Immediate Steps to Take
If you suspect you've been scammed or defrauded, or even if something just feels "off," take these immediate actions:
- Stop Contact Immediately: Cease all communication with the suspected scammer. Do not send any further funds or engage with them.
- Contact IMB Bank:
- Call us on 133 462 between 8 am – 8 pm Monday to Friday and 9 am – 4 pm on Saturdays.
- If you need assistance cancelling your card outside of these hours, please contact 1800 252 730.
- You can also contact us via the IMB website or our Mobile App.
- Even if you are just suspicious about a transaction or a call, contact us immediately.
Securing Your Accounts and Devices
After contacting IMB, take these essential steps to protect your personal and financial information:
- Change Passwords: Immediately change your IMB Internet Banking and Mobile App passwords. You can do this via Internet Banking or within the Mobile App. It's also vital to change any other passwords that may have been compromised (or, even better, change all your online passwords). Always create unpredictable, unique, and strong passwords or passphrases. If you suspect your device has malware, change passwords using a different, secure device.
- Disconnect Remote Access: If you granted a scammer remote access to your device, disconnect any active sessions and uninstall any unfamiliar applications you were asked to download or notice on your device.
- Block/Cancel Compromised Cards: Block or cancel any Plastic and/or Digital cards that may be compromised. This can be done via Internet Banking under the 'Cards' tab or within the Mobile App under the 'Manage Account' - Card Management tab.
- Review Registered Devices: Check and delete any unrecognized devices linked to your Internet Banking/Mobile App under the 'Manage Account' tab.
Reporting the Scam to Authorities
Reporting scams helps protect others and assists in stopping criminal activity:
- Report to Police and ScamWatch: Report the scam to the Police and/or via ScamWatch at scamwatch.gov.a
- Report to Social Media Platforms If the scam occurred via a social media platform, report the incident to that platform as well.
- Get Help from IDCARE: IDCARE is Australia's national identity and cyber support service, offering expert advice after an identity compromise. Visit idcare.org or contact them on 1800 595 160.
- Review Your Credit Report: Request a free copy of your consumer credit report every three months and review it for any fraudulent activity.
Additional Protective Measures
- Professional Device Cleaning: If your device was compromised, consider having it professionally cleaned to remove any potential malware.
- Install Anti-Virus Software: Ensure you have reputable anti-virus software installed on your devices, downloading only from trusted sites.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Wherever possible, enable MFA across all your online accounts for an added layer of security.
- Transaction Notifications & Payment Limits: Consider enabling transaction notifications via 'Manage Account' - Alert Management tab (fees may apply) and reduce your payment limits in Internet Banking or the Mobile App under 'Manage Account' - Limits Preferences tab.
- Stay Informed: Be alert for follow-up scams and talk to your family and friends about scam awareness.
What IMB Bank Will NEVER Ask For
Remember, IMB Bank will NEVER ask you to:
- Share your login details (e.g., access code, passwords, or secret questions) with us.
- Share your PIN numbers or other security codes with us.
- Seek to remotely access your device/computer without your explicit and verified consent, or put you under pressure to act instantly.
- Send you a link to our Internet Banking system, requiring you to enter your member number and access code for verification purposes.
- Call you unsolicited and tell you to download software or open a link.
If something feels off, end the contact and reach out to us directly using our official contact details. You can keep up to date with the latest security updates from IMB here: IMB Security Updates.
We are here to help you stay safe and secure online.