Bendigo Bank warns of scams

Bendigo Bank warns impersonation scams may rise ahead of Federal Election

With the Federal Election approaching, Bendigo Bank is warning customers to be extra vigilant, as scammers ramp up their efforts not to steal votes, but to steal personal and financial information, and ultimately Australians’ money. As people begin receiving more approaches, calls and texts from campaigning representatives, Australia’s most trusted bank is reminding customers that these might not be legitimate.

“Scammers may pose as government agencies, political parties and representatives, or financial institutions, using phone calls, emails, text messages or even door-knocking to trick Australians into handing over sensitive details,” Senior Manager Customer Protection at Bendigo Bank Aaron Westberry says. “Be on the look-out for anyone soliciting personal information for electoral roll updates, requesting donations, and of course, warning of fraudulent activity on your bank accounts.

1. STOP – Don’t give money or personal information to anyone if unsure. Scammers will offer to help you or ask you to verify who you are. They will pretend to be from organisations you know and trust like the Australian Electoral Commissions, police, government, or a fraud service.
2. THINK – Ask yourself could the message or call be fake? Never click a link in a message. Only contact us, businesses or government using contact information from their official website or through their secure apps. If you’re not sure, say no, hang up or delete.
3. PROTECT – Act quickly if something feels wrong. If you notice unusual activity or if a scammer gets your money or information, report it and get support.

Impersonation scam signs

• Links in SMS text messages or emails – Bendigo Bank will never ask you to click a link to login to your online banking. If you’re concerned about your account, always login directly through the main website.
• Urgency or threats – Scammers use frightening language to try to get you to act quickly and override your sense of caution. They might tell you to update your information immediately to protect your account or ask you to verify login information via a fraudulent link.
• Any request for sensitive information – Bendigo Bank will never ask you for passwords, passcodes, PIN numbers or login information. Never give this out to anyone, even if they claim to work at the Bank, and only enter your personal information on a website you’ve visited directly. Never follow login links in emails or texts.
• Instructions to install software – Scammers may try to get you to install software under the guise of protecting your accounts or devices. These programs are used to remotely access your devices and copy your passwords and login information to compromise your accounts.
• Requests to transfer money – Bendigo Bank will never instruct you to transfer money to another account. Any mention of making transfers is an immediate red flag that you’re speaking to a scammer.

Mr Westberry’s advice to customers who may have fallen victim to a scam is to visit www.bendigobank.com.au/security  immediately to report it and get support.