cybercrime
Suspect you are the victim of fraud?
Contact us immediately so we can help to protect you
Cybercrimes are crimes which are directed at computers or other devices (for example, hacking), and where computers or other devices are integral to the offence (for example, online fraud, identity theft and the distribution of child exploitation material).
The effect of cybercrime can be extremely upsetting for victims, and not necessarily just for financial reasons. Victims may feel that their privacy has been violated, and that they are powerless. Unfortunately, as Australia’s reliance on technology grows, the cost and incidence of cybercrime is expected to increase.
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.
Warning signs
- Scammers have many excuses why they can’t meet you in person. They list numerous reasons why they need money and always seem to be in trouble;
- Scammers claim they have been in an accident, are in the hospital and their medical bills have to be paid in full before they can leave;
- Scammers will tell you to send the money in the name of a friend or family member to verify you have funds or to act as an escrow until you receive the purchased goods or services;
- Scammers need money because they were mugged and their money, passport, and ID were stolen while travelling;
- Scammers continue to ask for money for a plane ticket to see you, or to “float” them until payday; and
- Scammers claim they had an issue right before boarding a plane to meet you, or are held up in Customs and needs money for their release.
Protection tips
- Be alert to the fact that scams exist. When dealing with uninvited contacts from people or businesses, whether it's over the phone, by mail, email, in person or on a social networking site, always consider the possibility that the approach may be a scam.
- Know who you're dealing with. If you've only ever met someone online or are unsure of the legitimacy of a business, take some time to do a bit more research. Do a Google image search on photos or search the internet for others who may have had dealings with them.
- Do not open suspicious texts, pop-up windows or emails – instead delete them and if unsure, verify the identity of the contact through an independent source such as a phone book or an online search. Do not use the contact details provided in the message sent to you.
- Keep your personal details secure. Put a lock on your mailbox and shred your bills and other important documents before throwing them out. Keep your passwords and pin numbers in a safe place. Be very careful about how much personal information you share on social media sites. Scammers can use your information and pictures to create a fake identity or to target you with a scam.
- Keep your mobile devices and computers secure. Always use password protection, do not share access with others (including remotely), update security software and back up content. Protect your WiFi network with a password and avoid using public computers or WiFi hotspots to access online banking or provide personal information.
- Beware of any requests for your details or money. Never send money or give card details, online account details or copies of personal documents to anyone you do not know or trust.
- Be careful when shopping online. Beware of offers that seem too good to be true, and always use an online shopping service that you know and trust. Think twice before using virtual currencies (like bitcoin) - they do not have the same protections as other transaction methods, which means you can’t get your money back once you send it.
- If you suspect someone is trying to scam you, or you find yourself the victim of a scam, contact Summerland immediately on 1300 802 222.
When you should never send money
- To a grandchild, friend or family member for an emergency situation you have not personally confirmed;
- To claim lottery, prize winnings or compensation payments;
- To someone you met online;
- For the refund of bank or tax charges;
- For an employment opportunity;
- For fee advances for rental properties; and
- For a credit card or loan fee.
What you should do if you have been scammed
- Cease any contact with the scammer. The scammer will never refund your money;
- If you have given your Summerland banking or card details to a scammer, contact us immediately on 1300 802 222 so we can freeze your accounts before the scammer steals your money; and
- Report the scam to Scamwatch and/or ACORN and/or your local police. Every day you delay, more people may be scammed.
Visit http://www.scamwatch.gov.au/ for more information.
Protect yourself by checking the list of companies and individuals that are not licensed by ASIC.
Visit https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/scams/companies-you-should-not-deal-with#unlicensed to see all businesses that do not hold a current Australian Financial Services Licence or Australian Credit Licence from ASIC.
If the company that called you is on this list, do not deal with them.
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.
Warning signs
- Scammers have many excuses why they can’t meet you in person. They list numerous reasons why they need money and always seem to be in trouble;
- Scammers claim they have been in an accident, are in the hospital and their medical bills have to be paid in full before they can leave;
- Scammers will tell you to send the money in the name of a friend or family member to verify you have funds or to act as an escrow until you receive the purchased goods or services;
- Scammers need money because they were mugged and their money, passport, and ID were stolen while travelling;
- Scammers continue to ask for money for a plane ticket to see you, or to “float” them until payday; and
- Scammers claim they had an issue right before boarding a plane to meet you, or are held up in Customs and needs money for their release.
Protection tips
- Be alert to the fact that scams exist. When dealing with uninvited contacts from people or businesses, whether it's over the phone, by mail, email, in person or on a social networking site, always consider the possibility that the approach may be a scam.
- Know who you're dealing with. If you've only ever met someone online or are unsure of the legitimacy of a business, take some time to do a bit more research. Do a Google image search on photos or search the internet for others who may have had dealings with them.
- Do not open suspicious texts, pop-up windows or emails – instead delete them and if unsure, verify the identity of the contact through an independent source such as a phone book or an online search. Do not use the contact details provided in the message sent to you.
- Keep your personal details secure. Put a lock on your mailbox and shred your bills and other important documents before throwing them out. Keep your passwords and pin numbers in a safe place. Be very careful about how much personal information you share on social media sites. Scammers can use your information and pictures to create a fake identity or to target you with a scam.
- Keep your mobile devices and computers secure. Always use password protection, do not share access with others (including remotely), update security software and back up content. Protect your WiFi network with a password and avoid using public computers or WiFi hotspots to access online banking or provide personal information.
- Beware of any requests for your details or money. Never send money or give card details, online account details or copies of personal documents to anyone you do not know or trust.
- Be careful when shopping online. Beware of offers that seem too good to be true, and always use an online shopping service that you know and trust. Think twice before using virtual currencies (like bitcoin) - they do not have the same protections as other transaction methods, which means you can’t get your money back once you send it.
- If you suspect someone is trying to scam you, or you find yourself the victim of a scam, contact Summerland immediately on 1300 802 222.
When you should never send money
- To a grandchild, friend or family member for an emergency situation you have not personally confirmed;
- To claim lottery, prize winnings or compensation payments;
- To someone you met online;
- For the refund of bank or tax charges;
- For an employment opportunity;
- For fee advances for rental properties; and
- For a credit card or loan fee.
What you should do if you have been scammed
- Cease any contact with the scammer. The scammer will never refund your money;
- If you have given your Summerland banking or card details to a scammer, contact us immediately on 1300 802 222 so we can freeze your accounts before the scammer steals your money; and
- Report the scam to Scamwatch and/or ACORN and/or your local police. Every day you delay, more people may be scammed.
Visit http://www.scamwatch.gov.au/ for more information.
Protect yourself by checking the list of companies and individuals that are not licensed by ASIC.
Visit https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/scams/companies-you-should-not-deal-with#unlicensed to see all businesses that do not hold a current Australian Financial Services Licence or Australian Credit Licence from ASIC.
If the company that called you is on this list, do not deal with them.
Identity Theft
Learn how you can protect or recover your identity from theives.
Card Security
Prevent the security of your cards from being compromised.
Secure Your Data
Read our tips on how you can ensure your personal information is secure.