Latest Scams and Warnings

Remote Access Scam

Also known as cold call scams, remote access scams often occur when a scammer contacts you pretending to be from a well-known company (e.g. telephone or internet provider, online marketplace, video or music service).

The scammer will ask you to download remote access software onto your computer or mobile device.  Scammers typically explain this is to, 'find out what the problem is'.  The scammer may also direct you to make payments to the 'company’s account' or perform other funds transfers.

Warning Signs:

• Receiving a call from someone advising they have detected internet or performance issues with your computer or modem.
• The caller asking you to buy a piece of software or a service to ‘fix’ your computer.
• Caller asking you for personal details and/or banking or credit card details.

They may then ask for some or all of the following:

• Remote access to your computer.
• You to log into your internet banking.
• A need to refund your account.
• You to return the refund that was 'overpaid'.

How to protect yourself from a remote access scam:

• If you receive a phone call out of the blue about your computer or internet service and remote access is requested –  hang up  – even if they mention a credible company.  If in doubt, call your internet service provider back on a trusted phone number.
• Never give an unsolicited caller remote access to your computer or mobile device.
• Never give your personal, credit card or online account details over the phone unless you made the call and the phone number came from a trusted source.
• Make sure your computer is protected with regular updates, anti-virus / anti-malware software, and a firewall.
• Research software first and only purchase software from a source that you know and trust.
• If you have fallen victim to a scam or you receive a lot of unsolicited emails and phone calls consider changing your email address and phone numbers.

If in doubt, contact BOQ urgently on 1300 55 72 72, visit www.boq.com.au/contact-us for our operating hours.

Phishing

A phishing scam is a fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information or data from you such as bank account numbers, passwords and credit card numbers. You may be contacted by email, social media, phone call, or text message.

Scammers pretend to be from a trusted organisation and ‘phish’ for information through text messages and emails. The texts and emails contain malicious links and attachments designed to steal personal and financial information. Once provided, you can become vulnerable to ID takeovers, account hacks, email compromises and/or unauthorised internet banking or card transactions.

Warning signs

• The message is sent from a public email domain. Legitimate organisations will typically not send you emails from a free webmail service.
• The domain name is misspelt.
• The email is poorly written.
• It includes suspicious attachments or links.
• The message creates a sense of urgency.
• The messages asks you to log into your Internet Banking account.

How to protect yourself

• Be cautious and validate all communications you receive.
• Do not click on any links listed in the correspondence and do not open any attachments.
• Do not enter personal information in a pop-up screen.
• Do not respond to the message.
• Install a phishing filter on your email application and also on your web browser.
• If you receive a link posing to be from BOQ, report it to us immediately via financialcrimes@boq.com.au.
• Delete the message, ensuring to take a screen shot if you need to report the URL to BOQ.
• Always access Internet Banking via www.boq.com.au or the BOQ mobile app.

If in doubt, contact BOQ urgently on 1300 55 72 72, visit www.boq.com.au/contact-us for our operating hours.

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