AGL Energy (AGL) is warning people of a new, highly sophisticated AGL-branded email scam which is indiscriminately targeting both customers and non-AGL customers alike. AGL is taking this very seriously and is working on methods to protect users.

The hoax email contains malicious malware which allows scammers to lock a user’s computer with ransomware and to access personal information. The scam email presents as an e-account and asks readers to click on a link. AGL advises it will never send an email asking for personal banking or financial details.

Before opening any email, people are advised to check the sender’s email address. Anyone who suspects an email to be spam or a hoax should delete it immediately and not click on any links. For added protection, delete the email from the Trash/deleted items folder, run antivirus software and block the sender.

If someone opens a link or attachment they can go to www.nomoreransom.org for advice and tips which may help infected users to regain access to their encrypted files or locked systems, without having to pay. This site is an initiative by the National High Tech Crime Unit of Netherlands police, Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre and two cyber security companies.

AGL’s website has information on how to identify a scam email, provides examples of what hoax emails look like and a link to the above website.

AGL continues to engage with Scamwatch, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Australian Federal Police.

Other organisations such as Australia Post and Telstra have been effected by similar hoax emails.

Anyone with queries relating to emails from AGL should check information on our website www.agl.com.au or contact AGL on 131 245. To validate your account information, log onto your account via the AGL Energy Online website or download the AGL Energy app to check current account details including any outstanding balance.

About AGL

AGL is one of Australia’s leading integrated energy companies. It is taking action to responsibly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions while providing secure and affordable energy to its customers. Drawing on over 175 years of experience, AGL serves its customers throughout eastern Australia with meeting their energy requirements, including gas, electricity, solar PV and related products and services. AGL has a diverse power generation portfolio including base, peaking and intermediate generation plants, spread across traditional thermal generation as well as renewable sources including hydro, wind, solar, landfill gas and biomass.