Warning about hoax SMS messages that appear to be from your bank

The Australian Government Stay Smart Online Alert Service recently issued the below warning. While it refers specifically  to hoax SMS messages addressed to ANZ Bank customers, it is possible that the same type of hoax will be directed at customers of other financial institutions so everyone should be alert.

ANZ Bank warns of hoax SMS that attempts to scam customers: Alert Priority High
The ANZ Bank has issued a warning about a fake SMS message that urges customers to click on a link to stop the bank suspending their accounts.

The bank advised on social media that anyone who received the text should delete it immediately, and asked people who viewed its warning to share it with their family and friends.

On its security alerts and reporting fraud page, the ANZ Bank advises customers who have received hoax messages and clicked on any links, downloaded any attachments or responded to these messages with their banking details, to contact the ANZ helpdesk ‘immediately’.

The bank also extends the advice to customers that have noticed any unusual payments.

Clicking on a link in an unsolicited SMS message may expose a customer to malicious software such as viruses. This malware may capture your bank account details or other sensitive personal information, hand control of your smartphone to a remote attacker, or perform other unwanted activities.

Stay Smart Online recommends that if you are unsure whether an SMS message is legitimate, you verify the authenticity of the message with the organisation the message purports to be from. Always use contact details sourced from the business or government organisation’s legitimate website rather than any details included in the message itself.

If you do click on any suspicious links, immediately advise the relevant business and government organisation and monitor your accounts for unusual activity. If you believe your phone may be infected, you may choose to seek assistance from an independent technical expert.

Reporting cybercrimes
If your smartphone has been compromised, you can report the incident to the Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network (ACORN).

ACORN provides information on how to recognise and avoid common forms of cybercrime, such as hacking, online scams, online fraud, identity theft, attacks on computer systems and illegal or prohibited content, as well as offering advice to those who have fallen victim.

ACORN makes it easier and more convenient to report cybercrime to a law enforcement agency.

 (Source: Neighbourhood Watch Queensland blog)