Be aware of scams and fraud
17 Aug 2022
Scammers use fake emails, phone calls or text messages to try and obtain personal information. They pretend to be from your bank, the World Health Organization, government, charities or legitimate businesses like travel agents, electricity, phone or internet providers, or your local supermarket.
- Your bank will NEVER send an email or text message asking for any account or financial details, this includes updating your address or log in details for Phone, Mobile or Internet Banking.
- Government and other legitimate organisations will NEVER ask you to update details by clicking a link.
- If in doubt, talk to a friend or family member, or contact the organisation directly and ask.
- If you receive a phone call from someone you don’t know asking for personal information, HANG UP. Call the company directly and check if they called.
- NEVER open attachments from people or organisations you don’t know. Always be wary of offers that sound too good to be true or ask for too much information.
Your bank can help, contact them immediately if:
- You shared your banking details in response to a hoax phone call, email or text
- You accidentally clicked on any links or downloaded any attachments
- You noticed any unusual transactions on your accounts.
How to spot a scam
- You’re asked to update or confirm personal details, such as address, date of birth, bank account, tax file number, PIN or password.
- The email or text message contains links that look suspicious. If you’re not sure, ask a friend or family member for help.
- You are asked for immediate payment or an up-front deposit.
- If the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- The email address doesn’t match the company.
- The caller asks to remotely access your computer.
Post originally published in Seniors Voice. Source: Australian Banking Association
See also,