Fraudsters are compromising the email accounts held by purchasers or their suppliers and are then sending fraudulent emails to purchasers advising that their supplier has updated their account information.
Often updated invoices are then sent to purchasers by the fraudsters, detailing the updated payment instructions.
Sometimes purchasers may receive an invoice from their supplier, that was intercepted and fraudulently updated without their knowledge prior to receipt.
Another version of this scam occurs when a senior person within a company, receives an email from another senior person, requesting that an urgent confidential payment be arranged via domestic or overseas Wire Transfer.
Investigations then reveal that the instruction originated from a compromised or slightly different email address. Funds are often transferred to Hong Kong.
As email is not a secure communications protocol, it is very important that any new or updated payment instructions received via email are independently confirmed by phone, on a confirmed number.
For more information regarding this scam, see the following links from the Scamwatch site - https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/news/invoice-email-scam-now-targeting-australian-businesses and Scamnet site - https://www.scamnet.wa.gov.au/scamnet/Scam_types-Attempts_to_gain_your_personal_information-Phishing-Fake_CEO_scam.htm
Fraudsters are contacting victims pretending to be from Telstra, the NBN or Microsoft, advising that their computers have been compromised with viruses or Trojans and need to be cleansed.
The victims may also be advised that their internet speed is slow and they need a new modem. The victims are then instructed to download and install a remote access program, which provides the fraudsters with access to their computers.
The fraudsters then usually instruct victims to login to various websites including Internet Banking. Once this has occurred, the fraudsters may then conduct Internet Banking transfers to third party accounts without the victims knowledge. During the call, the victim is instructed to provide their PIN and Token Code as part of the cleansing process. There are also other variations to this scam.
For more information regarding this scam, see the following link from the Scamwatch site - https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams/attempts-to-gain-your-personal-information/remote-access-scams
Fraudsters are approaching victims, by phone, SMS, email, or scam website, advising them of highly attractive investment opportunities. Once contact is made, high pressure sales techniques are used, the scammers may even pay high returns on small initial investments in order to entice larger investments. Victims are directed to professional looking websites and are often provided with login access to see their (scam) investments.
Be wary of investment opportunities that seem too good to be true. Always conduct independent research into any investment offers received.
Consider seeking the services of a registered Financial Advisor - https://asic.gov.au/for-finance-professionals/afs-licensees/financial-advisers-register/
Check that the investment provider holds an Australian Financial Services Authorised Representative Licence - https://search-afsl.com/
For more information regarding this scam, see the following link from the Scamwatch site - https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams/investments/investment-scams
The gradual move from in-store to online shopping, has resulted in scammers setting up fake online-stores offering non-existent or fake goods. Some scammers are also offering goods at reduced prices via social media websites, but when the goods arrive, they are found to be of inferior quality.
For more information regarding this scam, see the following link from the Scamwatch site - https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams/buying-or-selling/online-shopping-scams
Romance scammers are lurking on online dating websites looking for unsuspecting victims. Initial contact is also sometimes made via email, SMS, Facebook, WhatsApp and Messenger, etc.
Once contact is made, these scammers are very good at gaining the trust of vulnerable victims. They will often promise to fly to Australia in order to start a new life with the victims.
These scammers will often send images of themselves, but these images are often stolen from various websites on the internet.
Usually within two to five months of contact and false promises, the scammer will start to ask for money. Some of the more common stories used by Romance Scammers are detailed below.
For more information on this scam see this link from the Government Scamwatch page - https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams/dating-romance
Scammers are sending emails, SMS messages, social media messages, or letters to people, advising that they have won a lottery, sweepstake, prize or award etc. that they never entered, or had any knowledge of.
Victims are usually advised that in order to collect their winnings, they will be required to make an up-front payments for various reasons, including taxes, stamp duty, insurance costs, courier charges, bank fees etc.
For more information on this scam see this link from the Government Scamwatch page - https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams/unexpected-winnings/unexpected-prize-lottery-scams
Yes, it is strongly recommended your computer has anti-virus software and a firewall installed, as this provides a layered approach that offers the best online protection.
Using an outdated browser may compromise your data security. We recommend you regularly update your browser to the latest version.
To help you upgrade more easily, below are links to the most commonly used browsers where you can upgrade your software.
If you would like further information please contact Client Services on 1800 025 484
● Chrome
● Firefox
● Safari
● Edge
Avoid using free wifi or public computers to access internet banking, as they do not provide a secure internet environment. Try to stick to computers you own or control in order to protect your internet security.
Rabobank's Online Savings Mobile Banking app for Australia is available on the Apple App store for Apple devices and Google play store for Android devices. Simply search for the latest version by typing in "Rabobank Online Savings Mobile Banking AU" and follow the download prompts.
You can also watch this short, helpful video on how to download and set up the Rabobank Online Savings Mobile App: