Blog/News

Scam alert - Ghost stores EOFY

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:13:16 Z

Too good to be true? Stay alert for ‘ghost stores’ this EOFY sales season

As the end of the financial year approaches, many shoppers will be eagerly looking out for EOFY sales. However, as ‘ghost’ or ‘phantom’ stores become more common online, the Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA) is urging shoppers to remain vigilant.

According to ACCC’s Scamwatch, more than 12,000 Australians reported losing money to shopping scams in 2025, with total losses reaching $10.8 million.

“These websites are designed to trick even the savviest shopper, and scammers are experts in making fake websites look convincingly like legitimate retailers,” explained Martin Latimer, COBA Head of Financial Crimes and Cyber Resilience.

To help shoppers stay safe this sales season, COBA’s financial crimes team share their expert tips on how to spot, and avoid, such scams.

How do ‘ghost’ or ‘phantom’ stores work?

Typically, ghost stores can only be found online and do not have a physical presence. Consumers may be targeted through social media ads for these stores.

Ghost stores don’t often have registered Australian Business Numbers (ABN) and the websites may not have a privacy policy, terms and conditions, or contact details to contact the business.

Many ghost store websites may have AI-generated images of fake founders or customers, or stolen product images. They may resemble legitimate brands or websites in their name or logo.

These fake shopping websites tend to use tactics like creating a sense of urgency to get customers to make immediate decisions and payments. This could look like fake countdown timers on products, or limited stock warnings (such as ‘only 2 items left!’) to pressure shoppers into making quick decisions.

"Ghost stores often offer expensive goods at dramatically discounted prices up to 90% off. If it's too good to be true, it normally is,” Latimer warned.

Beyond the financial damage of such scams - where these fake stores may provide inferior quality goods or no goods at all once shoppers place an order - they also pose serious privacy and security risks. Ghost stores harvest personal information, login credentials, and payment details through phishing-style tactics that seem like legitimate online shopping experiences.

Latimer explained: “The prices on these websites can be quite tempting, and many shoppers may be keen to jump on what looks like a bargain. But ghost stores are designed to mimic legitimate retailers so convincingly that shoppers don’t realise they’re handing over more than their money, but sensitive personal and financial data as well.”

How to spot a shopping scam

When it comes to shopping scams, it’s important to watch for poor website design and spelling or grammatical errors. Another indicator the store may not be what it seems is a lack of customer feedback or reviews for the seller or product.

“When in doubt, it’s useful to double-check the website URL. Often, ghost stores may be using a ‘.com’ and not ‘.com.au’ website domain,” Latimer said.

If you are shopping on an Australian website, you can use the Australian Domain Authority’s website register to see which company or trademark registered it.

Latimer added: “Additionally, scam websites may encourage you to use untraceable payment methods like cryptocurrency or wire transfers. It’s best to stick to trusted and secure payment methods, which often have built-in buyer protection and fraud prevention features to help safeguard your purchases.”

What to do if you suspect a scam

To help yourself and others stay scam-safe, keep in mind the simple, three-step “Stop. Check. Protect” (Scamwatch) method - take a moment before giving your money or personal information to anyone, make sure the person or organisation you’re dealing with is real, and act quickly if something feels wrong.

If you suspect a scam, report the suspicious sellers or websites to National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC) – Scamwatch and Cyber.gov.au.

If you think you’ve been scammed, it’s important to contact your financial institution or card provider immediately. They can help stop further transactions and explore options to recover funds.

Scammed or nearly scammed? How to report – and why it matters

Wed, 13 May 2026 06:02:05 Z

Scammed or nearly scammed? How to report – and why it matters

Scams remain an ongoing challenge in Australia, with more than $334 million reported losses in 2025. Customer-owned banks are proactively combatting scams through a series of high-impact initiatives under the Scam-Safe Accord. By collaborating directly with government agencies and regulators, these institutions are building a unified front against financial crime.

However, the effectiveness of all scam defences relies heavily on timely intelligence. This is why customers have an important role to play by stepping up to report a scam or any suspected fraudulent activity.

What happens when scams are reported?

In reporting any suspicious activity (even if there was no money lost) customers can make a big difference by providing valuable intelligence that helps protect others.

When someone reports a scam, the information becomes part of a national intelligence network, with the data shared across government agencies, industry partners like the Australian Federal Police, ASIC, Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), and financial institutions.

