Helping you stay safe and secure online

Cyber Security and Scams

Government agencies such as the Australian Cyber Security Centre are receiving a high number of reports of COVID-19 related scams targeting the public. It remains BOQ’s priority to ensure we help you stay safe and secure online. 

COVID-19 scam techniques seen to date include:

  • Fake text messages and emails that direct individuals to click on fraudulent links or to provide personal and sensitive data
  • Products sold as supposed vaccines
  • Illegitimate charities requesting donations
  • Phone calls impersonating government authorities and leading health organisations
  • Investment opportunities arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

We recommend you take your time and think before you click. If in doubt, we encourage you to validate the authenticity of a message by checking with the sender via another channel (e.g. phone call to a number listed on their corporate website).  

If you have given out sensitive data such as your banking password, change your password and contact us immediately.

 

Report a scam

BOQ will never send you a link to a sign-in page, to confirm your personal details or to access Internet Banking directly. If you receive a suspected phishing email or text message, or you identify unauthorised transactions on your account, please let us know as soon as possible by emailing financialcrimes@boq.com.au. We also encourage you to report any suspected scam activity to Scamwatch at www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam

Report a scam

Remote Access Scams

Remote access scams try to convince you that you have a computer or internet problem and that you need to buy new software to fix the problem.

 

  • Never give an unsolicited caller remote access to your computer.
  • Never give your personal, credit card or online account details over the phone unless you made the call and the phone number came from a trusted source. If you receive an unexpected phone call about your computer and remote access is requested – hang up – even if the caller mentions a well-known company.
  • Telecommunications providers do not request credit card details over the phone to fix computer or telephone problems and are not affiliated with any companies that do.
  • Make sure your computer is protected with regularly updated anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a good firewall. Research first and only purchase software from a source that you know and trust. If you have fallen victim to a scam or you receive a lot of unsolicited emails and phone calls, consider changing your email address and phone numbers.

If you receive a call like this, make sure you don’t give out any details and hang up straight away.