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Scams & Fraud

Whether you've encountered a suspicious incident around banking fraud or want to stay informed on preventive measures, we're here to guide you through the process. Your peace of mind matters, and with Broken Hill Bank, you have a reliable ally in navigating the landscape of financial security and protecting your savings account.

How to report a scam or fraudulent activity 

If you suspect fraudulent activity or have fallen victim to a scam, reporting it promptly is essential. Contact our team immediately to notify us so that we can investigate the issue.

Within
Business
Hours

To report fraudulent activity or believe you’re a victim of a scam during business hours, call: 

(08) 8088 2199

After Hours 

To report fraudulent activity or believe you’re a victim of a scam after hours, call:

1300 705 750

How to recognise frauds and scams

In the digital age, being able to identify potential banking frauds and scams is crucial for safeguarding your financial well-being. Here's a detailed guide to help you recognise and avoid falling victim to fraudulent activities:

  • Be cautious of unexpected emails, calls, or messages requesting personal information.

  • Legitimate organisations typically won't ask for sensitive details via unsolicited communications.

  • Avoid clicking on links from unknown sources or visiting unverified websites.

  • Phishing websites often mimic legitimate ones to trick users into disclosing sensitive information so avoid providing your personal information, Broken Hill Bank will never ask you to provide sensitive information via email.

  • Be wary of requests for payment in unconventional forms, such as gift cards or cryptocurrency.

  • Legitimate transactions typically involve recognised and secure payment methods.

  • Scammers often use enticing offers to lure individuals into providing personal or financial information.

Being vigilant and aware of these red flags will empower you to identify potential scams before they cause harm. If you ever encounter suspicious activity or banking fraud, promptly report it to our team for further assistance. Remember, staying informed is your best defence against fraud and scams.

Stolen debit card 

If you have noticed strange transactions on your card or believe your debit card has been stolen, please contact Broken Hill Bank and follow the instructions on our lost or stolen debit card page for support on what to do next.

Next steps 

If you believe you have been scammed, you should follow these steps to protect your accounts and personal information:

1.   Stop and Secure

  • Call Broken Hill Bank: Contact us immediately on 08 8088 2199, or call our Fraud Bureau Team on 1300 705 750 for afterhours assistance. Tell them what has happened and they will help you.

  • Block all transactions:  We will remove your internet banking to prevent further unauthorised access.  We can place blocks on your cards to ensure your money is secure.

  • Cease all contact: Immediately stop communicating with the potential scammer and do not send any more money or personal information.

  • Do not click: Avoid opening any links, downloading attachments, or following instructions to install software provided by the suspected scammer.

  • Lock your cards: If after hours, contact the Lost/Stole Card Hotline on 1800 648 027, they can stop your card immediately or you can cancel your card via internet banking if your device is secure. 

  • Unplug your device:  If your computer was compromised, immediately unplug your device. 

  • Change passwords: Immediately update passwords for your other bank accounts, email, MyGov and any other accounts (like email) that may have been compromised. 

  • Contact reputable IT expert: Ask them to check your device to ensure no malicious software has been downloaded.

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2. Reporting & Recovery

  • Report to Scamwatch: Submit a report to the National Anti-Scam Centre at Scamwatch.gov.au to help authorities disrupt future scams.

  • Lodge with ReportCyber: If you have suffered a financial loss or identity theft, report it to the police via Cyber.gov.au (ReportCyber).

  • Contact IDCARE: For identity theft concerns, reach out to IDCARE on 1800 595 160 for assistance.

  • Check your credit: Consider contacting credit reporting agencies to place a temporary ban on your credit report to prevent unauthorised loan applications in your name.

Support Services

  • Emotional Support: Being scammed can be distressing; contact Lifeline (13 11 14) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) for 24/7 support.

  • Financial Counselling: If the scam has caused significant debt, call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 for free, confidential advice.

Once you let our team know about the scams or fraud that you believe your account is involved in, our team will investigate the issues, keeping you updated throughout the process. Broken Hill Bank is committed to protective measures and keeping your finances and personal information safe and secure.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • If your bank account is defrauded, as soon as we are notified we will take relevant steps to secure your account. Contact us and we will work diligently to investigate and provide assistance to minimise the impact on your finances.

  • While reversing payments can be challenging, report the scam promptly to our team. We'll guide you through the necessary steps and work to recover funds when possible.

  • Unusual transactions, unrecognised charges, or unexpected communication are signs of potential fraud. Regularly monitor your account and report any suspicious activity promptly to our fraud reporting team.

  • Be cautious when sharing your BSB and account number. Legitimate institutions typically require this information for transactions, but be wary about sharing it with unknown or unverified entities to avoid potential fraud.

  • After cancelling a debit card linked to subscriptions, it's important to update your payment information with each provider to avoid interruptions in service. This involves providing the new card details to ensure your subscriptions continue seamlessly without any disruptions.

Get in touch.

Please do not submit personal information, such as account / card numbers, Tax File Number, etc.