“Information such as the type of scam, payment channel, contact method, and duration of communication is invaluable, as it is analysed to identify patterns and emerging trends used by scammers,” explains COBA Head of Financial Crimes and Cyber Resilience, Martin Latimer.

A key initiative of the Scam-Safe Accord was banks joining the Australian Financial Crimes Exchange (AFCX) and the Fraud Reporting Exchange (FRX) to facilitate the timely sharing of intelligence regarding scams, and to help customers recover money faster.

When customers report a scam to their financial institution, their bank or credit union can freeze the scam accounts and share the details of these accounts with other financial institutions, to ensure scammers aren’t able to move funds to other accounts.

“This intelligence sharing capability means that detecting one scam can help protect the whole community from the same trap,” Latimer adds.

Importantly, all the information gathered can also be used to take down scam websites, ads, and contact details - helping stop the next person from being scammed.

Every time customers report a scam, it adds a new piece to the puzzle, establishing links between criminals, scam activity, and daily attempts to defraud millions of hard-working Australians.

Why some victims don’t report scams

Scams can be devastating, affecting people’s financial outcomes, draining their savings, and destroying confidence. Sadly, they have become increasingly commonplace, with emails, social media, and phone calls among the most common contact methods used by these criminals.

While scams can happen to anyone, and there is no shame in getting scammed, victims often grapple with difficult feelings of stigma or fear of judgement. This results in many people being reluctant to come forward and report any suspected activity.

In some cases, victims may not be aware of where or how to make a report if they have been scammed.

“With many people still unsure about why they should make a report, it’s more important than ever to highlight why every scam reported in the system makes a difference, and how people can make a report,” explains Latimer.

How to report a scam

If you have been scammed or encounter a scam, it’s important to report it to ScamWatch.gov.au to help protect others.

When in doubt, remember to STOP. CHECK. PROTECT.

Stop - don’t share personal information or send money to anyone you don’t know
Think – ask yourself, could the message or call be fake?
Protect – act promptly if something feels off

If you suspect you’ve been scammed, don’t send any more money and block all contact with the scammers. Get in touch with your bank or financial institution to report the scam, and to stop any new transactions. You can also request a temporary ban on your credit report to ensure no unauthorised loans or credit applications can be made.

It’s also important to keep screen shots of conversations with scammers or websites to be able to provide all available information to your financial institution.

If you’re concerned that the scammer has your personal information like your phone number, email, address, or any ID documents, it’s also best practice to enable multi-factor authentication and change passwords on your accounts. Opt for a strong password with 10 or more characters using alphanumeric and special characters and ensure it is a password you haven’t used before.

Author: Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA)

To contact Bank Orange

Local: (02) 6362 4466
Overseas: +61 2 8299 9101
After-hours fraud reporting 1800 648 027

5 myths around financial hardship assistance

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 Z

Financial hardship assistance and your credit score: 5 myths busted

With rising interest rates and the cost of living continuing to put pressure on household budgets, many Australians are feeling overwhelmed.

If you’re struggling to keep up with repayments, it’s important to know that you’re not alone and there are options available to help

Understanding the mechanics of credit reporting and financial hardship assistance can help you make more confident decisions about seeking support when you need it most. Elsa Markula, CEO of Arca – Australia’s peak credit reporting body – suggests that a good place to start is simply understanding how credit reporting works .

“Your credit report is a record of your credit accounts and your repayment history. Credit reporting bodies maintain this information, and lenders use it when assessing applications for credit, such as a loan, credit card or Buy Now Pay Later account,” Elsa explains.

But, because life does not always go to plan, there may be situations when you may not be able to meet, or only partially meet, your repayments. In such situations, which can happen to anyone and are nothing to be ashamed of, Elsa encourages reaching out for help if you’re struggling. There are several tools or processes that can be of assistance at such a time.

"If you find yourself unable to meet your repayments, please ask your lender for financial hardship assistance. An arrangement allows your repayment obligations to be adjusted for a period, giving you the breathing room to get back on track,” she says.

To help you feel more confident about your options, here are five common myths about financial hardship assistance and the facts you need to know.

Myth 1: Asking for hardship help means you’ve failed financially

Many people feel embarrassed about speaking to their lender when they’re struggling with repayments. But financial hardship can happen to anyone.

