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The last couple of decades have seen huge changes in how we do our banking. Unfortunately, fraudsters and scammers are out there, often taking advantage of new technology, to generate a number of potentially very costly scams.
These scams aim to steal your account information and your money or, in some extreme cases, steal your identity.
Like other banks, Auswide Bank customers are not immune to these risks. Scammers use clever tactics. Phone calls, emails or SMS can look or sound like they are coming from Auswide Bank. There are often ways you can protect yourself so that you don't lose out.
Our website contains useful information about:
For further information and advice about banking and online scams please refer to the Australian Securities & Investment Commission MoneySmart or Australian Competition & Consumer Commission SCAMwatch websites.
Please report any suspicious phone calls, emails or text messages to contactcentre@auswidebank.com.au. If you have responded to a suspicious phone call, email or text message such as giving out your account details, please contact your local branch or call 1300 138 831 as soon as possible.
We're aware of a recent scam called the Flubot scam, where text messages which contain malicious software (malware) are being sent, infecting user's devices at a growing rate.
Recent reports received, involve customers receiving text messages about voicemails, missed calls and delivery of parcels. All of these scam messages contain links. When a customer clicks the link and follows prompts to download the app presented, their mobile device becomes infected.
Once the malware is installed on the device, it is able to make calls, access contacts, read and send text messages. A recent report from the ACCC (Australian Competition & Consumer Commission) also advises that it is understood that the malware may upload the contact list from the infected device to a central server to send 'Flubot' messages to the numbers copied from the copied contact list.
More information on the Flubot scam, including steps you can take if you believe your device has been infected is available on the Scamwatch website: https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/news-alerts/missed-delivery-call-or-voicemail-flubot-scams
The growing concern is that this scam will continue to evolve and target banking customers by presenting fraudulent/fake internet banking login pages to the user. To help you identify and be prepared to identify potential scams, the Scamwatch website has created a 'Spot the scam signs' page. Check out the page: https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/about-scamwatch/tools-resources/online-resources/spot-the-scam-signs
Please be advised we have become aware of a scam where customers have been called by an individual claiming to be a representative of Telstra. During the call the customers have been asked to provide banking details in order to facilitate maintenance services on their telecommunications devices.
You can also visit the Scam Watch website to find more information on scams and to report any potential scams.
The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) is aware of COVID-19 themed scams being distributed.
We urge our customers to be vigilant with scam text messages being received impersonating the Government with advice on testing for COVID-19. The link in these text messages is not legitimate, and if clicked on, may install malicious software on your device, designed to steal your banking details. Click here to read more detailed information on this scam.
We are aware that online criminals recently replicated the Auswide Bank website including an Internet Banking logon page and sent emails to some customers asking them to login. Auswide Bank has now been successful in having this website closed down, however:
Never provide your online account details if you receive an email claiming to be from Auswide Bank or any other organisation.
Be aware that we have received reports that customers have been contacted by an automated voice recording requesting details for card transactions.
These calls are not legitimate.
Never provide your personal, credit card or online account details if you receive a call claiming to be from Auswide Bank or any other organisation.
We are aware that online criminals claiming to be from Auswide Bank are sending emails to customers advising their Internet Banking Personal Access Code and SMS Secure profile has been suspended and requesting for it to be 'unlocked'.
The email has a link which may contain a malicious virus or try to trick you into disclosing your personal or account information. Please be aware that these particular type of emails are not from Auswide Bank and ensure you do not click on any link or attachment. Auswide Bank recommends that you maintain an up-to-date antivirus software on your computer as this may prevent you being infected.
-----Original Message-----
From: Auswide Bank Ltd
Sent: Wednesday, 14 June 2017 10:34
To: Recipients
Subject: Internet Banking SMS SecureDear customer,
Your Personal Access Code and Internet Banking SMS Secure profile has been suspended for your security.
To unlock your profile follow this simple step by clicking here.
Auswide Bank Ltd.
Please report any suspicious phone calls, emails or text messages to contactcentre@auswidebank.com.au so we can alert other customers.
