General Security

Banking Security Tips

At Arab Bank, we are committed to providing our customers with a safe and secure banking environment.

Listed below are some helpful hints and tips on general security which will help to provide you with peace of mind when you conduct your banking. These tips can help you reduce the possibility of fraud and help keep your financial situation more secure:

• Notify the Bank immediately should you lose or misplace your cheque book, passbook or cards or if they have been stolen on 1800 64 64 84
• Notify the Bank as soon as possible if you move or change your contact numbers on 1800 64 64 84
• Always check your statements and report any unauthorised transactions to the Bank immediately on 1800 64 64 84
• Always sign new cards immediately upon receipt. Destroy old cards once the new card is activated.
• Memorise your PIN (Personal Identification Number) and never keep it with your card.
• Report lost/stolen cards and/or PIN’s immediately on +612 9959-7480 or 1800 224 004.
• Do not disclose your Login, Password or PIN’s or other banking details to any person.
• Bank staff will never call and ask for your PIN or password – if you receive a call asking for these BE SUSPICIOUS and do not disclose them.
• Do not disclose your personal or account information over the phone unless you initiated the call.
• If you feel that you may have been the victim of fraud, please call us 1800 64 64 84 or visit your local Arab Bank Australia branch for assistance.

Scams

Arab Bank Australia supports the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce in the promotion of ScamWatch, a website which is dedicated to the prevention of scams.

Scams can take many shapes and forms and are constantly changing. The general rule of thumb to remember is that if an offer sounds to good to be true, it usually is. Be cautious and be aware. Listed below are some of the more common scams to be aware of:

• Nigerian Scam - fraudsters send out letters and emails inviting individuals to participate in a scheme that usually involve a government official who needs help in distributing millions of dollars out of the country in return for a cut of the money. Recipients of the letters are required to provide their bank account details and forward thousands of dollars in "advance fees".
• Email Employment Scam - victims of this scam are asked to provide their bank account details to prospective employers with the view to facilitate transfer of funds to overseas parties. The victims are told that, in return, they will be compensated by a commission payment. However the funds transferred have been obtained fraudulently – which means the victim ends up participating in a fraud. Never provide your bank account details to any prospective employer until you are satisfied with the bona fides of that employer and/or you have signed contracts of employment.
• Lottery Scam - victims of this scam receive a letter advising them they have won a large prize from an overseas lottery. In order to collect their prize, they are required to send a sum of money before a certain date to an overseas bank account to cover the cost of traces, bank fees, delivery and insurance costs.
• Phishing Scam – victims receive a (worthless) bank cheque purporting to be part payment of a major prize win. They are then asked to forward personal and bank account details to process the remainder of the prize winning.
• Be aware of other scams, such as spam e-mails, chain letters and persons purporting to be representatives of government departments, financial institutions or other businesses.
• Do not give or send your name, bank account details, copies of your personal identification or any other personal details to anyone other than for legitimate purposes where you have satisfied yourself as to the bonafides of the person and request.

Identity Theft

• Always keep your letterbox locked to avoid having mail stolen.
• When disposing of correspondence, especially from the Bank, which contains personal or financial information, ensure that the documents are fully destroyed or shredded.
• Always cut old cards into multiple pieces before disposal.
• If you share accommodation – never leave your personal or banking items unattended.
• If you are expecting a letter or new card from the Bank and it fails to arrive – contact the Bank as soon as possible on 1800 64 64 84.
• If you believe you are a victim of identity theft, notify the Bank as soon as possible on 1800 64 64 84

Cheques

• Always keep your chequebook in a safe and secure place.
• Never pre-sign cheques.
• Always reconcile your bank statement to your cheques issued and contact the Bank immediately if you identify any discrepancies on 1800 64 64 84.
• When posting cheques in the mail, cross the cheque 'Not Negotiable' and where possible, send it in a plain envelope not a window faced envelope.
• Always write cheques using a pen or felt tip pen – never use pencil.
• Do not leave spaces that allow the words or amount on the cheque to be altered.
• Bank Cheques should not be considered as good as cash.
• Immediately notify the Bank if your passbook has been lost or stolen on 1800 64 64 84

Passbooks

• Always keep your passbook in a safe & secure place.
• Don't give your passbook to another person.
• Never pre-sign withdrawal forms.
• Immediately notify the Bank if your passbook has been lost or stolen on 1800 64 64 84.

