Scams and hoaxes

• 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