Unicredit / Security Information / Avoid internet fraud

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.

Our top 5 tips to reduce your risk are :

Never use a computer that you don't trust or that doesn't have properly installed and updated virus protection software.
Register for SMS security tokens in Uniteller to protect external transfers.
Register for SMS and email alerts (with current email) so you know when your money is moved.
Keep you PIN and internet banking details to yourself - and only shop online if you trust the site 100%.
Monitor your Visa transactions in Uniteller.

Beware of scams

Everyone with an email address is constantly receiving scam emails that hope you will respond or click on a link in the email. Generally, these emails are an attempt to get a virus onto your computer, but they will also try to trick you into revealing your credit card details or internet banking password.

However, you may also be targeted directly, by someone who has compiled some personal information on you - including the fact you bank at Unicredit. This approach could come via email or phone and they may claim that they are calling from Unicredit or someone associated with us. They may try to panic you by saying that your account security has been breached - or they may present it as a general system or identity check. Their aim is to collect personal information, credit card details or your internet banking password. Unicredit (or anyone associated with us) never have any need to ask you for any of these.

Fake Internet Banking Websites

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.
Keep an eye on the browser address bar - which tells you exactly what page you are on.
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.

Keep your personal details private

Anything you email or post on social websites will become public information and can potential be used for identity theft or a confidence trick. Never tell anyone (including your family members) your internet banking password and don't write it down.

Unicredit (or anyone associated with us) will never ask you for your internet banking password, Visa card number or PIN - under any circumstances. You may receive a scam phone call or email that attempts to panic you into revealing these details, by claiming that there has been a security breach on your card or account.

Wireless network security

If you use a wireless internet network, have it installed professionally. Many networks are unsecure or have a default password in use, and are broadcasting out to the neighbours. They are completely open to banking fraud, unauthorised card transactions and identity theft.

Only shop online if you trust the site 100%

Never email or enter your Visa number in a website that is unsecure (look for the padlock symbol in the address bar). Even if the site is secure, only ever shop at online stores that you trust completely and have a reputation to protect. Once your card number is in the hands of someone untrustworthy, the only solution is to cancel your card to prevent further losses.

If the offer is too good to be true...

Sorry, you didn't win the lottery, have an unknown relative leave you money, or be chosen by the finance minister of a small African state to transfer money through.

Quite often, the scam may not even be apparent until after a story is established. They will try and hook you in - before they need a small amount of cash. If they can get that, then they will go for more.

Watch out for "pyramid" schemes (they are illegal in all their forms).

Be carefully when accepting any cash or cheques into your account - even for seemingly legitimate reasons, such as home rental deposits or ebay sales. While you think you can't lose, if you get payment first - you actually can (google "Money Mules").

All the confidence scams that have existed for hundreds of years now operate via email, faxes, website and phone calls. So keep your card and bank account details to yourself.

Tips to Avoid Internet Scams

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

Keep your computer secure - use and update virus protection and delete suspicious emails without opening them.
Bookmark www.unicredit.com.au in your web browser and never click on a link in an email - even if you think the email is from us.
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).
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. Tokens can effectively secure your account, as long as you login before they change your password.

If you think your card security has been breached (eg. 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.

In office hours, just contact us straight away on (08) 9389 1011 and we'll take the necessary steps for you.

Security information

Avoid internet fraud