Our branch and contact centre will be closed for the ANZAC Day Public Holiday on Thursday 25 April.

Log on

Stay Safe

  • Home
  • About
  • Community
  • Stay Safe

Your security is our priority, protect yourself and your loved ones

At Orange Credit Union, we take your security seriously. We are working with our customers and the community to keep each other safe from fraudsters and scammers who are taking advantage of people's good nature and vulnerabilities, which has led to an increase in fraud and scam cases across the Orange region, and Australia. Anyone could be a target. It is important to know how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

Scam Awareness Webinar

Customer Owned Banking Association together with SAM Network came together to host a Scams Awareness Webinar in August 2022.

Did you know?

In our local experience, 9 out of 10 scams rely on customers being convinced by scammers to provide personal details or access to their bank accounts. You are the best protector of your personal information. Keep them safe at all times. Do not disclose security information to anyone, no matter what they say! If you think you may have fallen victim to a scam, contact Orange Credit Union immediately on 02 6362 4466. 

Stay safe from fraud and scams

According to ACCC Scamwatch, already in 2022, there has been more than $336 million lost and over 125,000 scams reported. Go to Scamwatch's scam statistics for the latest details.

What is a scam?

  • Scams are becoming more sophisticated so it is important to be aware of your actions.
  • Scams are when a third party deceives you into making payments, providing passwords, gaining your personal information or asking for/ getting access to your accounts.

What is fraud?

  • Fraud is when a third party seeks to deceive a bank or financial institution to gain access to your money. A common example is credit card fraud where your credentials are stolen when you use your card online.

Little Black Book of Scams 

The best way to protect yourself is through awareness and education. The Little Black Book of Scams is recognised internationally as an important tool for consumers and small businesses to learn about scams. 

Are you a victim of a scam or fraud?

Download this easy guide for information on what to do if you believe you may have been the victim of a scam or fraud.

Real life stories – don’t be next

  • Susie’s story

    Susie received an urgent call from Tim, who said he was from her telephone company's security department. Tim claimed he had detected a hacker who was sending her random advertising emails with a malware (a malicious computer program) that could be used to access all of Susie's personal details. Susie agreed to receive Tim's help and downloaded and installed a computer program that gave Tim access to her computer. Over a period of time, Tim scammed Susie out of more than $90,000.

  • Mark’s story

    Mark was scammed out of $8,000 on two separate occasions by a scammer who was impersonating a fraud investigations team at a well-known financial institution. The scammer convinced the man to withdraw cash in various large amounts over a period of a couple of months and deposit the money into a bank account. The man mistakenly believed he was being helpful and compliant but instead he was unknowingly depositing his cash straight into the bank account of a scammer. Unfortunately, as cash transactions were over the counter, the money will be more difficult to recover.

Top Tips

See our top 5 scam prevention tips

How we protect you

Safeguarding your financial and personal information is our top priority. Orange Credit Union has a number of checks and balances available to help keep your money safe.

Learn more about what we do to protect you and your business against fraudulent transactions.

Report a scam or fraud

  • If you expect a scam or fraud, contact us immediately. Trust your instincts and if you receive any suspicious calls, emails or SMS messages or notice unusual activity on your account, it is important to let us know.
  • If you think you have been a victim of a scam, you think your banking details have been compromised or you’re worried about fraud on your account, please contact the Orange Credit Union team immediately on 02 6362 4466.
  • If you contact us as soon as you are aware of suspicious activity, we will be in a better position to secure your account, prevent further loss and try to recover your money.
  • We will do what we can to help you, however in most cases we are unlikely to get your money back.
  • It is also important to report any fraud and scam activity including those you have prevented to the local Police and lodge an online report via the ACCC’s Scamwatch Service.

Visit the Australian Cyber Security to learn more

We are here to help

  • Remember, everyone can be targeted: Scammers can obtain your phone number fraudulently or from anywhere it has been publicly listed (such as in a phone book). Remember you can still receive scam calls even if you have a private number or have listed your number on the Australian Government’s Do Not Call Register.
  • If you receive a call on your phone or mobile and you do not recognise the number (ie- it may be from overseas) do not answer, it may be a scam. If you happen to answer and are asked personal information or to press numbers on your phone, do not comply, simply hang up as it is likely to be a scam.
  • Undertake software updates: Always keep your computer up-to-date with the latest software updates, anti-virus software and a good firewall.
  • Protect your personal details: Never give your credit card or online account details over the phone unless you made the call and you’re using a phone number from the trusted source like the organisation’s official website. Learn more about protecting your personal information.
  • Don’t give remote access to a stranger: Never give a stranger remote access to your computer, even if they claim to be from a well known business.
  • Phone and ask for your PIN or password to be provided verbally or by email.
  • Ask you to download any software or remotely access your computer.
  • Ask you to transfer money into another 'safe' account in your name – even if we suspect fraud.
  • Ask you to withdraw money.
  • Send someone to your home to collect cash, your PIN or cards or cheque books, even if you are victim of fraud.
  • Contact you requesting access to your device, request your passwords, security codes, PINs or other personal information via an email, text message or a phone call.
  • 24/7 Watch – We work with our fraud security team to monitor, detect and take action on scams that target our customers.
  • Latest Technology – We use sophisticated systems to constantly monitor transactions and identify risks, so you can feel confident your accounts are secure.
  • Real time checks – we know your online transaction activity and normal banking experiences. Getting to know your identity can help alert us to suspicious activity. We will alert you.

Orange Credit Union

Everyday Banking

Transaction accounts
Savings accounts
Term deposits
International services

Borrowing

Home loans
Personal loans
Car loans

Help

Digital banking
FAQs
Payments
Security

Tools

Calculators
Rates & fees
Contact us
Blogs

Follow us

© Copyright 2024 Orange Credit Union Limited | ABN 34 087 650 477 | AFSL / Australian Credit Licence 240768
Apple app store  Google Play