ABA welcomes launch of Federal Government’s National Anti-Scam Centre | First fusion cell to tackle investment scams 

The Australian Banking Association (ABA) has welcomed the launch of the Federal Government’s National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC), a key government and regulator initiative to help fight the scams scourge. 

The NASC kicks off with a fusion cell that will target investment scams.  

The ABA also welcomes the banking industry’s participation in the first fusion cell, alongside regulators, telecommunications industry and digital platforms.  

“The ABA is pleased to see such strong cross-industry representation in this first fusion cell, which will include experts from the ACCC, ASIC, the banking industry, telcos and digital platform providers,” ABA Deputy CEO Vanessa Beggs said. 

“As scammers get increasingly sophisticated and scams more complex, this cross-sector approach highlights that an ecosystem approach to disrupting scams is essential, and all sectors have a key role to play in the continued fight against scams – this includes government, banks, telcos, social media, crypto platforms and individuals.” 

The launch of NASC also provides a timely reminder to remain vigilant to scams.  

Key tips on avoiding scams, remember:  

Banks will never:  

• call and ask people to transfer funds to another account over the phone.  
• contact you to ask for any account or personal details in an unsolicited text or email.  
• ask for online banking passcodes or passwords over email, text or phone.  
• ask for remote access to your devices.  
• threaten you to take immediate action on an issue.   

 To never:  

• provide banking information, passwords or two-factor identification codes over the phone or via text to anyone even if you know them – and only contact your bank through official channels.  
• login to your online banking via links sent through email or text.  
• click on suspicious emails, links or texts. 
• transfer money unless you’re certain it’s going to the right person. 
• provide personal information to anyone you don’t know personally unless you know it’s for a legitimate purpose.  

 To always:  

• pause to question the authenticity of a text message, an email, a call or a person who claims to be from a trusted organisation. If in doubt, call back on the publicly listed phone number before taking any action.   
• register a PayID securely through your bank and not via a third party and use PayID where you can.  
• set-up two factor authentication to protect your accounts and online banking. 
• check the legitimacy of any invoices or bills and use PayID wherever possible. 
• immediately report any suspicious activity directly to your bank.  

ENDS

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