Unexpected events such as job loss, illness, natural disasters, relationship breakdowns or rising living costs can affect even the most careful planners.

Lenders understand this. In fact, lenders have established hardship programs designed specifically to support customers through temporary financial difficulty.

Reaching out early isn’t a sign of failure, it’s a proactive step toward managing your situation and finding a workable solution.

Myth 2: If you ask for help, your credit score will drop

This is one of the most common misconceptions. Under Australian law, financial hardship information cannot be used by credit reporting bodies to calculate your credit score.

A hardship arrangement may appear on your credit report, but it does not lower your credit score.

What does matter for your credit report is whether repayments are missed. A hardship arrangement can actually help prevent repeated missed payments from being recorded.

Myth 3: It’s better to miss a payment than ask for hardship

Some people delay contacting their lender because they think they can “catch up later.”

But missed payments can stay on your credit report and may affect future credit applications.

A financial hardship arrangement can help avoid this situation. When an arrangement is in place, your repayment history reflects whether you meet your obligations as agreed to with your hardship arrangement.

That means seeking help early can help protect your credit report and reduce financial stress.

Myth 4: A hardship arrangement will stop you from getting credit in the future

Having hardship information on your credit report does not automatically prevent you from accessing credit later.

If you apply for credit in the future, a lender may simply ask questions about your current circumstances to understand whether the hardship situation has passed and whether you can comfortably afford repayments.

It’s also important to know that hardship information remains on your credit report for 12 months after the final repayment under the arrangement, after which it is no longer visible.

Myth 5: You should wait until things get really bad before asking for help

Many people wait until they’re already behind on payments before contacting their lender.

But the earlier you reach out, the more options may be available to you.

For example, lenders may offer temporary payment pauses, smaller repayments or other tailored arrangements depending on your circumstances.

Seeking help early can help ease your financial pressure, help avoid fees or negative repayment history, and give you breathing room while you get back on track.

Information sourced from: COBA

Read about how we can help you here: Financial Hardship | Bank Orange

How to manage & protect your passwords

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 10:00:00 Z

How to manage and protect your passwords to keep you safe online

Passwords form the foundation of our online safety, whether that’s banking, healthcare, or even our social connections. If they’re weak or reused, they can make you vulnerable to criminals.

“When your data is leaked in a breach, scammers can use it to impersonate you, trick you into clicking malicious links, or try your passwords on other websites. They might even use that stolen information to lock your files and demand a ransom,” COBA Head of Financial Crimes and Cyber Resilience Martin Latimer said.

Strong passwords are our first line of defence against cybercriminals, and amid rising data breaches across Australia, there’s never been a greater need for good password hygiene.

To help you figure out the best way to strengthen your passwords - and why this matters - COBA’s Financial Crimes and Cyber Resilience team have put together some simple tips.

Why does password hygiene matter?

Data breaches can be a goldmine for scammers, providing them with a trove of personal and payment information that can then be exploited.

In the first six months of 2025, over 10,000 individuals were affected by cyber incidents, with malicious or criminal attacks comprising the largest source of data breaches, according to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

“Having strong passwords is crucial to ensure cybercriminals can’t access your banking, government or healthcare accounts or target you with malware,” Latimer explained.

How to build stronger passwords

Strengthening your passwords doesn’t mean making them harder to remember — it means making them harder to crack. Longer, word-based phrases (known as passphrases) are usually a strong choice.

Consider a string of random words that only you can stitch together to create a unique phrase (for example: “train hall idea work” or “television table bottle snack”). Avoid using personal information or common, predictable words.

“Safe passwords typically have 10 or more characters - the longer, the better! You should further strengthen your password by combining uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers and special symbols, including swaps like ! for 1 or @ for A,” Latimer said.

Managing your passwords

It’s important not to share your passwords with anyone - including loved ones - and to ensure you are using different passwords for your various accounts.

Always enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever it’s available. This adds two or more verification methods to create an extra layer of safety on your accounts. MFA may involve passkeys, one-time passwords (OTPs), or biometric verification.

Additionally, pay attention to where your passwords are being saved.

“While many may do this for convenience, blindly saving your passwords in your browser to be auto-filled can put your cybersecurity at risk,” Latimer cautioned.

Instead, opt for a reputable password manager with a strong master password. Ensure it offers strong privacy and security features such as encryption, MFA, and alerts if your passwords have been exposed in a breach.

