Find out about our latest scam alerts and what to do if you've received a suspicious SMS.
We are committed to ensuring the security of our customer's money and personal information.
We have implemented advanced security measures to address the issues associated with banking online, but it is equally important that our customers treat the security of their personal computers just as seriously.
Cold calling scams
June 2023
Rural Bank business and personal customers are continuing to being targeted by scammers.
The scammers are posing as bank staff, including Rural Bank, and are convincing with information they have.
More recently they:
- Have British/UK accents;
Alert you to unauthorised transactions made from your accounts and banking products, which haven’t occurred; - Provide information that seems real to get you to provide your e-banking PIN, password or 6-digit security code;
- Are requesting remote access to your computer to 'fix' problems;
- Ask you to download programs to your computer;
- Request that you transfer money into another ‘safe’ account.
These are all signs the person is a scammer, and you should hang up and call us on 1300 660 115.
Remember:
- We will never ask you to move your funds to a ‘safe account’;
- Never provide your 6-digit Internet Banking security code to anyone - in person, over the phone or online even if they claim to work for your bank and have personal information about you'
- Never provide a caller with remote access to your computer;
- We will never ask you for your Internet Banking PIN, Internet Banking password or 6-digit Internet Banking security code;
- We will never ask you to login to Internet Banking via a link sent in an SMS or sent in an email;
- We may call from time to time and ask to verify your identity by asking for your verbal password. However, we will never ask you for any PIN, password or security code relating to your Internet Banking. If you feel uncomfortable, you can always verify our branch contact details on our website and call us back.
If you ever feel uncomfortable, or not sure about a call, please hang up and call us on 1300 660 115.
Learn more about how to spot a scam.
Latest alert - May 2023
Cold calling scams - call line identification overstamping
Scammers are calling customers and appearing to be calling from within Australia.
They use a system called ‘call line identification overstamping’ (CLI overstamping). This is what makes the call appear to be operating within Australia, but they are not.
They are convincing with apparent previous knowledge of the customer. This is falsified information and they generally engineer the call to appear to be from the Bank's fraud or cyber security team.
Please check our things to remember and cold calling scams to protect yourself whenever you receive a call from anyone saying they are from the Bank.
What to do if you have received a suspicious SMS text message
Never click on a link. Please forward it to 0429 557 997 or take a screenshot and email it to phishing@bendigoadelaide.com.au and then delete the SMS text message. Please be aware you will not receive a personal response for any SMS text messages sent.
What to do if you have received a suspicious email
Never click on a link. If you have received a suspicious email you can forward it to phishing@bendigoadelaide.com.au for investigation.
Previous alerts
Latest alert - January 2023
Scam messages and calls
Scammers continue to pose as members from our fraud team and may call or send a SMS indicating you have been exposed to fraud or that your internet banking has been compromised or hacked.
In reports, scammers are requesting personal information such as your 6-digit security code, PIN or password. If you are asked this is a scam and hang up immediately.
In some reports, scammers are asking you to transfer money into another bank account. This is to trick you into giving away your personal information or money.
This is a scam.
Remember to always be cautious when giving out personal information or sending money online and follow our guidance to protect yourself.
Latest alert - December 2022
Scam messages and calls
We have been made aware that scammers are posing as members from our Fraud Team. We have also had reports that scammers are posing as Rural Bank staff.
Scammers may call or send a SMS indicating you have been exposed to fraud or that your internet banking has been compromised or hacked.
They may also advise your funds have been placed "on hold".
In some instances we have received reports that scammers have even replicated our phone IVR options with one voice prompt linking to the "Fraud Department".
We have also received reports of customers receiving scam emails. The emails appear to come from Bendigo Bank asking customers to urgently call a phone number to address irregular activity against their bank account.
This is a scam.
Rural Bank will never request personal information such as your Pin/Password or ask you to login to online services from an email or SMS.
Before contacting Rural Bank please verify contact details against those published on our Contact us page.
Here are some other ways to protect yourself:
- Never provide your 6-digit Internet Banking security code to anyone - in person, over the phone or online even if they claim to work for your bank and have personal information about you.
- Never provide a caller with remote access to your computer.
- We will never ask you for your Internet Banking PIN, Internet Banking password or 6-digit Internet Banking security code.
- We will never ask you to login to Internet Banking via a link sent in an SMS or sent in an email.
- We may call from time to time and ask to verify your identity by asking for your verbal password. However, we will never ask you for any PIN, password or security code relating to your Internet Banking. If you feel uncomfortable, you can always verify our branch contact details on our website and call us back.
