Scammers do not stop at anything to target victims, including adopting a personal touch. Watch out for scammers - whether you are answering a phone call, opening mail, online chatting with friends, shopping or even looking for love. A phone call, SMS, letter, email, fax, blog, online chat or dating service - scammers will use any of these means to target you

Remember: don't let scammers into your life - protect your identity. Avoid falling prey to scammers by using these tips:

• PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY: Your personal details are private and invaluable - keep them that way and out of the reach of scammers.
• DON'T RESPOND: Ignore suspicious emails, letters, phone calls or text messages - press 'delete', throw them out or just hang up.
• DON'T LET SCAMMERS PUSH YOUR BUTTONS: Scammers will play on your emotions to get what they want, so be alert and aware.
• RESIST THE PERSONAL TOUCH: Watch out for scammers posing as someone that you know and can trust, or pretending to know you.

Stay one step ahead of scammers. Visit the Australian Government's SCAMwatch (www.scamwatch.gov.au) website to get information on scams that target Australian consumers and small businesses. You can find out how scams work, how to protect yourself and what to do it you've been scammed.

Australian Credit Unions have joined forces with government and industry to fight fraud.
The Credit Union Industry Association (CUSCAL) is partnering the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce in its SCAMWATCH campaign.

• Callers advising that the person's computer is infected with a virus and requesting credit card details to fix the problem

• Callers offering products, services or cash under fake government grants

• Callers offering to place the person's number on the Do Not Call Register for a fee

• Recorded messages asking consumers to "dial 9" for a 'free' holiday. Forewarned is forearmed, and there are simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of being ripped off.

• Be cautious - if you get an unsolicited call and the caller requests personal information, it may be a scam. Hang up and verify who they are by independently finding their contact details from a trustworthy source such as a phone book and contacting them directly.

• Protect your personal information and financial details - don't provide your details to anyone who has contacted you out of the blue who you don't know and trust. Even if they claim to be from a reputable company or Government department it may still be a scam.

• If you get a cold call from someone claiming you are entitled to a refund, have won a holiday or have a virus on your computer, hang up immediately.

• Contact your credit union immediately if you think you have provided your details to a scammer.

The most common ways that criminals obtain a PIN at an ATM are by looking over your shoulder (defeated by covering your PIN), by using spy or micro cameras (also defeated by covering your PIN) and by using a false overlay over the PIN pad.

It should be second nature to cover your PIN at an ATM, just as you don’t typically hold your wallet wide open when removing notes, so that others can see how much is in it."

Sure criminals can also compromise your PIN by PIN Pad overlays of one form or another, but using cameras or looking over your shoulder remain the most common methods.  Why do they need the PIN?  Because if they have it they have a chance of making illegal cash withdrawals using trapped or counterfeit cards (as well as illegal payment transactions). 

If you don't routinely cover your PIN when making an ATM transaction, you might start after watching it! 

• Protect your PIN by standing close to the ATM and shielding the key pad with your other hand.

• Check to see if anything looks unusual or suspicious about the ATM. If it appears to have anything stuck onto the card slot or key pad, do not use it. Cancel the transaction and walk away. Never try to remove suspicious devices.
  
  
• Be cautious if strangers offer to help you at an ATM, even if your card is stuck or you’re having difficulties.Don’t allow anyone to distract you.
  
  
• Where possible, use an ATM which is in clear view and well lit.
  
  
• Check that other people in the queue are a reasonable distance away from you.

• Keep you PIN secret. Never reveal it to anyone, even someone who claims to be calling from your bank or a police officer.

• Avoid opening you purse, bag or wallet when you’re in the queue. Put your money away immediately.

• Regularly check your account balance and bank statements, and report any discrepancies to your bank immediately.    
  

WARNING
Many members will be aware of recent fraud activity and media coverage regarding Terminal Manipulation fraud. To assist you SGE have provided some background of the fraud activity and what you can do to prevent being a target. SGE works in conjunction with the industry body ABACUS who keep the credit union up to date with any potential terminal compromises and trends in fraud spending. In addition SGE monitors card transactions and has rules in place which will alert suspect card transactions.

What is it?
Terminal manipulation is a form of card skimming whereby an EFTPOS terminal is compromised by criminals to record card data and PIN numbers. Skimming occurs when card details are illegally captured from the magnetic stripe and then used to produce duplicate cards. Often, fraudsters attempt to capture the PIN through "shoulder surfing" or hidden cameras.

What can members do to?
One of the key things that members can do to reduce their chances of becoming a victim of card skimming is to protect their PINs.

The Australian Payments Clearing Association (APCA) has launched a new website about the importance of PIn protection. The new website - www.apca.com.au/protectyourpin - explains how members can protect themselves from most skimming attacks by taking simple steps like never divulging their PIN to anyone, always covering with their hand while entering the PIN.

If you have concerns contact SGE immediately on 1300 364 400 between 9:00am and 5:00pm weekdays, or email us.

Recent Trend on Card fraud - How to protect yourself

INTERNET BANKING DO's & DONT's

It is your responsibility to ensure you protect your system by having a Firewall, which protects your PC against intrusion, an Antivirus and Adware/Spyware software program with an auto update feature.

Remember to change your password regularly.

NOTE: Having protection software will not completely guarantee against unauthorised access or virus contamination, but may increase the security of your computer systems.

DO's
	Change your password regularly
	Add your bank's website address to your list of favourites
	Contact SGE Credit Union if you have concerns about your account
	Always log out after a banking session
	Check the internet banking pages for the padlock security symbol
DONT's
	Don't follow links within emails. Always type in the web address manually
	Don't give your account details to anyone
	Don't leave your computer while you are logged on to internet banking
	Don't use memory storers or retainers for important information on websites
	Don't use a computer or equipment that you do not trust