Don’t Get Caught Offguard Online!
In a recent article featured in ‘The Courier Mail’ it is reported that stealing identities is one of the fastest growing crimes in Australia.
It is estimated that Australians lose up to $3.5 billion a year to identity thieves as they clear out bank accounts and leave a trail of destruction whenever they strike.
But here are some pointers to ensure that you can avoid being stung…
- Keep your card safe and secure.
- Keep your PINS and passwords secret and strictly to yourself.
- Choose PINS that are hard to guess.
- If you write them down disguise them.
- Don’t store internet banking passwords on your computer.
- Send your card details only through secure internet sites.
- Check your account statements regularly. Any discrepancies? Contact your bank immediately.
- Always keep your details up to date with your bank.
- Never throw away intact bills or bank statements. Shred them if possible and ensure that your name and address cannot be linked to any account information.
- Stay in sight of your credit card if paying at a restaurant, bar, service station etc.
- Contact your institution immediately iIf your card is stolen.
And here are some security tips when working with the Internet…
- Never follow the instructions in an email asking about your finances.
- Keep your computer secure. Some frauds can lure you into opening an email or an attachment that secretly installs a ‘Trojan’ that allows scammers to monitor your computer and access your accounts.
- Install and keep up to date protection on your computer and remember that your best weapon is your ‘delete’ button.
- Only go to the official website for your financial institution using your ‘favourites’ or by typing the URL in the address bar of your browser.
- Avoid using computers in public places, such as Internet cafes for your online banking.
- Suspect a scam if you’re asked for your account details or passwords by email.
- Keep private information out of chat rooms and emails.
- Watch out for those ‘ You have won the lottery’ deals. And if it’s hard to believe, it probably is.
- To report a financial scam or for more information on the latest scams, financial pitfalls and mistakes to avoid, go to ASIC’s consumer website FIDO at http://www.fido.gov.au or call ASIC info line on 1300 300 630.
This is part of an article featured in Saturday 11th February 2006 Courier Mail.
