Important information
Threats to Macquarie's clients and customers continue to evolve and impact users of financial services through various methods, and in different ways. Being aware of the different threats that exist, and what you can do to prevent them, is the best way of avoiding them.
Online threats can refer to any type of fraud or scam generated through the internet or via email. Most online threats are designed to steal personal information such as credit card numbers, user names and passwords. These are typically executed through social engineering scams. The main intent is to gain a financial benefit via fraud.
A good password should be at least eight characters and contain a mix of letters, numbers and symbols in upper and lower case. Avoid using your name, username or something easily identifiable. Remember to use different passwords for logging into different sites and if you become aware of a password of yours being compromised, change it as soon as possible. Never use your internet banking password to access other websites. Protect your online password in the same way you would protect your ATM PIN. Never disclose your passwords and don't write them down or carry them together with your cards or in your wallet or bag. If you believe your password may have been compromised contact Macquarie as soon as possible.
Two-factor authentication gives you an extra layer of protection on your online accounts. When logging in or processing some transactions, you’ll be asked to authenticate yourself through another mechanism such as a One Time Pin sent to you via SMS message or a push notification to your mobile device. Macquarie has launched Macquarie Authenticator, which can be downloaded to your mobile device and utilises push notifications to verify you and your transactions. You can use a pin code, biometric such as facial or fingerprint recognition (if supported by your mobile device) or a rolling code that can be used whilst travelling overseas where you may not have phone service to receive a SMS.
When performing online transactions always ensure the website is secure. This can be done by checking the browser bar starts with 'https://' or you will see a padlock either on the browser bar or in the bottom right corner of the web page.
Restrict personal information such as date or birth, phone number and address as this may lead to identity theft.
Macquarie will never ask you to verify or confirm any personal information or passwords via an email. If you receive any request purporting to be from Macquarie please send to scams@macquarie.com.
Macquarie Group (Macquarie) is committed to providing a secure banking environment for all our clients and customers. We use the latest technology to ensure a safe and secure environment to protect your personal information and privacy.
We protect your accounts with us against loss as a result of fraud. When conducting your online banking with us, we provide you with peace of mind knowing that we will protect you against losses for unauthorised fraudulent transactions where you have not contributed to the loss. Macquarie works closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure fraud matters are handled with proper care and due diligence.
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Is that email really from your boss?
If you have experienced an online threat or have fallen victim to phishing or any other type of online fraud, please contact your local Macquarie office immediately on 1800 806 310 (or +61 2 8232 3333 from overseas).
You can also notify us by email at scams@macquarie.com. If possible please send your contact phone number and the suspicious email as an attachment, rather than forwarding the email. This helps to identify the author and source and will be used to help reduce online fraud.
For more information pertaining to online threats and how to protect yourself you can visit:
It is important to secure your computer properly to prevent putting yourself and possibly your family and friends at risk. There are simple measures you can take to protect your computer and your personal information.
Protect your computer
Phishing is a technique used by fraudsters to obtain sensitive information such as passwords, internet banking logons and credit card details by sending an email or message pretending to be from a trustworthy source. This contact may also take place in the form of a phone call ('Vishing') or a text message ('SMSishing'). Communications claiming to be from banks, popular social websites and auction sites are commonly used to trick the unsuspecting web user.
Fraudsters send out millions of these fraudulent emails to random e-mail addresses in the hope of luring unsuspecting innocent persons into providing their personal banking details. More commonly now, fraudsters are narrowing their attacks (spear phishing) in an attempt to target specific groups and/or individuals.
Macquarie Group does NOT send such emails to their clients to confirm or verify any personal information.
If you receive an email, text message or phone call and you are unsure whether it is legitimate, you should never respond or provide your personal details. Instead, contact Macquarie directly using a number or method you know is genuine.
Emails and text messages
You may receive emails or text messages, directing you to websites that ask you to enter your personal information. The aim of many of these email scams is to take you to websites that may look like the genuine site but are in fact a clone website. When you click on a link or enter your personal details, the information may be sent to someone other than your bank or other service providers. This means that someone else may be able to access your accounts.
Phone calls
You should be cautious when receiving unsolicited phone calls from people claiming to represent your bank or another business, especially when you are asked to provide information about your login credentials or card details. 'Vishing' is the term used for this process, where the caller's objective for contacting you is attempting to obtain these details for their financial gain.
Protect yourself against phishing scams
Report any phishing attempts to Macquarie Group Limited at scams@macquarie.com.
Spam or electronic 'junk mail' is unsolicited commercial messages sent to a person's email account or mobile phone. Spam messages may contain offensive material, promotions for fraudulent services, solicitations of personal information and bank details. They may also contain malware or link to a website which contains malware which may make you vulnerable to attack or compromise.
Your internet service provider can often provide spam-filtering software. This flags emails as spam, so that you do not receive as many in the future. You can end up on a spammer's mailing list by:
Protect yourself against spam
If the email looks like it's from Macquarie requesting personal information or account details, report it to us on scams@macquarie.com.
A large part of online crime is now centred on identity theft. This specifically refers to the theft and use of personal identifying information of an actual person, as opposed to the use of a fictitious identity. This practise can include the theft and use of personal information of persons either living or deceased.
Trust your instincts when people contact you online or over the phone. Make sure you verify who it is you are speaking to and don't be afraid to say 'no' or to simply hang up and end the conversation without giving a reason.
Protect yourself against identity theft
The ABA, ASIC and the AFP have worked together to produce a website called www.protectfinancialid.org.au which also provides tips on how you can avoid becoming a victim.
Scams have existed for centuries, however the internet allows scammers to reach a much larger audience.
A scam might come in the form of an email, contact from an unknown person through websites such as dating sites, online forums or social networking sites. Scams are usually designed to either steal your money or trick you into revealing personal information. They use techniques to manipulate you and appeal to your good nature, and are constantly evolving.
'Cold calling' scams are an unexpected or unsolicited telephone call offering investments or financial advice. The investments they offer usually guarantee high returns or encourage you to invest in overseas companies.
The scams sound professional and may have other resources to support their claims. Cold callers often claim to be stock brokers or portfolio managers.
Generally speaking, it is illegal for anyone to offer you financial advice or a financial product, such as shares, without an Australian Financial Services licence (AFSL) issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
Protect yourself against scams
For more information on suspected scams go to www.scamwatch.gov.au.
You may also report any scam to this site as well to your local police.
Report any scam attempts to Macquarie at scams@macquarie.com.
Cheque fraud may be committed by:
Protect yourself against cheque fraud
If you suspect that you may be a victim of cheque fraud please contact Macquarie immediately on number 1800 806 310 (or +61 2 8232 3333 from overseas).
Macquarie has a state of the art fraud detection system that monitors credit card transactions for suspicious activity 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You may be contacted from time to time to confirm recent transactions on your credit card.
To avoid any inconvenience whilst travelling overseas ensure that you notify Macquarie of your travel arrangements prior to leaving Australia on 1300 150 300 or the number on the reverse of your credit card.
Protect yourself against credit card fraud
If you believe that you may be a victim of credit card fraud, or your card has been lost or stolen, please contact us on 1300 150 300 or the number on the reverse of your credit card.
Protect yourself from ATM and EFTPOS scams
To find out more about ATM and Card skimming please refer to www.scamwatch.gov.au.