Security update

ATO and Bank Fee Refund Scams

23 July 2010

CUA has become aware that there has been a substantial increase of unsolicited calls from people claiming that there is overpaid tax or bank fees that can be reclaimed. If you receive a call of this nature, the best course of action is for you to ignore it and simply hang up.

The people behind these scams will usually pretend to be from a government agency or your own financial institution. They will then claim that in order to have your bank fees or overpaid tax refunded, you will need to either pay a fee or supply your bank or card details for the credit of funds. As a general rule, even if the caller is calling regarding another matter, there is no reason why you should be providing them with your account, card or personal information.

If you do find that you have been tricked by such a call, you should immediately call your card provider (shown on the back of your card) and report the card as stolen. You may think that the story is true because it is both tax time and bank fee refunds have been in the news lately.

CUA and Australian Government departments will never contact you via phone or email to ask you to pay tax or upfront amounts in order to claim a refund.

You can report scams to the ACCC, as well as finding out more information about other scams, via the ‘report a scam’ page on the SCAMwatch website at www.scamwatch.gov.au/ or by calling 1300 795 995.

Fake Web Banker Account emails

9 July 2010

CUA is aware that there are several hoax emails in circulation which seek to get you to disclose your confidential banking information.

It is important to note that CUA will NEVER ask you to update, confirm or disclose your personal banking or credit card details via email or by telephone. Nor would CUA ask for this information for any competition. Any contact of this nature is a hoax.

If you receive an email which you believe is a hoax, please forward it to fraud.prevention@cua.com.au, irrespective of whether you bank with CUA or not. If you have responded to a hoax email please immediately report the matter to CUA Direct on 133 cua (133 282).

All expenses paid holiday scam

4 June 2010

CUA has become aware that there have been unsolicited calls made to members from individuals claiming that the member has won an all-expenses-paid holiday. While this type of scam does not target CUA members exclusively, we have had a report of some members being asked for credit card details.

It is important to remember that people who call and announce to you that you have won a prize or lottery for something that you did not enter, that it is likely to be a scam. These people are usually very convincing and will try to deceive you in to believing their claims so that they can get your credit card details.

If you receive a phone call of this nature, you should simply hang up on the caller. If you do find that you have been tricked by such a call, you should immediately call your card provider (shown on the back of your card) and report the card as stolen.

For more information on these types, as well as other types, of scams please visit the Australian Government’s SCAMWatch website at http://www.scamwatch.gov.au/content/index.phtml/tag/UnexpectedPrizes

If you have any other queries, please contact us on 133 cua (133 282).

Examples of recent hoax emails

Stay Smart Online

There are many more important safeguards that you can take to protect you and your family against fraud.

The Australian Government has an excellent website that provides detailed information on the latest fraud prevention methods. Go to www.staysmartonline.gov.au or refer to our fight against fraud section for more information.