Banking Security

• Something urging you to act quickly.
• A caller threatening you for immediate payment or asking to remotely access your computer.
• Messages and emails asking you to click on links or open attachments.
• Someone asking for your passwords, or personal and financial details.
• Requests for payment via unsecure or unusual methods such as cryptocurrency, gift cards or bank transfer.
• Requests asking for payment to a new bank account.
• Unsolicited offers of financial or investment advice.
• Offers to make fast or guaranteed money with little to no risk.

Keeping your money safe from fraud and security breaches is our most important priority. While we’re constantly introducing new technologies and processes to keep your money safe, there are a lot of things you can do to reduce the chance of your money falling into the wrong hands.

1. Use our Block Card feature when you misplace your card

   Lost your card? Use the Australian Unity mobile banking app to temporarily block your card while you look for it.

   On the app, just select the relevant card then use the toggle to block (red) or unblock (green).

   Keep in mind that direct debit, recurring and scheduled payments will still be processed when your card is blocked. All other transactions will be declined.



2. Watch out for bogus emails and phone calls

   We’ll never ask you to provide sensitive information like passwords or logins by email or over the phone. So if you get an email or a phone call asking for these details, it’s probably a scammer pretending to be us.



3. Keep your passcode secure

   Your banking PINs, passwords and passcodes are super important, and it’s up to you to keep them secure. If there are unauthorised transactions on your account, the ePayments code, not Australian Unity, will decide whether you’re liable.

   Here are a few tips for keeping your passcodes secure:

   • Never give them to anyone, even family and friends.
   • Make sure you never write them down – especially in a place that’s connected to your banking cards or accounts (like your wallet, computer or phone).
   • Never use your birthdate or any identifiable part of your name. If you do, you may be liable for any unauthorised payments on your account.
   • Always access telephone banking via the official phone number listed on our website.
   • Always reject a request to provide or confirm your passcode by phone or email. We’ll never ask you for it.


4. Set up a Telecode

A Telecode is an additional way for us to identify you when you call, to ensure someone else isn’t pretending to be you. It’s an extra layer of security, and without one, you may not be able to access the full features of our telephone service.

A Telecode is separate from your Access Code or Passcode. You should choose a number that’s easy to remember, but not linked to your birthdate, name or postcode. Never tell anyone your Telecode.

To set one up, call us on 1300 790 740, we’re here Monday to Friday – 8.30am to 5.30pm AEST.

5. Use SMS One Time Passwords (OTPs) 

   We use SMS OTPs as an extra validation point when you’re banking online, for example when you’re about to make a large transaction.

   We’ll SMS you a 6 digit code, valid for one session or transaction, which you then enter online. It’s an extra layer of security for peace of mind.

   If you’re using a daily transaction limit of up to $1,250 then an SMS OTP is optional. If you want to have a limit above $1,250 then you’ll need to register.

   Find out more

• Monitor your statements, especially after an overseas trip.
• Check all transactions, even the small ones, because criminals try "testing out" stolen accounts by buying inexpensive items rather than large ones.
• Protect your cards as if they were cash - always keep them in a secure place.
• Report lost and stolen cards immediately and arrange for a replacement card to be issued to you.
• Do business with reputable merchants or vendors only.
• Contact us if you detect anything unusual.
• Ignore unsolicited emails or phone calls seeking your personal or account information or asking to reset log-in credentials. These are sometimes disguised as false security alerts. We will only contact you to confirm details we currently have.
• Beware of phone scams where a caller claims to be from a reputable organisation and seeks to take control of your computer. Never allow a caller remote access to your computer.
• Beware of unsolicited phone or SMS notifications requesting immediate overdue payments to government or business entities.
• Never disclose your Internet Banking log in credentials to any third party.
• Never disclose an Internet Banking SMS One Time Password to any third party.
• Memorise your PIN (Personal Identification Number) - never write it down, and never leave a written copy with the card or in an easily identifiable location.
• Do not open attachments or click on links from unknown sources. These may result in malicious software being installed on your computer.
• It is highly recommended that you install up to date Anti-Virus software on all your computer devices and schedule regular scans.

Verified By Visa

Verified By Visa is a security system that ensures you’re protected when you shop online with your Australian Unity Visa card. All Australian Unity Visa cards are automatically registered for Verified by Visa free of charge.

How it works

When you buy something online, we assess the risk of the transaction based on a number of factors, to identify if anything seems out of the ordinary. For example, it could be that the transaction value is higher than normal, or there’s a transaction from a retailer you haven’t bought from before.

If we’re concerned that the transaction may be fraudulent, we may ask you to confirm some personal details, like your date of birth or address, just to make sure your card isn’t being used without your permission.

Download Verified By Visa - Terms and Conditions

Vigil

Vigil is a 24/7 monitoring service designed to counter fraud on your Visa card. Provided by our industry partner CUSCAL, it’s another way we’re increasing security across our services.

How it works

Vigil searches for suspicious activity on your Visa card. If something doesn’t seem right, you may get a call from Vigil’s Fraud Bureau Service to discuss suspicious transactions. They’ll ask you to identify yourself as the account holder with some simple identity questions, then ask you about the suspicious transactions. We’ll then take action to stop any fraudulent transactions.

Heading overseas?

Let us know first. It’ll prevent Visa from cancelling any payments they think might be suspicious.

Have a questions about Vigil?

You can contact us here.