Bust a scammer!
We all have a role to play to protect ourselves. As a community of Bank First Members, let’s keep working together to be vigilant. Do not answer unknown calls or respond to text and email messages. Never share one-time passwords or codes.
Warning signs it might be a scam
Scammers trick you into thinking they are from Bank First or well-known businesses.
Scammers use technology to make their call appear to come from a legitimate phone number. Their texts appear in the same conversation thread as genuine messages from an organisation.
You should NEVER give any information like one-time passwords or codes to anyone. Bank First will NEVER request this information from Members.
A caller or text message appears to be from Bank First
They tell you there has been an unauthorised transaction, or may ask you to confirm a payment that you didn’t make.
Hang up. Do not click any links, share one-time passwords or codes. Contact us.
You are asked to share passwords or codes
Scammers may request you provide one-time passwords or payment authorisation codes over the phone, in response to a text or via a link within the message.
Bank First will never ask you to provide one-time passwords or codes.
Hang up. Do not share one-time passwords or codes. Contact us.
You receive a message that asks you to click on a link
You receive a message that asks you to click on a link that takes you to a webpage asking for your username, password, or personal information.
Do not click any links, share one-time passwords or codes. Contact us.
There is an urgent request for action
You are asked to respond urgently, or provide personal details or money quickly.
Bank First will never ask you to reveal passwords, one-time passwords or financial information.
Hang up. Do not share one-time passwords or codes. Contact us.
Let’s work together and stop these scams
If you think you have been targeted or lost money as a result of a scam or fraud, report it now. Let’s keep working together to be vigilant. Do not answer unknown calls or respond to text and email messages.
What to do in the event of fraud or a scam
Received a text or call that seemed too good to be true? It usually is. Legitimate companies will never ask you to reveal passwords or financial information.
NEVER give any information like one-time passwords or codes to anyone. Bank First will NEVER request this information from Members.
Beware of scams and stay updated on national scams by reviewing current scams at scamwatch.gov.au.
Pause
Don’t act straight away. Stop and think about what you’re being asked to do.
Real companies or government agencies won’t pressure you to make payments.
Review
Have a quick look on Google to see if the company or person is real and whether it's the right phone number.
Check to see if anyone else has had similar experiences.
Ask
If you’re still unsure, show a family member or friend and ask for their opinion before taking any action.
Need to stop a card?
Have you had suspicious activity on your accounts or credit card? You can stop or lock your card through the Bank First app.
What is phishing?
Phishing is the most common cyber-attack used today. They can be sent to you via email, text message, and sometimes via social media from what can appear to be a reputable source. Phishing attacks are used to trick the recipient into revealing sensitive information or data in order to steal from you.
Remember to pause, review and ask a friend or family member when you receive such messages. Learn more about protecting yourself from specific scams below.
Text message and email scams
Scam text messages or emails will sometimes look like they come from a reputable source, and other times they won’t. Keep an eye out for spelling mistakes and email addresses that mimic a real organisations. Never click any links.
Phone scams
Scam phone calls include calls where scammers will impersonate Bank First or a well-known company and pressure you to provide passwords, codes or personal information over the phone claiming it will clear an unpaid bill, fine or similar.
Online shopping scams
As online shopping increases, scammers try to take advantage of those who shop online. These can be anywhere on the internet but are especially found on classified sites, social media, online marketplaces and more.
Fake websites
Scammers can create fake websites that look almost identical to a reputable organisation that you deal with. These websites are also designed to steal your personal information.
Remote access scams
Remote access scams happen when scammers contact you by phone, email or text claiming to be from a familiar company. They may lead you to believe you need to give them remote access to your computer or device to remove some form of virus or malware.
Investment scams
Investment scams usually occur when someone pretends to be a financial advisor or similar. A popular investment scam is where scammers try to get people to invest in cryptocurrency. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.