Just letting our customers know that we are in the process of a computer upgrade which will mean that our emails will need to migrate across to the new system. Our emails are likely to be down for an hour or so during this process so please be patient with us. Our phones are back online so if you'd like to discuss your loan or apply for another one then pick up the phone and give us a call on 1300 361 051.
Online security checklist
Internet Banking is accessible via any PC with Internet access. However, before using Internet Banking you should ensure the PC has up-to-date security software and is free from Viruses or Trojans. Try to avoid shared computers, like those at an Internet cafe, because you won't always know if it's backed up with good security software. Keep in mind when using other computers to download your bank statement, the browser may cache your information and make it available for other people to view. To avoid this please ensure you clear the cache at all times. If you must use a shared computer, sign out properly and close the browser or application completely when you've finished. Protect your computer
Protect yourself
Protect your family
Protect your business
Software protection Updating your operating system on a regular basis is the first line of defence in keeping your computer secure. Updates (see if they can be automated) help prevent data loss, viruses and other potential risks. Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS are the most common operating systems. Online virus scanners Bitdefender QuickScan F-Secure online scanner Security software Microsoft Security Essentials McAfee Multi Access Malwarebytes For anyone out there who is considering refinancing their owner occupied home at the moment with Westpac, you may be entitled to a $1250 rebate. Please call our office on 1300 361 051 to find out more. The offer has an expiry date so you need to call today if this is something that is of interest to you.
Just letting our customers know some exciting news.
We can now do car and equipment finance direct and some of our lenders have some exciting rates on offer at the moment. Instead of applying for a personal loan through your bank you can talk to us about getting a consumer lease. We have lots of lenders on our panel. We can find you a personal loan, finance for a motorcycle, a car, a truck, business equipment, a caravan or even a boat. It doesn't cost anything to talk to us and for us to give you a quote. Pick up the phone today and call us on 1300 361 051. Money Scams - Thanks to WestpacScam emails
The following are some scam email examples reported to Westpac for the following months. Westpac have highlighted some of the ways that can help you spot a scam email. January 2016 Email subject line: Your account access is limited. Why? Description: This email hoax attempts to scare you into believing that ‘illegal payments’ have been performed via Online Banking. The link leads to a fake website designed to harvest your credentials. Do not click on any links in such emails. December 2015 Email subject line: Important Message Ref XXXX regarding your Westpac Online Banking Description: This email hoax threatens that your Online Banking access will be deactivated unless you act quickly by clicking on the provided link. The link leads to a fake website. Do not click on any links in such emails. Email subject line: Online Banking Notification Description: This email hoax advises that your Online Banking access has been disabled. Helpfully a link has been provided to re enable your access – of course, it is a trick and will lead to a fake website. Do not click on any links in such emails. Email subject line: New Message update from Westpac Description: This email hoax is crafted to create a sense of urgency that you must take action otherwise an unknown debit will occur on your account. Do not click on any links in such emails. Phone scams alert Fraudsters don't only strike online. There's been an increase in phone scams where the caller claims to be from a reputable organisation offering to assist with a computer issue. They then attempt to take control of, or access your computer. Do not allow this under any circumstances; just hang up. Also, be particularly vigilant if you’re asked to disclose any Online Banking sign-in details or Bank SMS Code sent to your mobile. Again, just don’t do it. Protect your SMS code like you would a password or PIN Disclosing your Internet Banking Protect SMS code - or any Online Banking access codes - to others contravenes the banks Terms and Conditions. Doing so may find you liable for any losses due to fraud on your account. Other recent phone scams involve hoax callers claiming to be bank employees, who then request customer account or personal details. For better protection from phone scams:
SMS scams September 2015 Description: SMS phone scam "Restricted Access" May 2015 Description: SMS phone scam "Review and update details" Malicious software alerts. The following are recent example of some signs that your machine may be infected with malicious software such as a Trojan or virus. October 2015 Description: We’ve recently detected a new malware variant. Here is what happens after you log into Corporate Online on a computer that has been infected. This malware compromises your computer and tries to captures your token password and number. Please Note: Only accounts which require a second users approval will be prompted for the "Second user authorisation". When signing in you will receive the "Please wait" screen. This screen is quite slow when loading. Next you will unexpectedly be asked to confirm your token details. Do not enter your token details into this screen, in the event you have please call our Corporate Online Help Desk on 1300 134 291 Mon - Fri. When a second authoriser is required for a transaction, you will be asked for a second users details. Do not enter your details into this screen, in the event you have please call your bank. March 2015 Description: We’ve recently detected a new malware variant. Here is what happens after you log into Online Banking on a computer that has been infected with this malware. This malware injects a new page and asks you to enter your date of birth, drive licence and asks you to download an malicious application to your mobile phone. If you have installed the application on your mobile, then un-install it as soon as possible. In the event you have entered your details the screen will now prompt you to enter an SMS code. If you have entered any personal information into either screens, please contact your bank immediately. Please note, these are just some examples of what is out there in the market place. Be aware and if something doesn't feel or seem right then better to drop into your local branch of your bank and find out or better still, give your bank a call. Identity Theft Update - Thanks to WestpacIdentity theft is on the rise in Australia.
It appears in many forms, from fraudulent credit card use, to your entire identity being used to open accounts, obtain loans, and conduct other illegal activities. Here are 8 simple strategies to help protect your financial identity:
|
AuthorAdriana Filipowski has a Masters in Professional Accounting, is a member of CPA and the MFAA. Categories
All
Archives
May 2017
|