As a growing proportion of the population use the internet for online banking, there has also been a growing trend of reported internet frauds. The security and safety of your account information is a priority to the Uniteller software designers, however, there are also a number of issues members need to be aware of in order to protect themselves from possible fraudulent activity.

1. Keep your password secure. Try to memorise your password, and do not write it down or tell anyone.
2. Change your password frequently and use passwords that are hard for others to guess. Do not use your date of birth, address, telephone number or easily retrieved combinations such as 1234 or ABCD.
3. Never advise your password or member details via email. Be suspicious of emails requesting this information.
4. Ensure you have anti-virus software and a personal firewall. Update your anti-virus and firewall products with security patches or newer versions on a regular basis, and never install software or run programs of unknown origin.
5. Do not accept links or redirections from other websites or emails for the purpose of logging in to the Unicredit web site or Uniteller online banking.
6. Always look for the SSL encrypted connection, indicated as https:// and a padlock, as well as check for Unicredit’s name in the website’s digital certificate.
7. Always be alert for fake websites and suspicious emails purporting to be from Unicredit or your other financial institutions, and report these immediately.
8. Avoid using computers at public places, such as Internet cafes, to undertake any online banking functions. If you need to use these facilities, make sure that nobody can see you enter your personal details and logout of the online banking program when you have completed your session.
9. Check your account for fraudulent activity. Register your email address and receive email confirmations of your Uniteller online banking transactions and always check your transaction history on your Unicredit account statements.
10. Register your mobile phone to receive SMS transaction alerts and contact Unicredit if any unauthorised activity occurs.
11. Always use the ‘Logout’ button to end your Uniteller online banking session and close your browser after accessing secure areas.
12. Never leave your computer unattended while logged into Uniteller online banking.
13. You have the ability to lower your daily transaction limits to something you are comfortable with. You will need to submit your request in writing to Unicredit.
14. Save your regular secure sites in your list of favourites after ensuring the correct address. This reduces the chance of errors.
15. Notify Unicredit immediately if you become aware that your password has been used by somebody else. Call Unicredit on (08) 9389 1011 to reset your password.

More information –

• Avoiding internet fraud
• 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.