ANZ is urging customers to remain alert to potential scams during the festive season, as scammers often exploit this busy period marked by increased online shopping, gift-giving, and travel. The bank has reported a 22 percent rise in scam-related activities this year. Similarly, the Australian Cyber Security Centre noted a 13 percent increase in reported cyber incidents. Scams are frequently initiated through phone calls, texts, and emails, with over 90 percent of cyber attacks beginning as phishing emails.
Shaq Johnson, ANZ's Head of Customer Protection, stated: “This busy time of year can leave Australians more susceptible to scams and cyber-attacks.” He emphasized the importance of being "cyber safe and cyber resilient" during this period and encouraged discussions about evolving scams at family gatherings.
The bank highlighted several common scams to watch out for:
- Bank impersonation scams involve fraudsters pretending to be from a bank's Fraud Prevention team. They attempt to alarm victims by claiming their account is at risk and request sensitive information. ANZ advises never sharing personal details over the phone and verifying calls using official contact numbers.
- Business email compromise (BEC) schemes involve altered invoices that deceive businesses into sending funds to fraudulent accounts. ANZ recommends verifying any requests for payment detail changes before proceeding with transactions.
- Fake parcel delivery notifications are prevalent during peak online shopping times. Cybercriminals impersonate courier services through SMS or email links. Customers should avoid clicking on such links and track deliveries directly via official websites.
- Fake e-gift cards are used by scammers who send counterfeit cards to obtain personal information from recipients. ANZ advises visiting retailers' official websites to verify gift card authenticity.
- "Hey Mum" scams involve imposters posing as family members needing urgent financial assistance due to lost phones or other emergencies. Recipients should be cautious when asked for immediate money transfers.
- Travel scams exploit holiday travel plans by offering fake deals or compensation for disrupted trips through fraudulent websites. Customers should ensure they communicate only through official channels.
ANZ encourages making a PACT—Pause before sharing personal information; Activate two layers of security; Call out suspicious messages; Turn on automatic software updates—to safeguard digital assets like physical ones.
For further guidance on staying secure online during the holiday season, visit ANZ.com or consult their guides for individuals and businesses.