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 deliberate 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.

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’.

Fraudsters scan the internet for email addresses or generate them at random. They don’t need an online service provider’s mailing list. They may send just a few dozen emails or thousands. Even if only a few unsuspecting people bite, it can be worth the effort.

Phoney websites and fraudulent emails can look genuine by using:

• The names of real people;
• The right logos and branding;
• 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.
3. Suspect a scam if you’re asked for your account details or your passwords via email.
4. For Australian sites – look for the ‘.au’ domain such as ‘com.au’ or ‘net.au’.
5. Act quickly if you think you’ve been conned – if you’ve received a suspicious email, tell your service provider.

More information –

• Online security tips
• Common email and internet fraud
• Visit the Australian Securities and Investments Commission’s FIDO website for financial tips and security information.
• Visit the Australian High Tech Crime Centre, a division of the Australian Federal Police.