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As the end of the financial year (EOFY) approaches, many Australians are gathering documents, receipts, and tax statements. But it’s just as important to prepare for something else: staying safe from tax scams. With over $119 million lost to scams in just the first four months of 2025, scammers are exploiting every opportunity, including the tax system. To help keep you and your money safe, Customer Owned Banking Association's (COBA) Financial Crimes and Cyber Resilience team share expert tips on how to spot and avoid tax scams.What is a tax scam, and how do they work?Tax scams often involve criminals impersonating government agencies like the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) or myGov. These scammers send phishing emails or text messages to trick you into sharing personal information - such as your myGov username, password, or other sensitive details - or to get you to click malicious links.How can you protect yourself from tax scams?Here are four key ways to stay safe:1. Verify the sourceAlways double-check the sender's email address. Official messages from myGov typically come from addresses ending in @my.gov.au. Don’t respond unless you’re certain it’s legitimate.2. Avoid clicking on linksIf you receive an email or text with a link claiming to be from myGov, don’t click it. Instead, type the official website address directly into your browser: https://www.my.gov.au3. Be wary of urgency or threatsScammers often try to pressure you with urgent messages - like threats to suspend your account or offers of unexpected refunds. These are red flags. Stay calm and verify the claim independently.4. Never share personal detailsmyGov and government agencies will never ask for your password, Tax File Number (TFN), or bank details via email or text. Never share this information in response to unsolicited messages.How do you report a tax scam?If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from myGov or another government agency, it’s important you report it to protect yourself and others from being scammed. Report it to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) or the myGov Help Desk If it's related to the ATO: Call the ATO’s dedicated scam line: 1800 008 540Forward suspicious emails to ReportScams@ato.gov.au Take a screenshot of fake social media posts or phishing messages and email them to ReportScams@ato.gov.au More information about how to report a tax scam can be found on the ATOs website.   Published: 27 June 2025

Win a holiday getaway and help kids get to where they need to be! The Australian Mutuals Foundation, with generous support from Transport Life and Leisure, is running a raffle fundraiser to help Barnardos Australia buy a much-needed new bus.Every ticket sold brings Barnardos’ Yurungai Learning Centre in Waterloo one step closer to their goal - and gives you the chance to win an unforgettable holiday escape!The Barnardos Australia Yurungai Learning Centre in Waterloo provides essential services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, including homework help, cultural learning, life skills development, and nutritious meals. For many children, the bus offers a reliable means of reaching the Centre. However, the current bus is nearing its end of its usability and urgently needs replacing.Raffle PrizesTwo winners will each receive a holiday package worth up to $1,200, choosing from eight stunning NSW coastal destinations: Batemans Bay, Byron Bay, Hawks Nest, Nambucca Heads, Port Macquarie, The Entrance, Tweed Heads, or Woolgoolga.Key Dates• Raffle opens: 1st May 2025• Entries close: 5:00 PM AEST, 30th June 2025• Winners drawn: 2nd July 2025Enter the raffle and read the terms and conditions at: www.australianmf.org.au/yurungai-bus-raffleYour participation will help provide safe transportation for children to access vital educational and cultural programs. Thank you for your support! About Barnardos AustraliaBarnardos Australia is a leading non-government, non-denominational child protection charity in Australia. They work together with children, young people and families to break the cycle of disadvantage, creating safe, nurturing and stable homes, connected to family and community. About the Australian Mutuals Foundation (AMF)The primary purpose of the AMF is to provide a vehicle for Mutual Banks, Credit Unions, Building Society and Cooperative banking to assist needy children in Australia, and to alleviate poverty in some of the poorest communities in South East Asia and the Pacific by the creation of sustainable cooperative financial organisations.

