Stay safe from phishing scams

Phishing scams are becoming more sophisticated, and it's important to stay vigilant against these sneaky attempts to steal your personal information. Scammers often pretend to be trusted organisations, like your bank, to trick you into giving out sensitive details such as passwords, bank account numbers, and credit card information.

Imagine receiving an email claiming there’s been a technical error that wiped out customer records. It asks you to verify your details to restore your account. Or perhaps you’re told about suspicious activity on your account - maybe a large purchase made overseas that you didn’t authorise. To ‘help resolve the issue,’ the scammer asks you to confirm your account or credit card details. These scenarios can feel alarmingly real, especially when the messages look authentic, featuring official logos and branding.

Phishing scams don’t stop at emails. They may direct you to a fake website mimicking a trusted organisation’s site. The address might look nearly identical to the real one but with subtle changes, like an extra letter: ‘www.reallbank.com’ instead of ‘www.realbank.com.au.’

Types of phishing

• Whaling and spear phishing: These target businesses, using specific details to make the scam seem credible. The goal is often to steal sensitive company data.
• Pharming: This scam redirects you to a fake website, even if you type in the correct address. It often relies on malware infecting your computer.

How to protect yourself

1. Delete suspicious emails: If an email asks you to update or verify your personal information, don’t click any links or open attachments - just delete it.
2. Search for clues: Copy the email's text and do an internet search. Many scams are documented online, so this can help you identify them quickly.
3. Check for security: Secure websites start with ‘https:’ and display a padlock icon. Be wary of any site without these security features.
4. Verify calls: If someone calls claiming to be from your bank or another organisation, don’t share your details right away. Ask for their name and number, then independently verify the contact information before returning the call.
5. Stay updated: Keep your antivirus software current to guard against malware that might redirect you to fake sites.

Spotting fake emails

Phishing emails often include subtle signs of fraud. Typos, generic greetings like "Dear Customer," and a sense of urgency are common red flags. If you’re ever unsure, it’s better to err on the side of caution.

For more tips on identifying fake emails, visit Scamwatch.

We’re here to help

If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a phishing scam or notice anything unusual with your accounts, contact Coastline Bank immediately at 1300 361 066 or visit your local branch. Your security matters to us, and we’re always here to help you stay safe online.

Together, let’s outsmart the scammers and keep your information secure!