What to do if your passwords have been compromised

It’s important to be aware of the signs of a data breach so you know if your password has been compromised. Look out for suspicious activity such as unauthorised transactions, unfamiliar log-ins, unsolicited password resets, or alerts from financial institutions or service providers (even those you don’t normally use).

You can also check if you were affected by a data breach using platforms such as Have I Been Pwned.

If you believe your passwords may have been compromised, take immediate action to secure your accounts. Update your passwords across important accounts and run anti-virus software on your devices (including your phone) to check for ransomware.

If you are contacted by someone you suspect is a scammer, report the scam to the National Anti-Scam Centre – Scamwatch to help protect others.

For more information on how you can strengthen your online safety and keep your personal information secure, visit Cyber.gov.au.

Women and Property

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 10:00:00 Z

Women and Property

2026 report findings

Cotality is a global leader in property information, analytics, and data‑enabled solutions. They recently conducted their sixth annual Women and Property Report, exploring property ownership by Australians across gender and age groups.

Property ownership still follows a familiar pattern: the older people are, the more likely they are to own their home. Around three‑quarters of Baby Boomers are homeowners, either outright or with a mortgage. By comparison, only about a third of Gen Z have managed to enter the property market.

When it comes to income, most young women and men fall under the $100k mark - but women are more concentrated at the lower end. Almost 30% of Gen Z women earn under $40k, compared with about 20% of Gen Z men.

Younger women, in particular, don’t see home ownership as a top life priority the way older generations do. Whether that’s because of a discouraging housing market or simply different lifestyle values, owning a home just doesn’t hold the same weight for them.

For those who have bought property, the biggest motivations were financial stability (40%), having secure living arrangements (39%), family needs (34%), and wanting to avoid renting (27%).

Across the board, younger generations feel less prepared to buy a home - both financially and in terms of understanding the buying process. Two in five Gen Z women said saving a deposit was a major challenge, compared with about one in four women from older generations.

When it comes to improving their homes, young women tend to focus on small, sustainable upgrades like LED lighting and draft‑proofing. In contrast, young men and older generations (often with higher incomes) are more likely to invest in bigger, costlier improvements like solar panels or insulation.

Cotality (2026). Australian Women and Property Report. Retrieved from https://www.cotality.com/au (subscription required)

9 ways to spot financial abuse

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 10:00:00 Z

9 ways to spot financial abuse – and what your customer-owned bank can do about it

Financial abuse is a form of domestic violence where money is used to control, track or trap someone, and it occurs in nearly all cases of domestic violence.

Financial abuse may see victim/survivors lose access to their money, be manipulated into making financial decisions, or even be pressured to sign over documents or take on debt.

Customer-owned banks are dedicated to disrupting financial abuse, and have joined forces with financial safety expert Catherine Fitzpatrick, Founder of Flequity Ventures, and other banks and finance firms to launch the Financial Safety Alliance.

“Everyone, including businesses and banks, has a role to play if we are going to meet the ambition of ending gendered violence in a generation,” Ms. Fitzpatrick said.

“Research shows that women are more likely to talk to their bank about economic abuse than to a specialist family violence service provider. This is because money gives you choices – to leave, to disentangle and to start again.”

Because financial abuse relies on control and secrecy, it is often hidden, leaving victims/survivors unaware they are being targeted.

Here are some of the warning signs of economic and financial abuse.

1. Total control of household income

One of the most common signs of financial abuse is when one person assumes complete control over all household earnings, regardless of who earned them. They might decide how every cent is spent and force the other person to ask for an "allowance." This often involves withholding funds for basic necessities like food, medicine, or clothing, creating a state of total dependency.

2. Unauthorised accumulation of debt

This occurs when an abuser opens credit cards or takes out loans in a partner's name without their knowledge or consent. They may also pressure someone to increase credit limits or force them to act as a guarantor for loans they cannot afford. This tactic leaves the victim legally responsible for debt they did not create, damaging their credit score and future financial freedom.

3. Misuse of joint accounts and assets

Joint accounts are frequently exploited, especially during times of relationship strain or separation. A perpetrator might drain a mutual mortgage offset account or withdraw large sums of money without agreement. In other cases, they may refuse to contribute to mortgage payments or sell shared property without permission, effectively sabotaging the other person's housing security.