Privacy – it’s everyone’s business As our lives become increasingly digital, protecting personal information in today's interconnected world has never been more important. Privacy Awareness Week 2025 takes place from 16 June – 22 June with the theme, Privacy – it’s everyone’s business. PAW is an initiative that highlights the importance of privacy and the protection of personal information for individuals and organisations. Coordinated by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) in collaboration with state and territory privacy regulators, as well as the Asia Pacific Privacy Authorities (APPA) forum, PAW brings together governments, regulators, businesses, and the broader community to reflect on privacy rights and obligations in today’s digital era. Why privacy matters more than ever In 2025, the average person uses dozens of apps and online services daily, many of which collect personal data. From smart home devices and wearable technology to AI-powered platforms and facial recognition tools, the scope of data collection is vast and often invisible. Without proper safeguards, personal data can be misused, whether through data breaches, identity theft, or unauthorised surveillance. How you can protect privacy Use strong, unique passwords always use a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols, with a minimum of 14 characters. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring something you know (like a password or passphrase) and something you have (like your phone). Review privacy settings on social media, apps, and devices. Be cautious on social media: Keep accounts private and think before sharing, scammers can use your posts to steal your identity. Never share your password Be cautious of phishing attempts and unsolicited communications, if it sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Act quickly if your privacy is breached: Change passwords, notify your bank, monitor accounts, watch for scams, and check your credit report. Understand data collection policies before using new apps or services. Keep your software updated to protect against known security vulnerabilities. For more information on common scams and how to protect yourself, please visit the News section of our website, or alternatively the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has a wealth of information and advice about protecting yourself online. As always, we remain committed to your security and privacy online. To understand how we manage your personal information, please visit our Privacy page. To understand how we help to keep you safe, please refer to our Security page. Need help? If you believe someone has gained access to your personal information, even if it appears unrelated to your finances, you should contact your bank immediately. A timely response can be critical in giving you the best chance to stem any loss. If you have concerns about your Unity Bank account, contact us on 1300 36 2000. If the scam occurred on social media or a legitimate website, report it to the platform involved. For scams on Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram, see this step-by-step guide for reporting scams on Facebook services. You can find more information around protecting your personal information at the Privacy Awareness Week website.

June 15 marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), a globally recognised event that brings attention to a growing but often overlooked issue: the abuse, mistreatment, and neglect of older people. Established by the United Nations in 2006, WEAAD provides a platform for communities, organisations, and governments worldwide to raise awareness and promote effective responses to prevent elder abuse. In 2025, as populations continue to age rapidly, this day holds even greater urgency and relevance. Understanding elder abuse Elder abuse affects millions of older adults globally, leading to serious physical, emotional, psychological, and financial harm. In severe cases, it can even result in death. Increasing awareness is essential to preventing abuse, protecting vulnerable individuals, and ensuring that older adults are treated with the dignity, care, and respect they deserve. What is elder abuse? Elder abuse refers to any act or failure to act, that causes harm or distress to an older person. It can occur in private homes, within communities, or in aged care facilities. Common types of elder abuse include: Physical abuse (e.g. hitting, pushing, restraining) Emotional or psychological abuse (e.g. threats, humiliation, manipulation) Sexual abuse Financial abuse (e.g. fraud, theft, misuse of funds or assets) Neglect (e.g. failure to meet basic needs such as food, hygiene, or medical care) Why are older adults vulnerable? Older adults are especially vulnerable to abuse due to physical limitations, cognitive decline, social isolation, and dependence on others. These factors can make it hard to report abuse, with fear, shame, or hopelessness often preventing them from speaking out. In aged care/nursing home facilities, abuse may go unnoticed due to poor oversight or ignored concerns. Sadly, it is sometimes not taken seriously by authorities, worsening the impact. Financial abuse is one of the most common and under reported forms of elder mistreatment. It can include: Using an older person’s bank account or credit card without their permission Coercing or tricking them into signing legal or financial documents (e.g. property transfers, wills, or loans) Misusing a power of attorney for personal gain Stealing money, valuables, or essential household items Moving into the person’s home without consent or failing to contribute financially Pressuring them to give away money, assets, or make changes to their will Promising care in exchange for money or assets, but then neglecting to provide that care Preventing them from accessing their own money, financial records or financial advice Warning signs of financial abuse may include: Unexplained loss of money or valuable items Sudden changes in banking habits or unexplained withdrawals Missing financial documents or confusion about recent transactions Inability to pay for basics like food, clothing, or medications Transfers of property or large gifts made when the person appears confused or unwell Fear, anxiety, or withdrawal, especially around certain people Visible neglect (e.g. malnutrition, poor hygiene) despite having financial resources What can you do? Learn to recognise the signs of elder abuse Listen with empathy and without judgment if someone shares concerns Speak up if you suspect abuse, report it to the appropriate authority Support older people’s independence and decision-making wherever possible Promote respect and inclusion for older adults in your community Concerned you might be a victim of financial abuse? Here’s some helpful tips: Keep your mail, bank cards, PINs, and passwords secure. Store cash, cheque books, and legal documents in a safe place. Review bank statements regularly for suspicious activity. Avoid signing anything you don’t fully understand. If setting up a power of attorney, consider appointing more than one trusted person. Limit the number of accounts to make monitoring easier. Understanding power of attorney and enduring power of attorney A power of attorney (POA) is a document created by your lawyer that grants one or more persons the authority to act on your behalf for financial and legal matters. This means that the designated person or persons can operate your bank accounts, spend money on your behalf, and buy and sell your assets: property and/or shares. The general POA is only effective while you have the mental capacity to make and express decisions for yourself. An enduring power of attorney (EPOA) allows someone to continue to make financial decisions on your behalf if your health deteriorates and you suffer from diminished mental capacity. You can choose when your power of attorney comes into effect, and it can be tailored to your requirements. If you are thinking about appointing a power of attorney or other decision-making authority, you should carefully consider whether they have the right skills to assist you now and in the future. To avoid someone unethically exploiting their power, you should assess these arrangements at least annually, to ensure your support team continue to have your best interests at heart when helping to manage your affairs. Our impact As a customer-owned bank, we are a member focused, values-driven organisation and we are committed to making banking easy, safe and accessible for all of our members – especially those most vulnerable. That’s why we are ready to help with tools and information on how to help keep you and your banking safe. We’ve put together some helpful information in our Elder Financial Abuse Guide to help you protect yourself or someone you love from elder financial abuse. It covers the various types of elder financial abuse, how to recognise the warning signs and safeguard against financial abuse, scams and fraud, as well as the various resources and support services available to assist. As part of the respect and protect initiative, our terms and conditions were updated to help prevent the misuse of products and services and combat financial abuse. Staff have also been further trained to help identify the warning signs, red flags and assess transaction data for signs of financial abuse. Additional member education and support has been introduced through content aligned to hardship, financial abuse, accessibility and navigating challenging life events. We’re constantly working towards ensuring our products, services and platforms are available and accessible for everyone. Get support Form a support network that includes people like your GP, lawyer, accountant, a friend, and a family member. Your GP can assess your capacity to make decisions—raise concerns during check-ups. A lawyer can help with your will, legal documents, and power of attorney. Free legal advice is also available through Legal Aid or community legal centres. An accountant can note power of attorney arrangements and help watch for unusual account activity. Need help? If you are worried that you or your loved ones are vulnerable, seek help: Elder abuse phone line 1800 ELDERHelp (1800 353 374) directs callers to the elder abuse service in their state or territory. Relationships Australia publish a list of state and territory assistance services. Lifeline provides support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for those in crisis. MoneySmart.gov.au publish a range of resources that can help you. The Australian Institute of Family Studies also publish a list of elder abuse support services. Be Connected provides online learning resources to empower all Australians to thrive in a digital world.        

World Environment Day, held every year on 5 June, is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness and driving action for the health of our planet. Recognised worldwide, it serves as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to protect the environment. In 2025, the theme Beat Plastic Pollution calls on individuals, governments, and industries to confront one of the most widespread and harmful environmental issues facing our world today. Launched by the United Nations in 1972, World Environment Day has become the leading international platform for environmental awareness and action, engaging millions of people across more than 150 countries. As the planet faces mounting challenges, including climate change, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and pollution, this day encourages reflection, awareness, and decisive action to protect ecosystems and human health.   Why plastic pollution matters This year’s theme, Beat Plastic Pollution, highlights a critical and urgent issue. In 2024 alone, over 400 million tonnes of plastic waste were generated, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). A significant amount of this waste ends up in oceans, rivers, and natural landscapes, harming wildlife, contaminating food chains, and accelerating climate change. In March 2022, 175 nations agreed to create a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution, marking a pivotal step toward global accountability. Yet, without further action, plastic waste is projected to nearly triple by 2060, potentially reaching one billion tonnes annually.   What you can do You don’t have to be an environmental expert to make a difference. Small changes in everyday habits can spark powerful, lasting impact. Here are some practical actions you can take: Reduce your use of single-use plastics—carry a reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and utensils. Avoid Single-Use Plastics: Say no to disposable bags, straws, cutlery, and bottles. Recycle properly by following local guidelines and avoiding contamination. Support brands and businesses that prioritise sustainable packaging and practices. Educate others about the impact of plastic pollution and advocate for systemic change. Participate in local clean-up efforts, environmental events, or social media campaigns to raise awareness. Even small changes in daily habits can create powerful ripple effects.   A future without plastic pollution Plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue, it threatens human health, food security, and climate stability. Yet, it remains one of the most solvable environmental challenges of our time. Let 5 June be more than just a date on the calendar, because when we choose to beat plastic pollution, we choose a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for ourselves and for generations to come.   Our impact As a member-owned bank, we’re always striving to make a positive impact, and we are committed to a more sustainable future for our members and their communities. We recognise the importance of sound practices as part of our responsibility to members, employees and the communities in which we are part of. One way we seek to do this is by trying to reduce the environmental impact of our business operations, via a number of key initiatives: Introduction of recycled PVC cards and environmentally conscious collateral across the G&C Mutual Bank suite of debit and credit cards, with plans to extend this to Unity Bank cards in the future. Development of our Responsible Banking Policy, guiding our approach to lending and investing with respect to our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Strategy. Undertaking a Greenhouse Gas Assessment to better understand and reduce our emissions. Comprehensive recycling program at our Elizabeth Street Head Office through our building management operating a four-bin waste system: dry waste, organics, mixed recycling, and paper and cardboard.   Together, through conscious action and collective effort, we can help protect the planet and shape a brighter tomorrow.

Customer-owned banks including Unity Bank have once again been named Australia’s most trusted banking sector, according to the latest Roy Morgan Bank Trust and Distrust Scores Report.  The report, based on Roy Morgan’s ongoing Risk Monitor surveying approximately 25,000 Australians1 each year, marks customer-owned banking’s second consecutive recognition as most trusted sector and shows a further improvement in their collective Net Trust Score2 since the previous report in May 2023. The improved score for the mutual sector contrasts starkly with the broader banking industry. Since May 2023, distrust has worsened with 3.2 million (14.2%) of Australians aged 14 and over now expressing distrust towards either specific banks or the overall banking sector in general. The banking sector as a whole ranked 24th out of 27 industries for net trust, only surpassing telecommunications, supermarkets, and social media companies. In contrast, customer-owned banks ranked 7th on the scale. “Trust is something that is earned, and customer-owed banks’ people-first approach translates to competitive rates, innovative products, superior services, and a strong commitment to local communities, which explains why Australians continue to place their trust in mutual banks,” Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA) CEO Michael Lawrence explained. “Customer-owned banks are built differently. We’re owned by our customers, which means our purpose is to create long-term value for them and their communities. Unlike listed banks, financial performance is not our purpose - it enables our purpose,” he added.   The report also found Australians define trust using terms like ‘reliable’, ‘good service’, and ‘honest’, but describe distrust with expressions like ‘greedy’, ’profit-driven’, and ‘unethical’.  Customer-owned banks, which includes mutual banks, credit unions and building societies, collectively serve over 5.4 million Australians and have been providing purpose-led banking for nearly 180 years.  1 Reporting period is 12 months to January 2025. The customer-owned banking sector outperformed even the highest-rated investor-owned bank, with a collective Net Trust Score higher than any individual bank 2 The customer-owned banking sector recorded far more trust than distrust, resulting in an overall Net Trust Score of 1.00. In contrast, the entire banking industry recorded a Distrust Score of -14.26 and a Net Distrust Score of -3.97. This places the overall banking sector deeply in Net Distrust territory.