Welcome to Defence Bank’s security hub.
Keeping your money safe and protected is our top priority.
As a member of Defence Bank, you have access to a range of tools and security features to help protect you against scams and fraud. This includes real-time monitoring, fraud prevention technology and secure banking via our app or online banking.
Remember we will never ask for your PIN or password by phone or email and will never ask you to download any software and apps or access your device remotely.
Our website uses SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption. This ensures others can't read your personal information when browsing the internet. Just look for the padlock in the address bar.
You will be automatically logged out of online banking if you are inactive for over 8 minutes. After 3 failed logins, your access is suspended. Call us if this wasn't you.
Our intelligence monitoring systems run 24/7, allowing us to identify at-risk customers.
If we notice suspicious activity on your credit card, it may temporarily be blocked and we may even prevent you from logging in to your banking apps or online banking. But don’t worry, if you verify the activity as genuine, we’ll remove the block quickly.
You can also cancel, replace or temporarily block your card through our banking app if you need.
Glynn and Ann, ACT
If you think someone else knows your passcode or password or has used your account, let us know straight away. If you don’t, you may be responsible for any financial losses.
Check your bank accounts and credit cards regularly for suspicious activity, especially after a breach. Look for unfamiliar transactions or changes in your account settings. and notify us immediately of any changes of address.
Use two-factor authentication (2FA) on all your accounts. This extra layer of security ensures that even if a scammer has your password, they can't gain access to accounts without a second form of verification, such as a code sent by text to your phone.
Be cautious of links in messages, particularly from senders you don’t know. By clicking, you may unintentionally download malicious software to your device.
If you receive an unsolicited call, message or email, be wary. Don’t trust that the caller or information provided is legitimate. . Take the time to consult a trusted source, like Verify Defence Bank, to check if a message or caller is genuine.
When you pay someone using PayID, you can see their name before finalising the payment. This makes it easier to check whether you're paying the right person. Remember, PayID is a secure way to pay, but be alert to common PayID scams.
Choose a secure way to pay by adding a digital wallet to your phone, smartwatch or fitness tracker. It’s easy to set up, convenient to use and packed with security features.
Passwords shouldn’t be set and forget. You should regularly check your “password health” and change them every 90 days. You should do this even if you don’t use online banking regularly or you have forgotten your online banking password.
Here’s a list of some common passwords you shouldn’t use. In many cases it will take less than 1 second for hackers to crack.
Use a mix of the following to create a strong password.
We recommend using a passphrase. Dont use a number or word that someone can easily guess (for example, your date of birth, ‘1234’ or ‘password’).
This may seem like common sense but don’t write your password down, keep a copy of your passcode or password on your computer, mobile or tablet, let anyone see your passcode when you’re using it or share it with anyone, even close friends and family.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) simply means there are two checks in place to prove your identity. With 2FA, you need to provide two things – your password and something else such as a code sent to your mobile device, your fingerprint or facial recognition – before you can access your account. This provides you with an extra layer of protection.
If you have misplaced your card, you can place an immediate temporary hold on your card using the Defence Bank app by:
If your VISA card has been used without your permission or you suspect someone else knows your PIN, you can change it in the app instantly and contact us on 1800 033 139.
For more information on how to protect your money, visit Intel - the Defence Bank blog.
Other valuable online resources outlining ways to combat scams and additional ways you can take to limit the risk of fraud include:
Important note: This information is of a general nature and is not intended to be relied on by you as advice in any particular matter. You should contact us at Defence Bank to discuss how this information may apply to your circumstances.
Here for you on 1800 033 139.
We're available between Monday and Friday, 8am to 6pm (AEST/AEDT).
Visit a branch.
With the most on-base branches across Australia, we’re closer than you think.
Chat with us.
Use the icon in the corner of your screen between Monday and Friday, 8am to 6pm (AEST/AEDT).
A scam is a way of tricking people into handing over money or personal details.
Scams are constantly changing as scammers take advantage of new technology, new products and services, and local events or crises.
Scammers are getting smarter, and anyone can be a victim of a scam.
Reporting a scam is an important step to help stop it. Plus it can prevent countless others falling victim too. Report a scam to Scamwatch.
If you have shared financial information or transferred money to a scammer - or if you suspect fraud on your account Please contact us immediatly
Fraud can take many forms and frequently remains unnoticed.
For example, credit card fraud can happen when a device illicitly captures your credit card information during a legitimate transaction. The issue may only come to light when your bank notifies you or when you spot unrecognized charges on your statement.
Phishing is a method cybercriminals use to trick you into giving them your personal information. They send fraudulent emails or text messages, frequently masquerading as reputable, well-known organizations. Their aim is often to obtain sensitive data such as online banking credentials, credit card information, or passwords.
It can be hard to spot scams and fraudulent activity. In a genuine Defece Bank call, SMS message or email, we will never ask you to:
Need to verify that you are speaking to a Defence Bank Employee? utilise our Verify Defence Bank service.
You can send a secure message to Defence Bank by logging into the Defence Bank app or Online Banking then following these steps:
You can cancel your credit or debit card through either Online Banking or the Defence Bank mobile app.
Online Banking.
Select Services > Card Management, then select the card you wish to report and follow the prompts.
Mobile app.
Select Manage Accounts > Manage Cards, then select the card you wish to report and follow the prompts.
You can then order a replacement card within the mobile app and be issued with a virtual card which you can add to your digital wallet and use immediately. This removes the stress and inconvenience of having to wait until a physical card arrives in the mail.
Alternatively, you can contact us and we can block your card and arrange a new one for you.
If you don’t recognise a transaction on your account, use our “Look Who’s Charging” feature.
If you are still unsure the transaction, call us on 1800 033 139, visit your local branch, send us a Secure Message or use the Contact Us form for further assistance.
Warning: Please DO NOT send sensitive information such as login details and passwords over email.
You can click on the transaction within your online banking or through the app to get more information. This will often give you additional details, such as contact numbers or email addresses to get in touch directly with the merchant.
If you’re still unsure, we can always look into it for you - call our Contact Centre or visit us in-branch. Outside of business hours, you can send us a Secure Message to get on top of it as quickly as possible.
It is a six digit numerical code received by SMS or email enabling the member to securely authorise transactions such as making external transfers by BPAY or OSKO, changes to contact details, secure messages or registering a PayID.
Online scammers can compromise email addresses, leading to data breaches and potential financial loss. Learn what it means to be ‘’pwned”, how to check if you’ve been affected, and the essential steps to protect your information.
Scammers are seemingly revisiting old ploys to target Aussies, including phone porting scams and other old-school deceptions. Learn how the scammers are going back to the future and what you can do to protect your personal information and financial accounts.
It is important, now more than ever, that older Australians are vigilant and know the signs of a scam to avoid getting caught.
