Protect your super from scammers

 

Australians lost over $634 million to various scams in 2019 with over 353,000 reports. This year, scammers are using the spread of COVID-19 to take advantage of people. Scamwatch has received over 4,850 scam reports mentioning the coronavirus so far this year, with almost $6 million in reported losses since the outbreak of COVID-19 began.

Scams target people of all backgrounds, ages and income levels across Australia. There's no one group of people who are more likely to become a victim of a scam, all of us may be vulnerable to a scam at some time.

The two common ways that scammers will try to deceive people out of there super is through identity theft and false investment scams.

Identity theft

Some of the ways you can protect your identity include:

 

  • Be alert to the fact that scams exist
  • Know who you're dealing with
  • Do not open suspicious texts, pop-up windows or click on links or attachments in emails – delete them
  • Don't respond to phone calls about your computer asking for remote access – hang up
  • Keep your personal details secure
  • Keep your mobile devices and computers secure
  • Choose your passwords carefully
  • Review your privacy and security settings on social media
  • Beware of any requests for your details or money
  • Be wary of unusual payment requests
  • Be careful when shopping online

 

For more information on how to protect your identity, visit Scamwatch.

 

Finding a financial adviser you can trust

Do your research when looking for a financial adviser. Check the MoneySmart website to find out where a financial adviser has worked, their qualifications, training, memberships of professional bodies and what products they can advise on.

You can also contact the Cbus Advice Team for a referral to an accredited financial planner. All accredited financial planner's must meet strict professional qualification and service criteria as set by Cbus and the Financial Planning Association of Australia


It is also important to keep track of any authority you have provided to another person or third party to access your account information. 

Call 1300 361 784 or visit www.cbussuper.com.au/advice.

 

For more information on how to protect yourself from scams, visit:

 

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