Internet security fraud tips

With both web and telephone banking widely available, accessibility to your funds is even easier. However, it’s important to remember to stay smart and safe online, while accessing the internet.

Accessing the internet safely and securely is relevant to everyone. It is important to know the risks that exist online and how to protect yourself from online crime like identity theft, which is an ever-present threat.

There are four simple steps you can take to protect yourselves, your family and your business online. These can ensure you’re protected from cyber criminals, access the internet securely and remain safe online.

Ensure you access the internet securely and with confidence

Remember to:

• Get a better, stronger password and change it at least twice a year.
• Get security software, and update and patch it regularly.
• Stop and think before you click on links or attachments from unknown sources.
• Information is valuable. Be careful about what personal information you give away about yourself and others online.

Scam emails are a popular way to illicit your personal information. To try and reel people in, they can often use emotive language, request money, or just request a reply. These are called “Phishing” scams.

Do not respond to these kinds of requests. Never give out your PIN or personal information to anyone. Remember, your credit union or building society will never ask you for your password, PIN or personal banking details in an email, an online message or an unsolicited telephone call.

Do not send money to anyone you don’t know. You can also check if the request is legitimate – research the person, company and offer. Identity fraud is also a real threat, so don’t just throw out old bills, records and expired cards - destroy them.

For more information, you can visit the Australian Government’s E-Security website at www.staysmartonline.gov.au.