If you have responded to a suspicious phone call, email or text message such as giving our your account or online log-in details, please contact an Auswide Bank branch or call 1300 138 831 as soon as possible.
We are aware that online criminals claiming to be from BPAY are sending emails to customers. The emails are being sent from 'service@bpayemail.com.au' with the subject heading 'BPAY Deposit Instructions' including an attachment.
Please be aware that these particular emails are not from BPAY and ensure you do not click on any link or attachment. Please immediately delete the email from your inbox. Auswide Bank recommends that you maintain an up-to-date antivirus software on your computer as this may prevent you being infected.
Please report any suspicious phone calls, emails or text messages to contactcentre@auswidebank.com.au so we can alert other customers.
If you have responded to a suspicious phone call, email or text message such as giving our your account or online log-in details, please contact an Auswide Bank branch or call 1300 138 831 as soon as possible.
We are aware that criminals claiming to be from 'Auswide' are sending SMS messages in relation to making money.
The SMS has a link which may contain a malicious virus or try to trick the person into disclosing their personal information. Please be aware that these particular type of SMS are not from Auswide Bank and ensure you do not click on any link or attachment. Auswide Bank recommends that you maintain an up-to-date antivirus software on your computer as this may prevent you being infected.
A screen shot of such an SMS is shown below.
Please report any suspicious phone calls, emails or text messages to contactcentre@auswidebank.com.au so we can alert other customers.
If you have responded to a suspicious phone call, email or text message such as giving our your account or online log-in details, please contact an Auswide Bank branch or call 1300 138 831 as soon as possible.
We are aware that online criminals claiming to be from Auswide Bank are sending emails advising their personal data has been disrupted and requesting verification.
The email has a link which may contain a malicious virus or try to trick the person into disclosing their personal information. Please be aware that these particular type of emails are not from Auswide Bank and ensure you do not click on any link or attachment. Auswide Bank recommends that you maintain an up-to-date antivirus software on your computer as this may prevent you being infected.
From: Auswide Bank [mailto:information@financialpost.com]
Sent: Tuesday, 25 October 2016 9:19 AM
To: Recipients
Subject: Important InformationDear Customer
Your personal data has been disrupted and needs to be verified.
Click here to get started now
System Maintenance
Auswide Online
Please report any suspicious phone calls, emails or text messages to contactcentre@auswidebank.com.au so we can alert other customers.
If you have responded to a suspicious phone call, email or text message such as giving our your account or online log-in details, please contact an Auswide Bank branch or call 1300 138 831 as soon as possible.
We are aware that online criminals claiming to be from Wide Bay Australia (Auswide Bank’s former name) are contacting people by email, advising of outstanding invoices which require payment. The email may have a link or attachment which may contact a malicious virus which could severely damage your computer. Please be aware that these particular type of emails are not from Auswide Bank and ensure you do not click on any link or attachment. Auswide Bank recommends that you maintain an up-to-date antivirus software on your computer as this may prevent you being infected.
A screen shot of such an email, including a picture of an attachment, is shown below.
Please report any suspicious phone calls, emails or text messages to contactcentre@auswidebank.com.au so we can alert other customers.
If you have responded to a suspicious phone call, email or text message such as giving our your account or online log-in details, please contact an Auswide Bank branch or call 1300 138 831 as soon as possible.
Auswide Bank is aware of telephone scammers targeting internet banking customers from time to time.
Fraudsters claiming to be from Telstra, or similar companies providing internet services, are contacting people by phone in relation to their internet security.
The caller may trick you by asking you to log into your internet banking while also seeking permission to 'shadow' your computer system, thus revealing your account numbers and other personal information. Permission to 'shadow' would normally be through an invitation to click on a link or visit a website.
Please report any suspicious phone calls, emails or text messages to contactcentre@auswidebank.com.au so we can alert other customers.
If you have responded to a suspicious phone call, email or text message such as giving our your account or online log-in details, or allowing a person to 'shadow' your computer, please contact an Auswide Bank branch or call 1300 138 831 as soon as possible.
Auswide Bank is aware of telephone scammers targeting Auswide Bank customers saying they are from the Australian Bankers' Association.
