Fraud Protection and Security

At The Greater we’re always working to keep your money and your identity safe. Our Corporate Risk and Security Department monitors the latest fraud trends and customer accounts looking for potential fraud.

We will never send unsolicited emails or call you requesting passwords, dates of birth, phone numbers or similar personal information from you. NEVER follow links or instructions in such emails or give details to people claiming to be our staff. 

Fraud prevention is a joint effort. Here are some things you need to do to help protect yourself against fraud.

• General Security Tips
• Identity Theft
• Credit and Debit Cards
• Using ATMs
• Cheques and Passbooks
• Internet Banking
• Scams

  General Security Tips

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  • Do not disclose your PIN (Personal Identification Number), password or confidential details to anyone.
  • Do not disclose your personal or account information over the phone unless you initiated the call.
  • Memorise your PIN. Do not keep it with your card.
  • Report lost or stolen cards, chequebooks or passbooks to The Greater immediately on 1300 651 400.
  • Always check your statements and report any unauthorised transactions to the The Greater immediately on 1300 651 400.
  •  Tell us as soon as possible when you change your address.

  Identity Fraud and Identity Theft

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  • Ensure that your computer has the latest anti-virus, anti-spy ware software and security patches for its operating system. Update your PC security on a monthly basis.
  • Make sure you destroy or shred correspondence containing personal information.
  • Lock away items that reveal personal details particularly in share accommodation. Don't unnecessarily carry ID documents such as your passport or birth certificate.
  • Lock your letterbox to help avoid your mail being stolen to obtain your personal details.
  • Read your account statements, mail and bills and look for any irregular activity.
  • Regularly review your credit file to ensure that the information is correct. Ongoing monitoring services may be obtained from credit reporting agencies. Check with them for availability and cost.
  • If you believe you are a victim of identity theft, notify us immediately on 1300 651400 and any other credit providers/financial institutions, Police, utility providers and credit reporting agencies. Notify the two main credit reporting agencies, VEDA (1300 921 621) and Dun & Bradstreet Credit Bureau (1300 734 806) and report the possible theft and misuse of your identity to them. Request a copy of your credit file from both agencies and review for fraudulent activity such as payment defaults that you have not incurred, or credit enquiries relating to fraudulent credit applications. Obtain the report again a few months later to further check entries against fraud. Request any information on the file relating to fraud be removed.

  Credit and Debit Cards

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  There are a number of ways credit/debit card fraudsters can take over your accounts.

  1. Computer viruses can identify and extract your card details from your PC allowing offenders to shop online with your card details.
  2. When your card is used in a skimming device. Skimmers can be fitted to ATM’s or Point of Sale devices at any location around the world.
  3. Cards can be intercepted in transit whilst being sent to you.
  4. When your card is lost or stolen and used by a third party to purchase goods.

  If a card has been skimmed, offenders may be able to make counterfeits of that card and perform transactions on your account, including withdrawing cash at ATM’s.

  Card Security Tips

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  • Cover your Personal Identification Number (PIN) when entering it at any ATM.
  • Memorise your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Don't use the same PIN for all your cards, and don't choose your date of birth or other easily identifiable number that might be on something else in your wallet or purse.
  • Check statements and call us if you see anything suspicious.
  • Do not let your credit/debit cards out of your sight at anytime. At a restaurant - go with the card.
  • Be even more vigilant when travelling overseas - credit card skimming is an international crime.
  • Always sign your cards in ink as soon as you receive them.
  • Keep track of when new and reissued cards should arrive, and call us if they don't come on time.
  • Make sure your mail box is secure, and that only you or authorised people have access to it.
  • Tear up all credit card receipts and pre-approved card offers into small pieces or shred them before you throw them away. Keep your billing statements in a safe place.
  • When you use your cards online, make sure you are using a secure website. Look for a small key or lock symbol at the bottom right of your browser’s window
  • Never give your card number to strangers or telemarketers. Don't give your card number unless you initiated the call.

  If your card is lost or stolen call the Greater Building Society on 1300 651 400 (call 1300 731 144 outside of business hours). If a Visa card is lost or stolen outside Australia contact the Visa Global Customer Assistance Service (GCAS) pertaining to that country. Visa can generally issue an emergency replacement card within 24 hours.

  ATM Security

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  • Examine the machine for attachments or evidence of tampering before you insert your card and cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN.
  • Be discreet when withdrawing cash at an ATM.
  • If you believe an ATM has been tampered with, DO NOT use it. Advise the nearest Greater Building Society branch or call us on 1300 651 400.

  Cheques and Passbooks Security

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  • Keep your chequebook and passbook in a safe and secure place.
  • Never pre-sign cheques or withdrawal forms.
  • Don't give your passbook to another person for any reason
  • When mailing cheques, cross the cheque 'Not Negotiable' and where possible, send it in a plain envelope, not a window faced envelope.
  • Do not use pencil to write your cheques. Use a ball-point or felt tip pen.
  • If your cheques or passbook are lost or stolen call us immediately on 1300 651 400.

  Internet Banking Security

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  • Ensure you have up to date anti-virus and personal firewall software installed.
  • Never follow links or open attachments that arrive in unsolicited emails.
  • Take extra care when using a computer in public places and internet cafes. Do not respond if you are prompted to save log on details.
  • Protect all access methods*. Do not disclose your PIN or personal information to other people.
  • Change your access code frequently and use access codes that are hard to guess.
  • Do not accept links or redirections from other web sites or email for the purpose of logging on to Internet Banking.
  • Look for the SSL encrypted connection, indicated as https:// and a padlock. The Greater's web details will be listed in the 'issued to' section of the digital certificate.
  • The Greater will NEVER email you requesting you confirm your log on details. If you receive such an email please contact us immediately.
  • The Greater will NEVER prompt you to enter your 'card' or 'account number' details. If you are prompted to enter such details please contact us immediately.
  • Always log out when you have finished with Internet Banking.
  • Do not download any shared files or files from websites you do not trust.
  • Ensure you have the right account information of a person you are trying to pay before confirming payment.

   * Access method means any method we make available to users in order for users to give us authority to act on an instruction when using electronic equipment (including computer and telephone) to debit or credit an EFT account. For further information see our Terms and Conditions.

   Scams

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  Always be alert to scams. If an offer seems too good to be true it usually is too good to be true.

  • Be aware of scams, such as spam emails, chain letters and people claiming to be representatives of Government Departments, financial institutions or other businesses.
  • Do not give your name, bank account details, copies of your passport, birth certificate or any other personal details to anyone other than for legitimate purposes.
  • Be suspicious of any emails, letters or phone calls you receive from Australia or overseas saying you have won a prize or asking you to forward sums of money in return for more money.
  • Customers should also be alert to sophisticated investment scams designed to take their retirement savings. Well organised criminals claiming to be investment brokers generally make contact with victims by phone. For more information see Fraud Warning: Be aware of new scams on Super.
  • For the most up to date information on the latest internet based scams go to www.scamwatch.gov.au.

  For more information on the latest banking scams please visit www.scamwatch.gov.au or contact the Greater Building Society Fraud Prevention team at fraud@greater.com.au. To report a scam or if you believe you are a victim of a scam contact the Police or the Greater Building Society on 1300 651 400 or email fraud@greater.com.au.