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As part of our ongoing commitment to strengthening member security, we’re making an important change to how we send you alerts via SMS messages.What’s changing? Currently, SMS messages you receive from us come from an alphanumeric sender ID (alpha tag), displayed as Unity_GCMB. From 2 September, these messages will instead be sent from a dedicated mobile number, replacing the current alphanumeric sender ID. Members will receive a pop up in our Mobile App or an SMS with the new dedicated mobile number. We recommend saving this dedicated mobile number in your contacts list as Unity_GCMB in order to easily identify alerts from us related to your banking.Why the change? This update allows you to reply directly to SMS messages when needed, enhancing communication and improving your ability to respond quickly and securely.What you can expect All SMS messages you currently receive from Unity_GCMB will start to be sent from our new mobile number. Situations include: One-Time password (OTP) prompts Banking system notifications Alerts triggered by our fraud detection system What happens if suspicious activity is detected? If a transaction is flagged by our fraud monitoring system, you may receive a message asking you to confirm whether the transaction is authorised. Requesting a Yes or No response, accompanied by a provided verification code to confirm that the transaction is legitimate. E.g. ‘Yes 626076’. Things to remember We will never ask you for sensitive information like an access code, SMS One-Time Password or your Online Banking password We will never include links in our messages We will only ask you for yes or no responses or ask you to contact us. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Member Services team.For more information on other fraud monitoring practices and how we’re working to keep members safe, please visit our Security page.Unity Bank Date: 20/08/2025

The Australian Federal Police are urging Australians to be wary of a new scam spreading across social media, in which criminals lure individuals into opening legitimate bank accounts in their own name. After the account is opened, control is then handed over to the fraudster in exchange for payment. Known as a ‘money mule scam’, this scam tricks people into becoming part of a criminal operation. The bank accounts are later used to launder money or receive funds from other fraudulent activities.Serious Legal ConsequencesWhile it may seem like a harmless favour or an easy way to make money, acting as a money mule is a criminal offence. Those who take part, knowingly or not, may face: Bank account bans or closure Permanent marks on their credit file Investigation by law enforcement Criminal charges for money laundering, which carry heavy penalties including prison time What to Watch Out ForBe cautious of the following red flags: Job offers on social media promising “quick money” for minimal effort Requests to open a new bank account for someone else to use Being asked to share your bank login details or bank card Vague explanations about the purpose of the account We take fraud prevention seriously. We monitor for unusual account activity and work closely with law enforcement and other financial institutions to shut down suspicious accounts. However, we also rely on our members to be vigilant. Never allow anyone else to use a bank account in your name.Need help?If you believe someone has gained access to your bank account and/or personal information, even if the scam appears unrelated to your finances, you should contact your bank immediately. A timely response can be critical. If you have concerns about your account contact us immediately. You can report cybercrime directly to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC). Find out how scams work, how to protect yourself, what to do if you’ve been scammed or report a scam to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) via Scamwatch. As always, we remain committed to your security and privacy online. To understand how we help to keep you safe, please refer to our Security page. For information on common scams and how to protect yourself, please visit the News section of our website.

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

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.

It's alarming to hear in the media that Australians lose over $3 billion annually to scams through various methods like emails, calls, texts, and social media. They adopt tactics such as phishing and identity theft, making it a priority for everyone to stay watchful. Here's a guide to help you stay alert and protect yourself from scams and fraud. VerifyVerify the legitimacy of anyone contacting you before sharing personal information or making financial transactions. Be cautious of unexpected messages or calls, pressuring you to act quickly or share sensitive details. Do not click on links in messages or emails. Beware of unsolicited offers                                                      Whether it's a lottery win, an inheritance from an unknown relative, or a lucrative investment opportunity, be cautious and confirm the validity of such claims before proceeding. Monitor your accounts regularly   Check your bank accounts and credit report for any unauthorized activity. Immediately report any suspicious transactions for inconsistencies to your financial institution or appropriate authorities. Install security software          Install antivirus and anti-malware software on your devices Keep your software updated to guard against the latest security vulnerabilities. Trust your Instincts                                                      If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Research and consult family or friends before making decisions if something seems suspicious or too good to be true. If you have fallen victim of a scam or suspect someone has gained access to your personal information, contact Unity Bank immediately on 1300 36 2000. You can also report a scam through the Scam Watch website and find additional information on scams and how to protect yourself. 

Professional scammers are exploiting unsuspecting individuals with offers to fix account, phone, or computer issues, resulting in increasing financial losses through remote access scams. By convincing victims to download well-known screen-sharing software, criminals gain control of devices and siphon funds. Australians lost $15.5 million in 2023, with older demographics bearing the brunt of the losses. How to spot the scam Be cautious of unsolicited calls claiming device issues and impersonation of reputable institutions. Exercise caution when prompted to download remote control software. Here's how the scam operates: Victims without knowing grant scammers control over their devices, who then fabricate issues and coerce victims into divulging sensitive information. This access allows scammers to pilfer funds without detection until victims log in again. Protect Yourself: STOP – Avoid rushing into action. Hang up on anyone urging you to download software or apps over the phone. Refrain from sharing banking details, passwords, or 2-factor authentication codes during such calls. THINK – Question the authenticity of the caller. Take time to verify their identity by contacting the business independently using trusted contact details or confirming the employee's legitimacy through secure channels. PROTECT – Act swiftly if suspicions arise. Contact your bank immediately if you've disclosed financial information or made transfers. Help combat scams by reporting incidents to Scamwatch, assisting others in avoiding similar traps. If you've been affected:  Call us immediately on 1300 36 2000 if you have noticed any suspicious transactions or if you have any concerns. Seek support from IDCARE for compromised personal information. Report scams to Scamwatch and inform others to prevent future incidents.