Protecting yourself from COVID-19 related scams

The Australian Government is encouraging everyone to be aware of new scams relating to COVID-19 (Coronavirus). One of our top priorities is to keep your financial and personal information safe, and here are things you can do to minimise risks.

3 types of scams to be aware of

1. Phone scams or ‘Vishing’

Be suspicious of unknown or unexpected callers. If you’re unsure, just hang up.
Financial institutions will never request remote access to your machine or ask for confidential information such as your PIN, Internet Banking password or SMS Code.
If you’re unsure, call back on the official number listed on the organisation's website, not on a number the caller provides.

2. SMS scams or ‘Smishing’

These often appear to come from an apparently trustworthy source like a government organisation or bank.
If you’re unsure, don’t click on any links within the text message, they can lead to false sign in pages and other websites designed to capture your personal information.
Do not respond to any suspicious text messages. If you are concerned or have any questions, contact the organisation directly on a trusted number.

3. Email scams or ‘Phishing’

These emails may impersonate legitimate businesses or even government agencies and generally have a sense of urgency to entice you to open attachments, click on links or provide information.
Attachments or links may contain malicious software. Only open these if you’re 100% certain it’s from a source you can trust.
Legitimate organisations will never send you a link directly to their sign-in page or ask you to enter or validate personal information via an email. If you’re unsure don’t click.

Some simple ways to protect yourself

If you receive a suspicious phone call, SMS or email claiming to be from BankSA, please give us a call on 13 13 76 or forward it to 0459 13 4629 (0459 13 HOAX) or hoax@banksa.com.au for investigation then delete.
Remember that genuine BankSA emails will not include links to sign in pages, or ask for your personal information, account details, PIN or passwords.
Ensure your computer has up-to-date security software.
Stay up-to-date on the latest security advice via our dedicated page.
Regularly visit the Scamwatch website run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

Examples of COVID-19 related scams

1. SMS scam

This smishing SMS requests that you update your contact details and provide a link to do so. By clicking the link you will be taken to a fake sign in page (a phishing website) which requests your personal banking information.

2. Email scam

This email implies that BankSA requires action on your behalf. It contains a link taking you to a phishing website which then asks for personal banking information.

How we’re protecting you

Our Fraud Money Back Guarantee and Internet Banking Security Guarantee both ensure you’re reimbursed for any unauthorised transactions (provided that you haven’t contributed to the loss). We also have a 24/7 fraud specialist team who will get in touch if any suspicious transactions are detected.

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Important information

Eligibility conditions apply. BankSA customers who wish to utilise these special relief measures or need assistance should contact BankSA Assist on 13 13 76 or speak with their Relationship Manager.