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Stay scam safe in 2025

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There's no time like the new year for a refresher on staying scam safe!

While a lot of us may be on holiday, scammers never are. That's why it's so important to stay vigilant all year long. We all have a role to play to protect ourselves. As a community of Bank First Members, let’s keep working together to be vigilant in 2025.

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January: Be cautious of booking scamsJanuary: Be cautious of booking scams

Planning holiday travel? Think twice before checkout, and research any websites you use to book accommodation or transport. Only shop on secure websites (look for the padlock in the URL browser).

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February: Don't fall for romance scamsFebruary: Don't fall for romance scams

Unfortunately, scammers will go to any extent. They may even approach you from a fake social media profile with the intention to build a relationship and ultimately request money from you. Don't fall for 'catfish'.

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March: Gone phishing?March: Gone phishing?

Watch out for phishing emails asking for information, especially from unfamiliar senders. Check for typos and poor grammar. Looks dodgy? Don’t click any links, delete and report the message immediately.

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April: Investment scamsApril: Investment scams

Investment scams normally appear out of the blue and promise very high returns with little to no risk. In all cases, money spent in an investment scam never goes to a real investment, it goes straight to the scammer.

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May: Unreal deal? It may be a scamMay: Unreal deal? It may be a scam

Sounds too good to be true? It might be. Do a quick search for reviews before shopping on a new website to make sure it’s legit. Be wary of unknown online retailers using other brand's images or selling a product for much cheaper than anyone else.

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June: Beware of ATO impersonatorsJune: Beware of ATO impersonators

Watch out for emails, phone calls and text messages claiming to be from the ATO. Tax time is the perfect opportunity for scammers to strike. The real ATO will never ask for identifying information over email or phone.

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July: If a caller pressures you for info, hang up!July: If a caller pressures you for info, hang up!

Real businesses will never pressure you, or push you into anything that you're not comfortable with. If you hang up on a member of our team, we’ll be proud of you for exercising caution!

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August: Watch out for fake endorsementsAugust: Watch out for fake endorsements

See an unknown brand claiming to be endorsed by a big celebrity? It may be fake. With the rise of AI, scammers can use images or even videos of public figures 'promoting' their product or service.

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September: Keep your devices safe and updatedSeptember: Keep your devices safe and updated

Enable two-factor authentication on all your accounts. It takes a few more seconds but keeps your information safe. Keeping your device software updated can also help to prevent security vulnerabilities.

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October: You can never be too safeOctober: You can never be too safe

It's the spooky season, and unfortunately there are some scary individuals online. When delivering or picking up Marketplace items, try to meet in public places and tell someone where you’re going first.

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November: Avoid shopping on public Wi-FiNovember: Avoid shopping on public Wi-Fi

Making the most of Black Friday deals? Shopping using public WiFi networks isn’t always secure. Use your mobile data or home Wi-Fi when entering payment details.

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December: Share with loved onesDecember: Share with loved ones

It's the season of giving, and there's no better gift than keeping your loved ones safe. Share these tips, especially with those who may be more vulnerable. It’s the gift of protection and can save lots of stress and money.

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Let’s work together and stop scammers

If you think you have been targeted or lost money because of a scam or fraud, report it now. Let’s keep working together to be vigilant these holidays. Do not answer unknown calls or respond to text and email messages.