BEN Protect

• Keep your computer up to date by installing the latest security software and 'patches' for your operating system.
• Ensure you have anti-virus/spyware software installed, along with a firewall – and keep them up to date.
• Make sure you have a current backup of your important personal information/files.
• Delete spam emails and do not open email attachments or click on links in emails from strangers.
• Do not respond to an unsolicited email asking you for personal information or financial details.
• Be aware of email, internet and telephone hoaxes and scams – if something appears too good to be true, it almost certainly is.
• If possible avoid using shared computers, such as those at internet cafes, hotels and airports.
• For more information on how to keep yourself secure online please visit the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC).

• Criminals use phones as the number one delivery method for scams.
• Never allow anyone to access your computer/device remotely.
• Never provide your 6-digit e-banking security code to anyone.
• Do not respond to unsolicited calls, SMS or email asking you for personal information or financial details.
• Delete spam emails and do not open SMS or email attachments or click on links in SMS or emails from strangers.
• Be aware of email, internet and telephone hoaxes and scams - if something appears too good to be true, it almost certainly is.
• For more information about protecting yourself from scams, refer to ACCC Scamwatch website for more information.

• Don’t open suspicious texts, pop up windows or click on links or attachments in unsolicited emails – delete them.
• Don’t enter or provide your card number to unsolicited sites or callers.
• Don’t respond to phone calls about your computer asking for remote access – hang up.
• Keep your personal details secure.
• Choose your passwords carefully.
• Review your privacy and security settings on social media.
• Beware of any requests for your personal details or money.
• If you think you have been a victim of a scam, you need to let us know as soon as possible by calling us or by attending your nearest branch.

Increasingly, children are being targeted online and can be vulnerable to aggressive behaviour and criminal activity.

Children are soft targets – they use the internet regularly and interact via social media, but they're often too inexperienced to recognise when they are being deceived.

Education is the best way to help protect your children.

To access advice and resources specifically designed with parents and children in mind visit the following websites:

• Australian Government's eSafety Kids website and the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC)
• The eSmart Schools website, a world first initiative
• The ThinkUKnow website for parents, carers, teachers and young people 11-17 years old

Not many people use cheques these days, but cheque fraud is still prevalent.

Consider the following tips to help reduce cheque fraud:

• Keep your chequebook in a safe and secure place.
• Never pre-sign cheques.
• When mailing cheques, cross the cheque 'Not Negotiable' and send it in a plain envelope without a window.
• Use a pen or felt tip pen to write on your cheques, never pencil.
• Bank Cheques should not be considered as good as cash.
• Don't accept cheques in excess of the agreed price where you are asked to transfer/deposit the balance to a specific account.

For more information on cheque fraud visit the Australia Competition and Consumer Commission's Scam Watch website.