In today’s digital age, scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Recently, we’ve received reports of a telephone-based scam where criminals are posing as Summerland Bank staff or the “Fraud team/Squad.” These scammers may even spoof our phone number, making it appear as though the call is genuinely from Summerland Bank.
How does this scam work?
Here’s a breakdown of how these scams typically unfold:
- Unsolicited calls: You receive an unexpected call from someone claiming to be from Summerland or the Fraud team.
- Urgent claims: The caller might say your card or internet banking has been compromised and urgent action is needed.
- Information requests: They may ask for details like your member number, account numbers, full card details, or personal information. Sometimes, they already have some of this information to gain your trust.
- Verification codes: They might request SMS verification codes sent to your phone, pretending it’s to prove their legitimacy.
- Suspicious requests: They could ask you to transfer funds to another account or download software/apps on your device, which allows them to remotely access your device and banking information.
Red flags to watch out for
Stay alert and look out for these warning signs:
- Unexpected contact: Always verify the legitimacy of unsolicited calls.
- Urgency or threats: Scammers use alarming language to bypass your caution.
- Requests for passcodes: Summerland will never ask for your passwords, passcodes, PINs, or login information.
- Money transfers: We will never ask you to transfer funds to another account or bank.
- Software installation: We will never request you to install any software or apps.
Tips to protect yourself
Here are some practical steps to safeguard your information:
- Pause and reflect: Ask yourself, “Could this be a scam?”
- Verify suspicious calls: If someone calls claiming to be from Summerland and asks for personal or banking details, hang up and call us directly at 1300 728 728.
- Beware of threats and time pressure: Scammers often use these tactics to rush you.
- Protect your information: Never give out passwords, passcodes, PINs, or login information.
- Direct website visits: Only enter personal information on websites you visit directly. Avoid clicking on links in emails or texts.
- Red flag actions: Any mention of transferring funds or downloading software/apps is a clear sign you’re dealing with a scammer.
Always verify the authenticity of any unsolicited call, email, or message by contacting Summerland directly at 1300 728 728 For more detailed advice and guidance on how to protect yourself, visit Scam Watch – a helpful resource for staying updated on the latest scams and how to avoid them.
