Have a scam free holiday season

In what is the busiest time of the year for online sales, it’s a safe bet that the scammers will be extra busy. So how can we protect ourselves against scammers who want to steal our money or identity?

To help you identify and protect yourself from the threat of scams this holiday season, we’ve handpicked the best hints, tips and resources.

This article is for general information only. We have not considered your personal situation. You should consider whether the information is appropriate before acting on it. This article was originally published in December 2020 and updated in December 2021.

Education is the antidote

With all this talk about scams, perhaps we should first define what a scam is. While fraud is any illegal action or activity that you have no knowledge of, a scam occurs when you collaborate with the perpetrators in some way… even if you don’t know you’re doing it.

According to Scamwatch: “Scams succeed because they look like the real thing and catch you off guard when you’re not expecting it. Scammers are getting smarter and taking advantage of new technology, new products or services and major events to create believable stories that will convince you to give them your money or personal details.”

Once the scammers trick you out of your personal information, they can commit all kinds of fraud – this can include using your credit card to make online purchases, or opening a bank account.

The Scamwatch website has more information on the different types of scams.

A possible antidote?

Scams can often look like the real thing, so knowing how the scammers go about their business is the best defence to help make sure you don’t become one of their victims. Scamwatch has comprehensive information on how to spot a scam and protect yourself from the threat, or visit the Firefighters Mutual Bank security hub for more hints and tips.

When it comes to your online safety, always remember the following:

• Never share your pin number, security codes or login details.
• Never share your personal details. Scam emails will ask for personal information such as access codes, passwords, date of birth or your bank details. Once you’ve shared this information with the scammers, they can use it to take your money.
• Create a complex password that is difficult for anyone to guess. Your password should consist of at least thirteen characters, including of a mix of letters, symbols, using both upper and lower cases.
• Never click on links in unsolicited articles, emails or texts.
• Never download software to your computer from a source you don’t know or trust.
• Do you know the person or organisation that is contacting you via phone, SMS or email? Or is there a valid reason for them to be doing so? If the answer is no either question, do not engage.
• Never give anyone you don’t know and trust remote access to your computer or device.
• Does the unsolicited offer you’ve received appear too good to be true? If so, there’s a good chance it could be a scam.
• If you’ve been contacted about an investment or other offer, make sure the company is registered on the ASIC website to make sure they are legitimate.

To learn more about how you can protect yourself from scams, the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) provides timely information on how to protect you and your loved ones from threats such as software vulnerabilities, online scams, malicious activities and risky online behaviours.

I think I’ve been scammed

Scammers are becoming more and more sophisticated in their attempts to steal your money and personal details. Even when fully prepared and armed with the best information, it’s still possible to fall victim to a scam.

If you’re one of the unlucky ones who’s been scammed, or if you’re concerned your account may have been compromised in some way, please contact Firefighters Mutual Bank immediately so we can limit any further damage.