ensure you and your personal or financial information remain safe:
#### 1. **STOP**
First and foremost, do not rush into downloading software or providing any personal or financial information. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to trick you into making hasty decisions. Calm down and think before you act.
#### 2. **CHECK**
Before you engage with anyone offering solutions or patches related to the outage, verify who you are talking to. Contact your IT support or financial institution independently to ensure the legitimacy of the request. Do not use any contact information provided in unsolicited messages or calls; look up the official contact details yourself.
#### 3. **PROTECT**
If you think you may have already provided access or sensitive information to a scammer, act quickly:
– Contact your bank or financial institution immediately to mitigate any potential damage.
– Report the incident to Scamwatch to help authorities track and prevent further fraudulent activities. This step not only helps protect you but also assists in safeguarding others from falling into the same trap.
Staying informed and cautious is key in preventing scams. By following these steps, consumers and small businesses can better shield themselves from becoming victims of malicious activities that take advantage of technical mishaps like the CrowdStrike outage.
Remember, it’s always better to double-check and be skeptical of unsolicited advice, patches, or requests for your personal information. Your vigilance can be the difference between staying safe and becoming a victim of a scam. Stay alert, stay safe, and always verify.
