As if viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, spam and phishing scams weren't enough to worry about when using email on the net, a new scam doing the rounds in Australia is targeting gullible young women aspiring to get parts on reality TV.

Last weekend, police were reported to be nvestigating a man in Sydney’s south-west alleged to be pursuing his sexual fantasies and gratifications by luring women to his house via internet job advertisements for fake casting auditions.

Security specialist Sophos advises young people not to let ambition cloud their better judgement if targeted by unsolicited emails or dodgy internet job advertisements promising fame and fortune.

“The reality of this casting call scam is very frightening for young women intent on fame through television,” warned Rob Forsyth, managing director for Sophos Asia Pacific. “While television can offer a lucky few their big break, the internet can also be exploited for very sinister purposes and young people must thoroughly research any opportunity presented to them.

“The internet offers a wide range of resources to check the bona fides of individuals or companies,” Forsyth said.  “Internet users can search the records of the Australian Securities and Investment Commission, sort through blog postings, Google the people or organisations involved and even pick up the phone to the television networks themselves.”