G&C Mutual Bank supports the Know how to spot phishing (scam) messages awareness campaign by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), which launches today.
Since early March 2020, the ACSC has seen a significant increase in the reporting of COVID-19 themed phishing campaigns. Phishing is a method used by cybercriminals to try and trick people into handing over their confidential information.
Scamwatch has received over 3,060 coronavirus themed scam reports with over $1,371,000 in reported losses since the pandemic's outbreak.
These scams have included malicious emails and SMS messages focused on advice about new virus cases and safety measures to prevent the spread, and/or access to government benefits or financial assistance payments.
The phishing threat
Phishing continues to be one of the most prevalent scams reported in Australia. Cybercriminals send phishing (scam) messages all year round impersonating legitimate, trusted organisations. They cast their net wide to try and trick anyone they can into handing over personal information, from online banking passwords to social security numbers and even business login details.
Sadly, cybercriminals will use a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to take advantage of vulnerable people seeking additional information by imitating trusted, well-known organisations or government agencies who may have answers to their queries.
Cybercriminals use all sorts of lures to trick people into handing over their personal details. Identifying phishing messages can be very difficult, as cybercriminals go to great lengths to make them look legitimate.
Think you can spot a fake email or SMS?
Visit the campaign page at www.cyber.gov.au/scam-messages and access the quiz to put your scam skills to the test.
Need help?
If you believe someone has gained access to your personal information, even if the scam appears unrelated to your finances, you should contact your bank immediately. A timely response can be critical in giving you the best chance to stem any loss.
- If you have concerns about your G&C Mutual Bank account contact us on 1300 364 400.
- You can find out how scams work, how to protect yourself, what to do if you’ve been scammed or report a scam to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) via the Scamwatch website www.scamwatch.gov.au.
