**NEW** SCAM ALERT
Important Security Information : 2 October 2009
Australian Central has become aware of malicious software which produces fake web pages designed to capture confidential information from members. These web pages are professionally created and look almost identical to a genuine Australian Central web page. A fake web page may appear while you are using online banking, or during the online banking log on process, and will ask you to enter additional information to confirm your identity.
Be very cautious of any web page that asks you to reply with or enter your personal details no matter how real it looks. Please be assured that Australian Central will never ask you to enter your card details as identification.
Typically the fake web-page will ask you to enter your card or personal details as confirmation of your identification, including
- Card number
- Card security code (CCV)
- Expiration date
- PIN (Personal Identification Number)
If you do provide your card or personal information as instructed you will be providing your information directly to the criminals involved. These web pages can take many forms and are constantly changing. Please refer to the example here.
What should you do if you notice a suspicious web page?
If a screen comes up that appears to be from Australian Central asking you to enter your card details DO NOT ENTER ANY INFORMATION. If possible please take a screen shot of the information and forward it via email to fraud@accu.com.au
Do not attempt to continue with online banking. It is likely that your computer has been infected with a harmful Trojan or virus and Australian Central strongly recommends that you have your computer professionally scanned and cleaned.
If you would like more information, or you believe your security has already been compromised, please contact our National Contact Centre on 13 13 21.
Fraudulent Phone Calls : 28 July 2009
A number of financial institutions have reported that their customers have received phone calls from someone claiming to be from their organisation, trying to obtain account and card details.
It appears the calls are automated, with a pre-recorded message advising that the customer’s card and/or account has been suspended for security reasons. The message then goes on to ask the customer to press 1 to continue and then asks them for their card number.
These calls are fraudulent and are a phishing ploy by scammers to obtain personal information which they intend to use for their own benefit. Australian Central will NEVER call you for confirmation of your card number or other personal details.
If you have received such a call claiming to be from Australian Central, please call our National Contact Centre on 13 13 21 or visit your local Banking and Advice Centre.
For further information about scams and phishing, including how to protect yourself, please click here.
