Keeping your identity safe
Identity theft is a type of fraud that involves stealing money or gaining other benefits by pretending to be someone else. Learn how you can protect yourself.
Learn more about identity theftWays to stay safe
Protecting your business
Businesses can also be targeted by criminals. It's important business owners implement appropriate risk management practices and systems to adequately protect themselves and their customers.
Learn more about business securityHow to spot a scam
Learn about the scams that could impact you, then understand how to protect yourself.
Learn more about scamsProtecting yourself and your family
Protecting yourself and your family from scams and identity theft can save you a lot of inconvenience, disruption and money. We have compiled a list of tips to help you protect yourself.
General
- Keep your computer up to date by installing the latest security software and patches for your operating system
- Ensure you have installed anti-virus/spyware software along with a firewall — and keep them up to date
- Make sure you have a current backup of your important personal information/files
- Delete spam emails and do not open email attachments or click on links in emails from strangers
- Do not respond to an unsolicited email asking you for personal information or financial details
- Be aware of email, internet and telephone hoaxes and scams — if something appears too good to be true, it almost certainly is
- If possible avoid using shared computers, such as those at internet cafes, hotels and airports
Phone
- Criminals use phones as the number one delivery method for scams
- Never allow anyone to access your computer/device remotely
- Never provide your 6-digit code from a security token to anyone over the phone
- Do not respond to unsolicited calls, SMS or email asking you for personal information or financial details
- Delete spam emails and do not open SMS or email attachments or click on links in SMS or emails from strangers
- Be aware of email, internet and telephone hoaxes and scams — if something appears too good to be true, it almost certainly is
Online
- Don't open suspicious texts, pop up windows or click on links or attachments in unsolicited emails — delete them
- Don't enter or provide your card number to unsolicited sites or callers
- Don't respond to phone calls about your computer asking for remote access — hang up
- Keep your personal details secure
- Choose your passwords carefully
- Review your privacy and security settings on social media
- Beware of any requests for your personal details or money
- If you think you have been a victim of a scam, you need to let us know as soon as possible by calling us or by attending your nearest branch
Protecting your children
- Increasingly, children are being targeted online and can be vulnerable to aggressive behaviour and criminal activity.
- Children are soft targets — they use the internet regularly and interact via social media, but they're often too inexperienced to recognise when they are being deceived.
- Education is the best way to help protect your children.
Cheque fraud
- Not many people use cheques these days, but cheque fraud is still prevalent. Consider the following tips to help reduce cheque fraud:
- Keep your chequebook in a safe and secure place
- Never pre-sign cheques
- When mailing cheques, cross the cheque 'Not Negotiable' and send it in a plain envelope without a window
- Use a pen or felt tip pen to write on your cheques, never pencil
- Bank Cheques should not be considered as good as cash
- Don't accept cheques in excess of the agreed price where you are asked to transfer/deposit the balance to a specific account