ANZ Bank warns of hoax SMS that attempts to scam customers: Alert Priority High
The ANZ Bank has issued a warning about a fake SMS message that urges customers to click on a link to stop the bank suspending their accounts.
The bank advised on social media that anyone who received the text should delete it immediately, and asked people who viewed its warning to share it with their family and friends.
On its
security alerts and reporting fraud page, the ANZ Bank advises customers who have received hoax messages and clicked on any links, downloaded any attachments or responded to these messages with their banking details, to contact the ANZ helpdesk ‘immediately’.
The bank also extends the advice to customers that have noticed any unusual payments.
Clicking on a link in an unsolicited SMS message may expose a customer to malicious software such as viruses. This malware may capture your bank account details or other sensitive personal information, hand control of your smartphone to a remote attacker, or perform other unwanted activities.
Stay Smart Online recommends that if you are unsure whether an SMS message is legitimate, you verify the authenticity of the message with the organisation the message purports to be from. Always use contact details sourced from the business or government organisation’s legitimate website rather than any details included in the message itself.
If you do click on any suspicious links, immediately advise the relevant business and government organisation and monitor your accounts for unusual activity. If you believe your phone may be infected, you may choose to seek assistance from an independent technical expert.
Reporting cybercrimes
If your smartphone has been compromised, you can report the incident to the
ACORN provides information on how to recognise and avoid common forms of cybercrime, such as hacking, online scams, online fraud, identity theft, attacks on computer systems and illegal or prohibited content, as well as offering advice to those who have fallen victim.
ACORN makes it easier and more convenient to report cybercrime to a law enforcement agency.
The information provided here is of a general nature. Everyone’s circumstances are different. If you require specific advice you should contact your local technical support provider.
Feedback
Thank you to those subscribers who have provided feedback to our Alerts and Newsletters. We are very interested in your feedback and where possible take on board your suggestions or requests.
Disclaimer
This information has been prepared by Enex TestLab for the Department of Communications (‘the Department’). It was accurate and up to date at the time of publishing.
This information is general information only and is intended for use by private individuals and small to medium sized businesses. If you are concerned about a specific cyber security issue you should seek professional advice.
The Commonwealth, Enex TestLab, and all other persons associated with this advisory accept no liability for any damage, loss or expense incurred as a result of the provision of this information, whether by way of negligence or otherwise.
Nothing in this information (including the listing of a person or organisation or links to other web sites) should be taken as an endorsement of a particular product or service.
Please note that third party views or recommendations included in this information do not reflect the views of the Commonwealth, or indicate its commitment to a particular course of action. The Commonwealth also cannot verify the accuracy of any third party material included in this information.
