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Stay scam safe these holidays | Bank First

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Stay scam safe these holidays

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Stay scam safe these holidays

3 minutes read30 November 2024

It’s the happiest time of the year… but also when scammers try to hit the hardest.

All through December, we’ll be sharing scam awareness tips to our Instagram. But – spoiler alert – we’ve included them all below so you can brush up on your scam prevention skills and stay safe these holidays.

1. Don’t take the bait1. Don’t take the bait

Watch out for phishing emails asking for information, especially from unfamiliar senders. Looks dodgy? Don’t click any links.

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2. Create a strong, unique password2. Create a strong, unique password

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© Copyright Victoria Teachers Limited
ABN 44 087 651 769
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The information provided on this website does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Therefore, you should firstly consider the appropriateness of this information and refer to the Terms and Conditions or the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before acquiring a product. These documents are available at our branches or by contacting us on 1300 654 822.

Avoid using it for all accounts, and only use the default password keychain app on your phone to keep track!

Learn more

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3. Only shop on secure websites3. Only shop on secure websites

Ready to start holiday shopping? Look for the padlock icon in the URL bar before entering payment info.

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4. Enable two-factor authentication4. Enable two-factor authentication

Enable on all your accounts. It takes a few more seconds but keeps your information safe.

5. Avoid shopping on public Wi-Fi5. Avoid shopping on public Wi-Fi

This isn’t always secure. Use your mobile data or home Wi-Fi if entering payment details.

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6. Don't fall for delivery scams6. Don't fall for delivery scams

Confirm directly with the shipping company before providing any personal information.

7. If you’re unsure, hang up or delete7. If you’re unsure, hang up or delete

Dodgy call or email? Contact the company directly via their phone number posted online.

8. Sounds too good to be true?8. Sounds too good to be true?

It might be. Do a quick search for reviews before shopping on a new website to make sure it’s legit.

9. You can never be too safe9. You can never be too safe

When delivering or picking up Marketplace items, try to meet in public places and tell someone where you’re going first.

10. Check for typos10. Check for typos

Beware of emails with poor spelling or grammar. Spotted that one? Scammers often overlook these details – it's a red flag!

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11. Watch out for fake endorsements11. Watch out for fake endorsements

See an unknown brand claiming to be endorsed by a big celebrity? It may be fake or AI generated.

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12. Be alert for phone porting scams12. Be alert for phone porting scams

Scammers can transfer your phone number to gain access. Contact your provider if your phone goes into SOS mode.

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13. Be cautious about what you share online13. Be cautious about what you share online

Scammers love personal details to make their scams seem more believable. Set your accounts to private and lock them out.

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14. Be cautious of booking scams14. Be cautious of booking scams

Planning holiday travel? Think twice before checkout, and research any websites you use to book accommodation or transport.

15. If a caller pressures you for info, hang up!15. If a caller pressures you for info, hang up!

Real businesses will never pressure you. If you hang up on a member of our team, we’ll be proud of you for exercising caution!

16. Beware of odd payment requests16. Beware of odd payment requests

A legitimate business will never ask you to pay by gift cards – it's a classic scammer trick.

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17. Review bank statements17. Review bank statements

Report any suspicious transactions immediately. It may also help you keep your holiday spending in check!

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18. Stay informed18. Stay informed

Learn about the latest scams to know exactly what to look out for. Bank First often shares stories of scams on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

19. If you receive an unexpected e-card, be cautious19. If you receive an unexpected e-card, be cautious

These look fun and festive but could contain malware. Always verify the sender before opening.

20. It’s the season of giving20. It’s the season of giving

Unfortunately, scammers take advantage of that. Check the ACNC Charity Register before donating.

21. Check your credit report21. Check your credit report

If you spot something that doesn’t look right, you may have been impacted by a scam without realising it yet.

22. Be wary of investment scams22. Be wary of investment scams

Received an offer to get your super early or help 'control' it? Hang up immediately, scammers may be trying to gain access.

23. Trust your instincts23. Trust your instincts

Scammers can be very convincing, but if you feel even a hint of doubt – stop what you’re doing and question it.

24. Share with loved ones24. Share with loved ones

Especially those who may be more vulnerable. It’s the gift of protection and can save lots of stress and money.

Let’s work together and stop scammers

If you think you have been targeted or lost money because of a scam or fraud, report it now. Let’s keep working together to be vigilant these holidays. Do not answer unknown calls or respond to text and email messages.

Bust a scammer!Call 1300 654 822

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