Types of card fraud
Skimming
Skimming is when an electronic device is used to record your card information when you swipe it. Skimming devices can be placed anywhere you swipe your card, including ATMs and EFTPOS machines. It may be attached to the slot you swipe through or may be kept nearby to be used by the fraudster when you hand your card over to be processed. The fraudster will also try to capture your PIN, usually by standing nearby and watching you enter it, or by using a hidden camera.
The recorded information is used to create a duplicate card with your bank details, giving the fraudster access to your accounts.
Phantom callers
Criminals have been known to steal EFTPOS or credit cards, and then phone the card owner pretending to be from your bank or the police to try to get the PIN. These types of scams are often targeted at the elderly.
Remember your bank will NEVER ask for your PIN and you should never give your PIN to anyone for any reason.
How you can protect yourself
There are a number of ways to make sure your ATM/EFTPOS Cards, Visa Debit Cards or credit cards stay as secure as possible.
Card management
- Keep your contact details up to date so we can let you know if we notice anything suspicious.
- Don’t let your card out of your sight – if a retailer needs to swipe your card, make sure they give it back to you straight away.
- Where possible, swipe your card through EFTPOS terminals yourself.
- Read the terms and conditions of any website before making an online purchase and look for hidden charges.
- Check your statements for any transactions that you don’t recognise.
- Never give your card details to someone over the phone unless you initiated the call and you know the company is reputable.
- If you have any doubts about the security of an ATM or retailer (especially on the internet) – don’t use it!
- If you've misplaced or lost your credit card, you can put a temporary block on your card using the mobile app or via internet banking. The block can be removed at any time within the app or internet banking.
- If your EFTPOS, Visa Debit or credit card has been lost, stolen or someone has discovered your PIN, please call us and we’ll cancel your card immediately. You can also cancel it and order a replacement card using the mobile app. EFTPOS and Visa Debit Cards can also be cancelled via internet banking.
PIN safety
- Memorise your PIN number – don’t write it down anywhere and don’t disclose it to anyone.
- Take extra care when keying in your PIN to make sure no one else can see it.
- Use different PINs for different cards.
- Don't tell anyone your PIN, or give your card to anyone (including family members, the police or bank staff).
- You can use our mobile app or internet banking to change your PIN if you think someone knows your current PIN.
When you're travelling overseas
- Let us know if you're going overseas, where you'll be travelling, how long for and how we can contact you while you're away.
- Try to only use ATMs that are attached to banks.
- If you can, never let your card out of your sight. When in overseas restaurants, staff will often take your card away for payment. Consider going with them to sign and complete the payment or pay with cash instead.
How we protect you
We have a dedicated fraud prevention team that monitors activity on all cards - ATM/Eftpos, Visa Debit and credit cards – 24 hours of every day so you can relax and transact with confidence.
If we notice any unusual spending on your card, we'll try to contact you to make sure it's you spending your money. If we can't get in touch with you and we believe there's a high chance of fraud, we may temporarily block your card to stop any more transactions until we can speak to you.