4. Digital surveillance and financial stalking

Modern banking tools are sometimes weaponised to track a victim's movements and behaviours. An abuser might monitor purchase descriptions to figure out where a partner has been or what they are buying. They may also use the description fields in digital bank transfers to send abusive or harassing messages, turning a standard financial transaction into a tool for emotional harm. This was a tactic used by the first perpetrator to be jailed under NSW coercive control laws.

5. Exploitation and theft of personal funds

This involves the direct taking of money that belongs solely to the victim. Examples include taking money from a partner's pension or superannuation without permission, selling their personal belongings without consent, or even failing to pay them for work performed in a family business. It is a direct violation of personal property rights designed to keep the victim broke.

6. Deliberate sabotage of employment and education

To ensure a victim cannot become self-sufficient, an abuser may prevent them from attending work or getting a job. This can involve sabotaging their ability to attend important meetings, blocking access to education or training, or even harassing the person’s colleagues at their workplace. By destroying a person's career prospects, the abuser ensures they remain trapped financially.

7. Intentional financial neglect

In this scenario, an abuser withholds financial support despite having the means to provide it. This includes neglecting to pay child support or refusing to contribute to household expenses. Often, they will force utility bills like electricity and gas into the victim's name only, ensuring that if the bills aren't paid, the victim’s credit is the only one destroyed.

8. Destruction of property and gambling

Financial stability is also threatened through the physical destruction of property or the reckless use of shared funds. An abuser might damage or steal property to cause financial distress or gamble with money meant for rent and bills. These actions create a constant state of financial crisis that makes it difficult for a victim to plan for the future or escape.

9. Information withholding and account blocking

A key element of control is the denial of information. An abuser may hide details about their own income or the total household wealth while simultaneously blocking the victim’s access to bank accounts. By keeping the victim in the dark about their financial reality, the abuser maintains a power imbalance that makes independent decision-making impossible.

Identified signs of financial abuse? Here’s how your customer-owned bank can help

If you believe you are experiencing financial abuse, your customer-owned bank can provide various forms of assistance to help secure your finances.

For example, they can look into suspicious activity by investigating any transactions that you did not personally authorise.

They can also assist in updating your online banking credentials, contact information, and account PINs, to further protect your privacy and access.

Additionally, your bank can help you set up entirely new accounts or facilitate other banking services to ensure you have a safe and independent way to manage your money.

Financial abuse can happen to anyone, and the abuser could be a partner, a family member, carer or friend. Remember, financial abuse is never your fault.

The Financial Safety Alliance, founded by social enterprise Flequity Ventures, brings together the Customer Owned Banking Association, the Australian Banking Association, the Australian Finance Industry Association and Arca. This alliance will help more than 200 banks and lenders to disrupt financial abuse through safer product and service design. Through this coordinated action, Australia is setting a new benchmark for how financial institutions can work together to prevent abuse and safeguard customers. More information here.

Bank Orange is excited to partner with Westfund

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 01:06:00 Z

Bank Orange is excited to announce our new partnership with Westfund to provide a health insurance that doesn't just do its job, but adds an extra level of care to its members.

About Westfund

Westfund helped to forge the private health industry in Australia back in 1953 – with origins dating back to 1881.

Westfund are a not-for-profit member-based health fund with offices in Orange, Bathurst, Lithgow and across Australia. They have member-first and community driven values and are a part of leading industry bodies; Australian Health Service Alliance, Members Health Fund Alliance and Private Health Australia.

Westfund have an exciting offer* for Bank Orange member - a discount of 5% off the standard premium of eligible Westfund products.**

*The offer is only available on the following products: Combined Hospital and Extras, Hospital Only

**The offer is subject to payment by direct debit and proof of Membership. Offer not available on Ambulance Only, Extras Only or Overseas products. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Discount will apply while a current MOU exists between Westfund and Bank Orange.

Find out more at https://www.westfund.com.au/corporate/bank-orange-5plus2mth/

Little Orange Book of Savings

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 00:08:08 Z

Leading regional customer-owned bank, Bank Orange launched a new Savings guide compiled with the help of prominent locals, employees and the community who have shared their saving experiences to help others.

With cost-of-living pressures on the rise, there is no better time to learn from others and share insights to help people make the most of their money. This project is the result of many conversations by the Bank Orange team with the community over the past two years to uncover the best savings tips in the region.

