Strange purchases that appear on your bank statement may be the first clue that a hacker has got into your account. Make a habit of checking your transaction history regularly in your mobile banking app, or ready your bank statements.
Sometimes the people that steal your card will make seemingly insignificant purchases to test and see if your card works before going to larger transactions. So make sure you don't disregard any small transactions that you don't remember making - these could be by a hacker.
For larger purchases, your bank may notify you of suspicious activity and automatically cancel fraudulent charges.
If you notice any errors or suspicious activity or believe you have become a victim of identity theft, you should make a report with the Australian Cyber Security Centre... Your report will be directly referred to the appropriate state or territory law enforcement agency.
George Andreopoulos, Argus Investigations
Criminals want to steal your identity – an expert shares how to stop them
⚠️ Visit the Australian Cyber Security Centre website to report an issue now.
| Response | Gen Z | Gen Y | Gen X | Baby Boomers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No - I have never experienced card fraud | 53.93% | 58.97% | 59.21% | 58.24% |
| Yes - on my debit card | 22.47% | 13.86% | 10.86% | 8.24% |
| Yes - on my credit card | 20.22% | 21.2% | 26.32% | 31.53% |
| Yes - on both a debit card and a credit card | 3.37% | 5.98% | 3.62% | 1.99% |
Don’t wait for your bank to realise. It's your account, so you're in charge of managing it. Check it regularly in order to avoid a mishap.
The first step the bank will take is freezing your account so no-one can access it. If you go to your local bank branch, they will give you a temporary card, otherwise it will be sent to you in the mail.
Most banks will refund your lost money after you complete a form admitting that you didn't take part in the theft.
If a hacker steals any funds from a bank, the bank is liable to pay the money back to the customer. However, it may be difficult to prove that you weren't party at fault (e.g.: if you've been careless with your account, you may not be eligible for a refund).
Since banks are constantly under attack, they need to improve every aspect of their security so they have the latest software designed to protect you and your money. Every attack doesn’t make the news, but generally the big ones do. Rest assured, banks are constantly improving their systems for detecting and dealing with these problems.
Most banking websites allow you to activate a feature called "remember your password" when you log in via the Internet. You can then skip several layers of security the next time you log in since the bank recognises your computer’s IPv4 address - a unique identifier for each Internet connection.
But malware is a tool that hackers use to imitate your IPv4 address so they can gain access to your bank account. Often you don't even know that they have control over your bank account. For this reason, it’s best to disable the “remember your computer” feature.
If you've been hacked, it's also a good idea to change all your online passwords and login details, and also your PIN for your mobile banking app and debit card.
Email software is pretty good at getting rid of spam the majority of the time, however, you may see something that resembles an official bank email that asks you to go to the bank's website to confirm your information. In reality, this could be a scam and the hacker has designed a site that mimics your bank's website. If something like this happens to you, don't enter your details such as a password unless you're sure it's a secure website.
You can often verify a website's validity since the Internet monitors the security certificate of that said website, so your mind can be at ease.
Similarly, you should never respond to a text message claiming to be from your bank asking you to click on a link or provide your bank account details. If you're ever not sure, the best thing to do is cal you bank and check if the message is from them.
If you believe you have fraudulent transactions on your debit card – whether the transactions came from overseas, or you're currently overseas – you will definitely need to block the card and lodge a dispute investigation. Before you go on holiday, it's always handy to have a list of phone numbers on hand in case of issues like this. Otherwise, a simple Google search should be able to find you the right number. If your bank finds the transaction to be fraudulent, it will most likely refund the money.
Before you go overseas make sure to let you bank know what country you'll be in and when, so they can keep an eye on any suspicious transactions that are made elsewhere.
Need a new bank account? Check out our bank account comparison to find the right bank account for you today.
Get an everyday transaction account for over 50s with no monthly fees, no ATM withdrawal fees in Australia and with Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay available.
Having a local bank account makes an international student's life easier and even saves them money.
Spriggy is an app and prepaid card that helps Australian kids understand how to manage digital money, with the help of their parents.
This account offers tiered interest and easy access, and is suited for businesses that carry large balances and make minimal transactions.
Enjoy easy access to your funds and minimal fees with an Adelaide Bank MyEveryday Account. Find out more here.
Consider opening a Greater Bank Access Account if you want to access your money easily, at any time.
The Australian Military Bank Junior Saver Account is for those up to 17 years of age. It provides easy access to funds and lets you earn interest.
The Australian Military Bank Mess Account requires your attention if you wish to simplify managing the daily finances of your ADF related organisation.
Open an Australian Military Bank Access Account if you want easy access to your money. Get other benefits as well.
If you’re a new Australian Defence Force recruit this everyday account with the Australian Military Bank deserves your attention. Here’s why.
Hi Alison I was hacked in 2020 my bank AMP said they won’t give me my 9,999 00 back.
What can I do?
Hi Beth,
Sorry to hear that you’re a victim of hacking. It would be best to contact your bank to know the reason why your claim is denied. It would also help to read their terms and conditions.
Thanks,
Alison
somehow someone gained access to my bank account has made 3 unauthorized and fraudulent Osko transactions, of course it is after banking hours, ive made contact, changed my details and had the account blocked. But now I am left to wait and stay up all night fearing the absolute worst……is there anything else i can do, have i lost all the money, can i get it back or is it gone.
Hi Mike,
We are very sorry to hear about the ordeal you’ve gone through. You’ve done the right thing by contacting your bank and blocking the account right away.
Banks will generally be liable to recover your lost money if you can prove that the unauthorised transaction didn’t occur because of an error on your part. For example, if you haven’t kept your account PIN and passwords secure the bank might not be liable to recover your money. You’ll need to work with your bank directly on this.
In the meantime, we recommend changing your passwords and PINs for any other accounts you have open, just in case.
Thanks, and we hope you’re able to get your money back.
Alison
Is money get back in your account after hacking?
Hi Sowjanya,
Thank you for your inquiry.
Typically, if a hacker steals any funds from a bank, the bank is liable to pay the money back to the customer. The customer will never lose money. If you experienced a hacking issue please coordinate immediately with your bank provider to settle your concern.
I hope this information has helped.
Cheers,
Harold