Understanding the risk

However often we use the internet, we are all vulnerable to some forms of fraudulent activity – whether it is a virus or other form of email scam. This can not only cause some inconvenience to you, but also cause malicious damage to your computer and possibly result in fraudulent activities on your account.

Although our internet banking service, Uniteller, is under constant review to ensure the highest security measures are in place to prevent any possible fraudulent attack, there are a number of issues our members need to be aware of in order to protect themselves from possible fraudulent scams.

• Never use a computer that you don't trust or that doesn't have properly installed and updated virus protection software.
• Register for SMS tokens : In Uniteller click on Personal > Security Settings > Register and enter your mobile phone number.
• Register for SMS and email alerts (with current email) so you know when your money is moved.
• and Reduce your daily limits with your branch.

 

Be wary of scams

You could be targeted by fraudsters who establish fake websites and send out fake emails, pretending to be one of your financial service providers.

You may first notice these scams when you get an email out of the blue with some story about why you have to reply. The email claims to be from your bank, credit card company or some other service you use. It usually asks you to send your account details, and sometimes your password, either by return email or through a website.

Watch out for the tricks

Various tricks are used to lower your guard, such as ‘security and maintenance upgrades’, ‘investigation of irregularities’ or ‘bills or charges due’.

Malicious emails bounce around the internet pretending to be from all sorts of people. A series of these emails are designed to look like they are from specific financial institutions and then link to a fake website to capture your account details.

Fake websites may look exactly like ours and tell you that you need to fill out your details to: change your password, confirm your identity, protect your account after a security breach or claim some type of rewards points.

Never click on email links - even if the link says our correct web address.

Bookmark www.unicredit.com.au in your web browser - don't use google.

Phone us if you are suspicious. We have no reason to ask our members for their card numbers, PINs or passwords and will never send you an email with a link to a website in it.

 

Phoney websites and fraudulent emails can look genuine by using:

• The names of real people;
• The right logos and branding;
• Look like they came from someone trustworthy;
• Links to pages on the real website;
• Official-looking fine print; and
• Genuine pages copied to a new fake address.

Safety checks to protect yourself

Here are five simple tips to protect yourself from fraudulent scams. Please also read our article on Common email and internet fraud to familiarise yourself with some of the more common fraudulent techniques.

1. Keep your computer secure – avoid opening email attachments, get effective virus protection and delete suspicious emails without opening them.
2. Only go the official website for Unicredit (www.unicredit.com.au) or your other financial institutions. Store this in your favourites or by typing the URL directly in the address bar of your web browser. (ie. Never click on a link in an email - even if you think the email is from us.)
3. It is a scam if you’re asked for your account details, card numbers or your passwords in an email or directed to a website to do this (even if that website looks like ours).
4. Act quickly if you think you might have been conned.
   
   If outside working hours - change your internet password online and register for a secondary SMS tokens by clicking on Personal > Security Settings > Register). SMS Security Tokens will also work if you're computer has been infected by a virus from an email you've opened.
   
   If you think your card security has been breached (ie your Visa card number has been disclosed to an unknown or untrustworthy organisation or you think your Redicard may have been skimmed) then call the 24 hour hotline on 1800 224 004 and have your card cancelled immediately.
   
   Otherwise just contact us straight away on (08) 9389 1011 and we'll take the necessary steps for you.

More information –

• Online security tips
• Common email and internet fraud
• Visit ASIC’s FIDO website for financial tips and security information.
• Visit the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce's portal site: SCAMwatch