Internet Banking uses industry standard HTTPS (hypertext transfer protocol security) as the secure protocol between your web browser and the web server to ensure a secure connection is established and maintained.
Transactions are encrypted and authenticated as they travel across the Internet by industry standard 128-bit SSL encryption to protect the privacy of information. Digital identification certificate technology is employed through Digicert Inc. Only valid user messages are allowed to pass through the firewall and access the credit union system via the secure servers. The user activities (allowed via the Internet) are strictly defined and controlled by the secure servers in place.
At bankmecu, we're committed to protecting customers funds.
What we will do
- Regularly monitor for unusual transactions
- Actively seek to confirm with you any transactions that appear to be unusual. As part of this, Banking Integrity staff may call you, email you, or send you a letter requesting confirmation of a transaction
- Encourage you to verify our identify by contacting us on 132 888
- Take pro-active measures to restrict access to the account in the event that unusual activity is detected and we are unable to confirm the legitimacy of the transactions with you.
What we will never do
- Send you unsolicited emails requesting information
- Ask you to disclose your pin number or personal banking details in an unsolicited email or telephone call
- Ask you to disclose your card number or any other information on your card
- Ask you to click on a link in an email which then asks you to login to your account and verify your details
In today's society, fraudsters are always one step ahead in developing new ways of accessing people's money. Here are some of the common ways this can be done :
- Scams
- Viruses and spyware
- Counterfeit cards and skimming
- Phishing emails
- Mobile phone porting
Scams
Most scams are too good to be true.
Scams are fraudulent schemes promising large sums of money, often from foreign countries, requesting some type of service to be performed before payment is granted.
Scammers may contact you via mail, email, telephone, eBay or even doorknocking. Some of the most common scams are:
- Exclusive lottery entrance through payment of an upfront fee
- A payment to receive 'how-to-make-money' information, lottery or horse-betting predictions, and personalised horoscopes
- Advice of Goods or Prizes awaiting collection once a delivery fee is paid
- The opportunity to take part in a competition after payment of a fee
- Jobs are advertised that provide the opportunity to earn a commission, simply by receiving payment for sale of goods into your personal account and then transferring funds to another account, usually via Western Union
Viruses and Spyware
Viruses and spyware can harm your computer and allow third parties access to your personal information and account details.
A 'keylogger' virus is often used to record passwords used on your computer. The virus then forwards your details to criminals, who can then log in using your details.
A 'screen scraper' virus has the ability to capture a copy of the information that is on your screen.
Viruses and spyware are generally downloaded via hoax emails, or other pop ups claiming prizes have been won. To help protect your computer from becoming infected:
- Ensure your computer has adequate security installed including firewalls, antivirus and anti spyware
- bankmecu recommend that your computer systems are kept up to date. This can be done by ensuring automatic updates are switched on and any updates are installed as they become available.
Counterfeit Cards and Skimming Devices
Skimming is the term used for the unauthorised copying of an electronic device, in this case card details (including your pin) when using an ATM or EFTPOS terminal.
Once the card is skimmed the cards details are transferred over to a counterfeit card and used to access your account without your knowledge.
Skimming devices can be fitted to ATMs or kept out of view and used by retail staff. Some ways to avoid having your card skimmed are:
- Never use an ATM you think may have been tampered with
- Make sure there is not a 'card reader' or skimming device fitted to the front of the machine
- Keep your card in sight at all times when making EFTPOS / Visa transactions
- Ensure that you protect your PIN. Always cover your hand when entering your PIN to avoid someone else seeing it. Never disclose your PIN to anyone, including family, friends, police or bankmecu staff
If you notice or believe an ATM appears as though it has been tampered with, or if you think your card details or personal information has been compromised, contact mecu immediately.
Phishing / Hoax emails
These are fraudulent emails that circulate and appear to be sent from bankmecu or other legitimate businesses / companies. These emails attempt to trick you into providing personal information such as your customer number, internet password or telephone banking password and card details.
There are also other emails from senders unknown to you. These emails may contain links and or attachments that may download and install malicious software onto your computer.
Do not click on any links, do not open any attachments and do not enter any personal information.
If you believe your details may have been compromised by a phishing email, or you have received an email proclaiming to be bankmecu, contact us immediately on 132 888.
Mobile phone porting
Mobile porting can occur when scammers who have compromised your personal credentials including your mobile phone number may transfer your phone number to another provider so they can receive any security codes sent by bankmecu.
If your mobile phone service is suddenly disconnected or not receiving service then this could be a warning sign that your mobile phone has been transferred to another provider. You should telephone your mobile provider immediately to confirm why your mobile service is not working.
If your mobile has been transferred to another provider without your permission please contact us as soon as possible on 132 888.
The following websites and links can assist members with fraud and staying smart online: