Security Tips

According to the ACCC's Scamwatch data, the most common scam methods used include investment scams, false billing scams, identity theft, phishing scams, hacking scams and much more. Common techniques used by scammers will often include the following:

• Sending emails/texts about a security risk to your account, requiring you to log in to a certain website or to provide verification codes
• Warning people that their accounts will be terminated if they don't log in to a phishing website or send money to a certain bank account
• Impersonating a business or customer service representative from that business
• Creating a fake competition in order to obtain your personal banking details
• Pretending to be a government or police official
• Pretending to work for a bank or lender
• Requesting screen sharing on your device

And many more. If you suspect your identity has been stolen, Scamwatch recommends contacting IDCARE - a free government-funded service that will work with you to develop a specific response plan to your situation. You can contact IDCARE on 1800 595 160 (if in Australia) or 0800 121 068 (if in New Zealand).

In summary, these general tips should help you avoid having your details stolen and can enhance your safety in the world of digital banking.

1. Use a range of different passwords: The more you use the same password, the likelier it is thieves can guess it and access more of your personal accounts.
2. Only use safe password managers: Don't leave a list of your passwords lying around in generic apps like Notes or Excel - use an encrypted password manager instead if you need help remembering them all.
3. Change passwords immediately if compromised: Do so for other accounts using that password if necessary.
4. Carefully analyse the source of messages: Look for spelling errors in social media accounts or strange-looking emails with odd hyperlinks.
5. Only respond to official communications: If in doubt, delete that email or SMS you're not sure about. Scammers are likely to send follow-up messages with increasing desperation, which should help make it clear.
6. Ensure you have two-factor authentication set up for key logins, to prevent someone from logging in elsewhere. If you get an email asking for confirmation that you didn't ask for, delete it.
7. Use security software on your computer: Anti-viral software can stop hackers from accessing your information.
8. Monitor your bank transactions regularly: You could spot an unusual transaction you didn't make and report it to your bank.
9. Request a copy of your credit report: You can receive several free versions of your credit report each year from the major credit bureaus. Look for incorrect debts or loan applications, and know you can ask for a temporary ban if you suspect fraudsters are applying for credit in your name.

By taking proper precautions and proactively monitoring your bank accounts and credit file, you can catch scammers before they cause any significant damage.