Like everyone nowadays it’s highly likely you do your banking online. Whilst internet banking is an easy and convenient activity, it does give eager criminals the opportunity to steal your personal details so they can get access to your funds online. To avoid being fooled by a scammer, we’ve got some advice to keep your details safe:
Sounds dodgy? Hang up!
If you believe you’ve received a call from your internet service provider threatening to cut off your connection due to unpaid bills but needing to confirm your bank account and other personal details before they can re-connect you, put the phone down immediately. If the issue with your internet connection is legitimate, your internet service provider will find an alternative way to contact you.
Tip: Your personal details are critical to your online footprint; protect them at all costs.
I’ve got no signal
Check that your network provider has an outage, because if they haven’t, your phone’s number could be being illegally ported by a criminal so they can get access to your bank account - through the two-factor authentication code that’s sent as an SMS to your phone number. There have even been reports of mobile numbers being ported illegally, funds being taken, and the number then being ported back to the unsuspecting victim, to minimise detection.
Tip: Contact your mobile service provider if you lose signal unexpectedly.
Update software
One of the easiest ways to avoid criminals accessing your personal details is by keeping your devices up-to-date with anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall software. Further, The Australian Cyber Security Centre recommends that you install the most recent updates on your devices. When installing updates, ensure you wait until you’re at home on a secure Wi-Fi connection to minimise the small risk of an update corrupting your devices or potential criminals hijacking a public Wi-Fi connection, when you’re out and about.
Tip: Check your device’s settings to find out if you’re using the latest software update
As part of Summerland’s commitment to fraud prevention and detection, our team may call, email or SMS you to confirm a transaction. However, remember that Summerland will NEVER:
• Ask you to disclose your personal banking details, your PIN, your card number or any other information on your card in an unsolicited email, SMS or telephone call; or
• Ask you to click on a link in an email which then asks you to log in to your account and verify your details.
If you suspect you are a victim of a fraud, contact us immediately on 1300 802 222 so we can help to protect you.
For up-to-date information on the latest online threats and how to deal with them, visit Stay Smart Online.