As we grow and develop throughout life, our financial needs and priorities change and so do our money goals. What works for now, may not work for later and what works for some, may not work for others but, it’s important to share experiences, learning as we go. It’s no surprise that the number one Financial Fitness goal across the Central West region is to save money. Whether it’s saving for a deposit on a home loan, new car, paying off debt, planning for a holiday or something special, we all could do with a little know-how to reach our goal.

‘Our Little Orange Book of Savings Tips’ is available as a free download here

There are many ways Your Team Orange can help with your banking and borrowing. Get in touch.

Lewis von Stieglitz to lead OCU

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 04:21:37 Z

Orange Credit Union introduces new CEO Lewis von Stieglitz to lead organisation into a thriving future.

Leading regional customer-owned bank, Orange Credit Union is delighted to announce the appointment of Lewis von Stieglitz as the organisations new Chief Executive Officer. With an extensive background in financial services across Australia, Mr von Stieglitz brings a wealth of experience to the credit union.

As the newly appointed CEO, Mr von Stieglitz will lead Orange Credit Union in its mission to strengthen the financial wellbeing of our customers and the community and is passionate about helping our customers of today and generations to come.

With over 30 years’ experience in the financial industry, Mr von Stieglitz has held several key leadership positions, including at General Manager level at Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Head of Banking Products at Territory Insurance Office Darwin, and most recently, CEO of Warwick Credit Union for the past 13 years.

In expressing excitement about joining Orange Credit Union, Mr von Stieglitz said, “it is a privilege to join the leading customer owned bank in Orange and the Central West. Mr von Stieglitz added, “serving the community is central to my interest in life and it is great to do so with an organisation which has been part of the fabric of Orange for the past fifty eight years”.

Orange Credit Union’s Board of Directors share the excitement of welcoming Mr von Stieglitz and believes that their strategic vision and leadership will be instrumental in positioning the credit union for a prosperous future. Orange Credit Union warmly welcomes Lewis von Stieglitz and looks forward to the positive impact he will bring to the organisation and its members.

Online security and what to look out for

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 04:32:35 Z

With nearly two thirds of Australian's using mobile banking as their top method for managing money, protecting your security online is more important than ever.

In 2023, Australians lost a reported total of $455,436,239 to thieves through scams.

Phishing scams were the most predominant, where a scammer contacts you pretending to be from a legitimate business such as a bank, telephone or internet service provider or Government organisation. You may be contacted by email, social media, phone call, or text message.

The ACCC's Scamwatch is a trustworthy resource to keep up to date on the latest scams and current hoaxes trying to steal your personal information.

Bank Orange encourages members to stay vigilant with the follow tips to protect your identity online:

Keep in regular contact with your financial institution

If you are receiving emails from your financial institution and you’re not sure if they are genuine, contact your financial institution and ask them. Chances are, if emails from your bank or credit union relate to loans, refinancing, interest rates, mortgage or home loan rates or the like, they could very well be genuine. If an email appears to be from your bank or credit union, but the email isn’t the same quality, uses misshapen or grainy images or is asking you to provide your member number and internet banking password from within the email, contact your bank or credit union immediately. They should be able to verify if the email was genuine or not.

Never open an email from someone you don’t recognise or click any links in an email that you suspect is fraudulent

Hackers and scammers can attempt to infiltrate your machine and steal your personal information by loading viruses on your device. Emails that contain such viruses usually ask you to click on links or provide your personal information as verification of your identity. Downloading attachments from these emails can also deliver the virus to your device which can freeze your files or provide them remote access to your device. If you receive an email from an unknown person or an institution that you don’t bank with, delete the email immediately and then delete it from your deleted items.

Never keep a copy of your PIN with your card (or anywhere)

It is important to keep your PIN number safe and never to keep a copy of it in your wallet. Your PIN should never be shared with anyone and is a number that you can easily remember without it being directly related to your birthdate, birth year or anything else easily identifiable by others.

Check your transactions regularly

It’s important to regularly check your transactions or account statements regularly so you can pick up any potentially fraudulent transactions as soon as possible. Even transactions from trusted companies like APPLE ITUNES AUSTRALIA can look authentic, but might be fake.

Our team is here to help

If you’d like any further tips or support with keeping your personal information safe with Bank Orange, follow us on social media, come along to our annual Stay Safe Forum or contact our Member Banking Specialists.