Internet banking fraud

Internet banking fraud is when an unauthorised person accesses your internet banking to get personal details or transfer funds from your account.

Protection tips

• Maintain good computer and mobile phone security;
• Never click on “automatically-save” your password for internet banking;
• Never tell anyone else your log-in details, even if you know the person well;
• Never use internet banking on public computers or on an unsecured internet connection (including free Wi Fi); and
• Contact Summerland immediately if you see a transfer or transaction on your account that you didn’t process.

Viruses, spyware and other malware

It is important to ensure your computer and other electronic devices (such as phones and tablets) are protected from possible cybercrime attacks. Without critical security updates, your devices may be vulnerable to harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software – malware - which fraudsters can use to access your computer and steal your personal information.

Protection tips

• Ensure your computer has adequate security installed, including firewalls, antivirus and anti-spyware;
• Keep your computer systems up to date by switching on automatic updates and installing any updates as they become available;
• Use a pop-up advertising blocker on your internet browser;
• Use strong passwords, and do not use the same password on different sites;
• Secure your wireless network and be careful when using public wireless networks;
• Use reputable websites and mobile applications;
• Avoid clicking on unexpected or unfamiliar links as it can result in malware installing itself on your computer or device;
• Never act on an unexpected call from an unknown person who claims you have computer virus issues;
• Never give your banking or card information to unknown individuals or businesses;
• Never download software suggested by unknown callers;
• Do your research. Check out the company that contacted you with trusted Government sources, such as Law Enforcement or ACCC – visit www.scamwatch.gov.au; and
• Never send money to someone you have never met in person.

Spam

Spam is electronic junk mail – unsolicited messages sent by email without the recipient’s consent. Spam messages often contain offers of free goods or ‘prizes’, cheap products, promises of wealth or other similar offers. Spam can hide viruses and malware that infect your computer.

Protection tips

• Use a spam filter on your email account;
• Be suspicious of unsolicited messages, even from a person or organisation you know;
• Always delete spam you receive without opening it;
• Never click on any unsubscribe links and do not open any attachments in emails that you do not recall subscribing to;
• Do not reply to or forward suspicious or unsolicited messages and long chain letters that you receive by email;
• Add the spam address to a 'junk senders' list which blocks them next time they try send email to you; and
• Never supply your personal information to unsolicited emails from unknown persons.

Phishing

Phishing is a way that criminals trick people into giving out their personal or financial details. Phishing messages often pretend to come from legitimate businesses, such as banks or telecommunications providers. Phishing emails can also contain links or attachments that download and install malicious software on to your computer.

Detection tips

It is probably a phishing email if:

• The email is poorly written with misspellings and incorrect grammar;
• Your name isn’t in the “To” line. This email has likely been sent to thousands of people;
• The sender’s email address is suspicious; it might have a familiar company or government organisation that is misspelled;
• The email doesn’t use your name. Any financial institution you have an account with knows your name. Email beginning with “Dear valued customer,” “To Whom It May Concern,” or even “Hello,” could signal a scam;
• The URL is a fake. Hover over the “click here” or “take action now” link with your mouse. If you see a strange URL instead of a legitimate company website, do not click;
• You’re informed that there’s a security breach on your account, and if you do not take the action recommended in the email, your account will be temporarily suspended; and
• The email asks for your personal, card or online account information or takes you to a website that asks for it. Legitimate companies do not do that.

Protection tips

• Do not open emails from people or places you do not recognise;
• Do not respond to emails from people or places you do not recognise;
• Do not click on any links;
• Do not enter personal information into websites that you do not know or trust;
• Do not send sensitive information (such as card details) via email; and
• Run your antivirus software to check your computer hasn’t been infected.

Scams

Everyone will be the target of a scam at some stage in their lives. Scams come in many forms and reach you in many ways – by mail, e-mail, social media, telephone and door-to-door. The more effective scams deliberately target the most vulnerable in our community – the frail, aged, young and gullible. Other scammers deliberately target you when you are likely to be busy or tired – such as evening telephone calls or door-knocking you on a weekend.