Supporting you through recent cyberattacks
HSBC is aware of recent cyberattacks which have impacted millions of Australians. These have highlighted the importance of continuing to improve the measures that help keep our customers’ personal information safe, so our Fraud and Security team have increased surveillance and monitoring for fraudulent activity.
How are we protecting you?
- Our Fraud Monitoring systems run 24/7, allowing us to constantly monitor for any potential threats related to our customers.
- HSBC utilises multi-layer authentication throughout the logon, account application and transaction journeys
- We have a dedicated team of fraud prevention and detection staff specialists that are committed to protecting our customers' accounts
For more information please visit HSBC Online Banking Security.
How can you help protect yourself?
- Always be aware of unsolicited or unrequested phone calls, emails or SMS text messages requesting you to take urgent action or asking for any personal information.
- Ensure your computer is protected with the latest anti-virus and firewall protection software at all times. Download updates regularly to ensure you have the latest protection.
- Ensure your contact details are up to date so that we can contact you in case we learn your HSBC account has been compromised or we need to verify any transactions or activity on your account.
- Consider updating your online banking password via Online Banking or Mobile App
- Consider contacting one of the Credit Reporting Agencies and if necessary request a block/ban on your credit report to prevent fraudsters from attempting to open any accounts or services in your name:
a. Equifax, phone 138 332
b. Experian, phone 1300 783 684
c. Illion, phone 1300 734 806
Where to go for Additional Information
- Optus Latest Updates: https://www.optus.com.au/support/cyberattack
- Australian Cyber Security Centre Alert on Optus Data Breach:
https://www.cyber.gov.au/acsc/view-all-content/alerts/optus-data-breach - Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) – Scams information
https://www.afca.org.au/scams-things-to-look-out-for-and-how-to-protect-your-information - Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC):
Scamwatch https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams - IDCARE: Help for those affected by Scams or Identity
Theft https://www.idcare.org/#home
What is a scam or fraud?
A scam occurs when someone gains your trust in order to steal your information or money. Scammers can use sophisticated lies to trick you into believing them.
Banking fraud usually happens when someone accesses your money without your knowledge or authority, sometimes this is as a result of a scam. You may not even know this has happened until you notice money is missing from your account(s) or your bank contacts you directly.
Financial Abuse is the illegal or improper use of your finances or property by another person that you have a trusting relationship with. The abuse may not technically be an illegal act. To find out more about elder financial abuse.
Important things to be aware of
How to spot scams
Scams and attempted fraud can be very hard to spot. To help you identify potential fraud or scams be aware of what HSBC will never do.
At HSBC we will never:
- Phone and ask for your PIN or password to be provided verbally or by email
- Ask you to download any software or remotely access your computer
- Ask you to transfer money into another 'safe' account in your name – even if we suspect fraud
- Ask you to withdraw money
- Send someone to your home to collect cash, your PIN or cards or cheque books, even if you are victim of fraud