The Australian Bankers' Association (ABA) also recently issued an alert about this scam and has warned the public not to respond to telephone surveys where the caller falsely claims to be from the ABA.
Steven Münchenberg, Chief Executive of the ABA, said, "We continue to receive multiple calls every day from upset members of the public who have received 'cold calls' asking about their satisfaction with their bank. In one case, a scammer relayed personal details that should only have been known to the recipient of the call. This is an alarming reminder of the importance to protect your personal and financial information, particularly with how you share it online, he said. Callers are targeting households at random around Australia claiming to be from the Australian Bankers' Association, or a variation of the name. This is a scam to try and defraud customers by convincing them to send money or to provide identity information. If you receive a call like this do not give out any information and simply hang up. Sometimes the caller will say you are owed money. A bank would not request you pick up money from a post office or money transfer outlet."
Be on guard – if you receive a phone call from someone saying they are from the Australian Bankers' Association or a similar banking body and they then ask you for your personal or banking details, hang up – the person on the other end may be a scammer.
Please report any suspicious phone calls, emails or text messages to contactcentre@auswidebank.com.au so we can alert other customers.
If you have responded to a suspicious phone call, email or text message such as giving our your account or online log-in details, please contact an Auswide Bank branch or call 1300 138 831 as soon as possible.
Auswide Bank is aware of telephone scammers targeting Auswide Bank customers promising rebates on bank account fees and charges.
Fraudsters claiming to be from a government department/agency or a lawyer representing a government department/agency are phoning claiming the customer is owed money and they will promise to recover it for them.
In one example, an Auswide Bank customer received a call from a person saying the federal government had hired a lawyer in relation to overcharging fees for people on a disability or pension and he was promised a cheque for $7268 - however would need to go to the post office & ask for a Western Union money order form and call the scammer back to obtain the lawyer's name & address after sending a payment of $238.
The ACCC reports a spike in contacts in early 2015 about similar fake rebate schemes so are warning people to be aware of calls from a fake government department claiming you are owed money.
The ACCC advises scammers have been calling Australians offering them a cheque worth $7000 or more claiming to be from the 'Department of Finance' or other government organisation such as the 'Office of State Revenue'. The scammer will demand an upfront payment and various pieces of personal information before the money can be provided. However, there is no money and no connection with any state or commonwealth department.
The scammers may spin a range of stories about why you are owed money to make their story sound real! They might claim that there is money due because of a bank fee rebate, a tax refund, one-off payment, investment return or even a bonus. Whatever the story, these scams seem to involve some government department or organisation claiming you are owed money but you need to pay a fee in order to collect it.
Scammers typically ask for money to be sent via a wire transfer or telegraphic transfer as it's nearly impossible to recover money sent to a scammer this way. They may also ask for your financial and other personal details to access your money and use this information to commit other scams.
Be on guard – if you receive a phone call from someone saying you are owed money and they then ask you for your personal or banking details or to pay a fee, hang up – the person on the other end may be a scammer. If in doubt, look up the government department or organisation yourself and phone them.
Please report any suspicious phone calls, emails or text messages to contactcentre@auswidebank.com.au so we can alert other customers.
If you have responded to a suspicious phone call, email or text message such as giving our your account or online log-in details, please contact an Auswide Bank branch or call 1300 138 831 as soon as possible.
Auswide Bank is aware of telephone scammers targeting Auswide Bank customers from time to time asking for their banking and personal details.
Fraudsters claiming to be from Auswide Bank are contacting people by phone, asking for customer account numbers and other personal information.
The caller may trick you into providing information such as your account or customer number or your account login or internet banking password details. In some cases, the caller may trick you by quoting information they have been able to obtain such as a card number they have obtained from a recent purchase you may have used using your Auswide Bank card or stolen mail.
While Auswide Bank may call you, send you emails or SMS you from time to time without your expectation, we will not ask you for your full account or customer number, your account login, banking password or PIN details.
Customers are advised not to provide this type of information in response to unsolicited phone calls, emails or SMS.