Cards

• Cover the PIN pad with your hand when entering your PIN.
• Always keep your card in sight during a transaction.
• Be suspicious if the EFTPOS operator swipes your card through more than one terminal or moves to another room out of sight during the transaction. If they do – immediately request the transaction be cancelled and ask for your card to be returned. Pay cash instead or don’t proceed with the purchase.
• If you are suspicious and think your card may have been skimmed – contact the Bank on 1800 64 64 84 to verify the transaction. Always check your statements for unauthorised transactions.
• Keep your EFTPOS receipts secure. If you don’t need them - destroy them.
• PINs must be kept secure. You must memorise your PIN & must never keep it with your card.
• Never tell anyone your PIN not even a Bank representative.

Using ATMs

• When using an ATM, be careful that that no one can observe you entering your PIN.
• Be discreet when withdrawing cash at an ATM.
• Never accept offers of assistance from ‘Good Samaritans’ when using an ATM – this is a common ploy by fraudsters to steal your PIN/card.
• If you believe an Arab Bank Australia ATM has been tampered with or looks suspicious, do not use it and advise the branch or call the Bank on 1800 64 64 84.
• If you believe another bank’s ATM has been tampered with – do not use and call the Police.

Online Security

Protect yourself online

Unfortunately, online threats are a fact of life and are constantly changing and evolving. However, by following a few important steps, you can protect yourself from online threats such as financial crimeware, malware and identity theft.

By taking these steps, your computer will be much better protected – saving you time and inconvenience as well as money.

Internet Security Package

Every computer used to access Internet Banking should have an Internet security package installed to protect you from financial crimeware and safeguard your online identity. The package should be from a reputable vendor and include:

• anti-virus – prevents financial crimeware from damaging your computer,
• anti-spyware – protects your computer from crimeware that may monitor what you are doing online (like your passwords),
• firewall – monitors information going in and out of your computer to prevent unauthorised access

It is important to ensure your internet security package is set to automatically download any daily antivirus updates so that you are protected against the latest threats.

In need, you should seek professional assistance in the purchase and installation of an internet security package.

If you access internet banking with a computer that is not properly protected, your bank account details may be compromised and you may be liable for the funds lost.

Update Your Operating System

An important step in securing your computer is to ensure that the operating system is kept up to date.

Microsoft and Apple regularly release updates, or patches, that provide protection against new types of crimeware.

• Microsoft Windows – use Windows Update http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
• Apple Mac OS X – use ‘Software Update’ within Finder

Updates are normally released every month but there may be urgent security patches during the month. You can configure your computer to automatically download and install updates.
In need, we recommend that you seek professional assistance from a reputable Computer Service provider.

Windows Security Centre

For Windows users, the Security Centre can help you manage the security on your computer by displaying all security related settings on one convenient screen.

It will alert you when security software is out of date or when security settings need to be strengthened, helping to ensure your computer ready for you to use internet banking and the Internet safely.

You can access the Windows Security Centre by clicking on Start > Control Panel > Security Centre

Hoax Emails

Arab Bank Australia will not send you an email requesting you to update, confirm or disclose any confidential banking or personal information.

If you receive an email asking for any details as above, or that you feel may be a hoax – please:

• Do not respond to it – but rather send it to the Bank as an attachment at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (try to avoid using the ‘forward’ feature in your email software)
• If you have to use the "forward" feature, make sure that you refuse any prompts to open attachments or download pictures and files.
• After sending the sample to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , immediately delete the email from your inbox and deleted items folder.
• If you have clicked on any links within the email, immediately complete a full security scan of your computer (to check for computer viruses, trojans and spyware).
• If you have responded to any email by providing your confidential information, please call 1800 64 64 84 immediately.

Other Tips

• Delete spam and scam email - if the offer sounds to good to be true it probably is.
• Always log into Internet Banking by typing the Bank's full web address (i.e. the URL);
• Don't use public computers for Internet Banking (e.g. Internet Cafes, Libraries or Hotels);
• Don't install software or run programs of unknown origin;
• Guard your identity information carefully and only provide it to trusted people and entities.

Reporting Suspected Fraud

If you suspect that any of your accounts have been accessed online by someone other than yourself, please notify us immediately on 1800 64 64 84.