How to avoid scams and bank safely online
At BankVic, we take online security seriously. We’ve created the BankSafe with BankVic Hub as your go-to resource for staying informed about the latest scams, fraud prevention techniques, and best practices to protect your hard-earned money.
If you ever have any concerns about security, don’t hesitate to get in touch. If you think your account may have been compromised, call us straight away on 13 63 73.
BankSafe Top Tips
1. Keep your personal information secure: Never share your personal information, such as your passwords or account number, with anyone. Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls or emails asking for your personal information. Legitimate financial institutions will never ask for this information.
2. Use strong passwords: Use a unique, strong password for each account and update them regularly. A strong password has more than 8 characters (the longer, the better), is a mixture of upper and lower case characters, numbers and special characters – like exclamation marks. Avoid using actual words and personal information such as your birthdate, name, or address.
3. Beware of phishing scams: Phishing scams involve fraudulent emails or messages that appear to be from a legitimate business or organisation, asking for sensitive information. Be cautious of any unsolicited messages, and never click on links from unverified sources.
4. Monitor your accounts regularly: Keep an eye on your accounts for any unusual activity or transactions. If you see something suspicious, report it immediately to your bank.
5. Use secure Wi-Fi: Avoid conducting financial transactions over public Wi-Fi networks, which may be insecure. Use a private, secure Wi-Fi network instead.
6. Stay up-to-date: Stay informed about the latest scams and frauds. Keep up-to-date with the latest security features and updates on your banking apps and software.
Crime Stoppers Victoria and BankVic
Together, we have produced a series of educational articles and resources to raise awareness and increase scam prevention knowledge so you can spot scams and protect yourself against them.
You can follow Crime Stoppers on social media at Twitter and Facebook @CrimeStoppersVic and on Instagram @crimestoppers.vic to stay up-to-date on new topics. Check out the resources below, or head to the Online Safety Series Hub for more.
Online Safety Series Articles
Produced by BankVic and Crime Stoppers Vic
What is Financial Abuse?
Crime Stoppers Vic Podcast with Lauren Calloway, Assistant Commissioner at Victoria Police
Learn more
Social Media Safety
That random friend request could be from a cybercriminal…
Learn more
Tax Time Scams
How you can protect yourself from tax fraud
Learn more
Password Hygiene
When was the last time you changed your password?
Learn more
Identity Theft
Protecting personal information is crucial to avoid falling victim to identity theft
Learn more
Hacking Scams
Australians lost close to 3 million dollars to hacking scams in 2022, don’t let it be you next.
Learn more
Investment Scams
Have you ever received an unsolicited call or text about an investment? Chances are it is a scam
Learn more
Banking Online Safely
How to do it safely to avoid losing money or our personal information to cybercriminals
Learn more
Romance and Dating Scams
How to Protect your Money (and Heart)
Learn more
Phishing Scams
Don't get hooked
Learn more
Betting and Investment Scams
Think twice before betting on a sure thing
Learn more
Remote access scams
Can you imagine someone taking control of your computer?
Learn more
Spotting a Scam Podcast
A three-part podcast series by Crime Stoppers Victoria, Victoria Police and BankVic
Episode 1: Identity Theft
Australians lost nearly 8 million dollars to identity theft scams in 2022. Ella Gvildys from Crime Stoppers Victoria interviews experts, Detective Superintendent Jane Welsh of Victoria Police Cybercrime division and Shane Kuret, Chief Information Officer at BankVic to help us further understand identity theft.
Learn more
Episode 2: Identity Theft
Australians have lost 158 million to Investment scams between January and May this year. Ella Gvildys from Crime Stoppers Victoria interviews expert, Detective Superintendent Jane Welsh of Victoria Police’s Cybercrime division to help us further understand the complexities of Investment scams.
Learn more
Episode 3: Remote Access Scams
Why are hacking and remote access scams becoming the fastest-growing scam types? Listen to find out more. Ella Gvildys from Crime Stoppers Victoria interviews experts, Detective Superintendent Jane Welsh of Victoria Police Cybercrime division and Shane Kuret, Chief Information Officer at BankVic to help us further understand online scams.
Learn more
IDCare
As a financial institution, we are acutely aware of the devastating impact that identity theft and cybercrime could have on our members.
Members of BankVic can access IDCare services free of charge and receive guidance on the appropriate steps to take to minimize any damage caused by identity theft or cybercrime.
Simply use the code “BankVic”.