What information does a scammer need to access my bank account online?

Contact details like your mobile phone, landline, work number and email address(es). Memorable information used for security and passwords, such as mother's maiden name, schools or university attended, pet names, car makes and names of family members. Your bank account number, sort code and card details.

Can someone take money from a bank account with an account number?

Can Someone Take Money From My Bank Account With Only My Account Number? Fortunately, a scammer can't withdraw money from your bank account with just your account number . To do so, they'd also need your bank's routing number.

Can a scammer access my bank account with my phone number?

A phone number alone is not enough for someone to hack your bank account . But, as outlined above with regard to someone having your email address, someone with your phone number could potentially call or text you as part of a phishing scam with the ultimate aim of hacking money from your accounts.

Can I block someone from taking money from my bank account?

Call and write your bank or credit union Tell your bank that you have “revoked authorization” for the company to take automatic payments from your account. You can use this sample letter . Some banks and credit unions may offer you an online form.

Can someone access your bank account with routing and account number?

If a fraudster knows your routing number they can easily tell which financial institution your funds are at, putting you at risk of phishing attempts. If a criminal has both your routing number and account number they can potentially steal money from your account through fraudulent ACH transfers and payments .

Can someone take money out your bank account without you knowing?

Unauthorized Withdrawals And Improper Charges. Both state and federal laws prohibit unauthorized withdrawals from being taken from your bank account or charges made to your credit card without your express consent having first been obtained for that to occur.

What information do I need to give for someone to transfer money into my account?

What are the required details for a bank transfer? The full name of the recipient. The amount of money you want to transfer. Your recipient's 6-digit sort code. Your recipient's 8-digit account number. A payment reference (usually with your name, so the recipient can identify the source of money) Date of transfer. Sep 4, 2023

What personal information does a scammer need?

What they want are account numbers, passwords, Social Security numbers, and other confidential information that they can use to loot your checking account or run up bills on your credit cards.

Can someone steal your money if they have your bank account info?

If someone gains access to your bank account and routing numbers, they can use the information to fraudulently withdraw or transfer money from your account . They can also create fake checks, claim your tax return or commit other forms of financial fraud.

What bank info is safe to give out?

If you would be comfortable writing a check, it's generally OK to share your bank details . If you know why you're being asked for this information—you're setting up an account, or direct deposit, or paying a bill using ACH to avoid a fee, for example—it's generally OK.

What card details does a scammer need?

Card details – card number, card holder name, date of birth and address –- are stolen, often from online databases or through email scams, then sold and used on the internet, or over the phone. This is often called 'card-not-present' fraud.

Banking and credit scams - Moneysmart.gov.au (2024)

If someone asks you to verify or give your personal details or offers you a loan, it could be a scam. Scammers can use your personal information to steal your money and run up debts in your name.

If someone contacts you about an investment that you think could be a scam, report it to help warn others.

How banking and credit scams work

Scammers may target you online or on social media, by phone, text or email. Know what to look for so you can spot a scam and protect yourself.

Phishing scams

Phishing is when a scammer tries to get your personal information so they can get access to your online accounts. Here's how it works.

Scammers try to convince you

A scammer pretends to be your bank, internet provider, Government department, business, law enforcement, or even friends and family.

They may give you some information that seems genuine, such as personal details. This is to try to convince you they are who they claim to be and gain your trust.

Ask you to take action

The scammer may say there is a problem they need to fix. For example, an issue with your computer or online banking account, an overpayment or suspicious activity on your account.

The scammer could ask you to:

verify or update your log-in details, passwords or other personal details
confirm your banking details so they can give you a 'refund'
supply them with banking verification codes
click on a link they send you
download software they provide
give them remote access to your computer so they can 'fix' a problem (that doesn't exist)
make a payment

Signs of a phishing scam

The email address doesn't match the company name or is from a free provider (such as hotmail, gmail or outlook).
There are spelling mistakes or the information doesn't make sense.
You're asked to take an action, such as click on a link, supply a code or download software.

While your bank may contact you if they suspect a suspicious transaction, they will never ask you:

for sensitive information such as online banking passwords or codes
to download software
to transfer money
to log in to online banking through a link sent via text or email.

Credit card scams

Scammers don't need your credit card to use it. They only need your card details.

They could get your card details if you put them into an unsecure website or use public Wi-Fi. Or if your card is lost or stolen.

Signs of a credit card scam

There are unusual transactions on your credit card statement.
Someone contacts you by phone, text or email and asks you to make an urgent credit card payment. They may claim to be a relative or friend.
Or they could ask you to 'verify' your card details.

Check your credit card statements regularly, especially if your card is lost or stolen. If you see something you don't recognise, tell your bank straight away.

Loan scams

Scammers may contact you by email or text saying you're approved for a loan you never applied for. Or after you've filled out an online loan enquiry form.

Signs of a loan scam

The loan seems too good to be true (for example, a really low interest rate).
There's no credit check or you're guaranteed approval.
They ask for an up-front deposit or your bank details.
They say the offer is ending soon and pressure you to act now.
The lender claims to be from Australia but doesn't have a website or has an international phone number.
The email address doesn't match the company name or is from a free provider (such as hotmail, gmail or outlook).
They ask you to make a payment for insurance or tax before they can release the loan funds.

If you don't recognise the lender, check the company details online and read reviews. Check that it's not on the investor alert list.

What to do if you've been scammed

If you think you've been targeted by scammers, act quickly.

Call your bank as soon as possible to let them know about the scam.

For steps to take and where to report it, see what to do if you've been scammed.

Protect yourself against banking and credit scams

Scammers are skilled at finding ways to get your details and your dollars. Follow these simple steps to protect yourself from scams.

Use strong passwords

Strong passwords make it harder for scammers to hack your online banking or email accounts. For tips on how to create a strong password, visit the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC).

Secure your computer and mobile devices

Make sure your computer's antivirus software and operating system is up to date. These can help block scammers before they attack.

Password-protect all your devices. If you're using a shared or public computer, never save passwords and always log out of your accounts.

For tips to protect your information and devices, visit the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC).

Think before you click

Delete unsolicited or suspicious emails or messages straight away. Never click on any links. Go to your bank's website or their secure app to make a transaction.

Shop on secure websites and protect your cards

Only input your card numbers on trusted websites and make surethe website is secure. The web address should show a closed padlock or key and start with 'https'.

Store your credit cards in a safe place.

Avoid public Wi-Fi

If you're using a public Wi-Fi network, don't send or receive sensitive information. For example, don't log in to your online banking or social media accounts.

Shred your documents

Shred letters from your employer, bank or super fund before you throw them out. These letters often contain personal details that scammers can use.

Check the lender is licensed by ASIC

By law, all lenders must hold a credit licence from ASIC. You can check if a lender is licensed on ASIC's website. Choose 'Credit Licensee' in the drop-down menu when you search.

If they don't have a licence, don't deal with them and report them to ASIC.

Kyle finds an unexpected purchase on his credit card statement

Kyle needs to buy a new laptop. He finds a great deal online for half-price. He hasn't heard of the company before, but decides the offer is too good to pass up.

The next week, Kyle notices a purchase on his credit card that he didn't make. He calls his bank straight away and asks them to freeze the account. Because Kyle acts quickly, the bank is able to 'charge back' (reverse the transaction) and Kyle gets his money back.

Kyle reports the website to Scamwatch so they can warn others.