Scam and security glossary
The A-Z guide to spotting and avoiding scams.
A
What it is: Software that displays excessive ads or tracks your online activity.
Example: You download a free game and suddenly see pop-up ads everywhere.
Stay safe: Only download programs from trusted websites, and keep security software on your device updated.
What it is: Someone asks you to pay money upfront for something they promise you’ll get later.
Example: “You’ve won $10,000, just pay a small fee to claim your prize.”
Stay safe: You should never have to pay to receive a legitimate prize, loan, or inheritance.
What it is: Someone breaks into your bank account after obtaining your login details.
Example: You check your account and see transactions you didn’t make.
Stay safe: Use strong, unique passwords, enable two-step verification, and check your accounts regularly.
What it is: Thieves attach hidden devices to ATMs to steal card details.
Example: A fake card reader on an ATM copies your information.
Stay safe: Use ATMs inside banks or in well-lit areas, and cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
What it is: Scammers selling fake items through online auctions.
Example: You win an auction for a phone at a great price, but it never arrives after you pay.
Stay safe: Check seller ratings and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
What it is: A file sent with an email that could contain harmful software.
Example: You receive an email with an “urgent document” you weren’t expecting.
Stay safe: Only open attachments from people you know and trust.
B
What it is: Hidden software that steals your banking passwords when you log in.
Example: A secret program records what you type on a compromised site.
Stay safe: Keep your device’s security up to date and only log in via trusted apps or the official URL.
What it is: A network of infected computers controlled by scammers without the owners' knowledge.
Example: Your computer slows down because it’s being used to send spam.
Stay safe: Use reputable security software and keep it updated.
What it is: Someone breaks into your bank account after obtaining your login details.
Example: You check your account and see transactions you didn’t make.
Stay safe: Use strong, unique passwords, enable two-step verification, and check your accounts regularly.
What it is: Scammers pretend to be your boss or supplier, often asking for money.
Example: An email appears to be from a known supplier but includes different bank details for payment.
Stay safe: Always confirm unusual or urgent payment requests by phoning the person or company directly.
What it is: Scammers pretend to be selling an item via an online market place.
Example: You click on a listing for a new Smart Watch on Facebook Marketplace, after reading the description and interacting with the seller, you decide to purchase the watch and transfer money into the seller's account. Once the funds have left your account, the seller is no longer contactable, and the listing for the Smart Watch is removed from Facebook Marketplace.
Stay safe: Never pre-pay or pay a deposit for items you are considering purchasing via online marketplaces. We recommend paying cash or transferring funds at the time of collection (preferably in a public place). If you feel pressured to pay a deposit or the full amount before seeing the item, consider walking away from the purchase.
C
What it is: Fake charities set up to steal donations.
Example: After a natural disaster, you receive emails requesting urgent donations.
Stay safe: Donate only through official charity websites or phone numbers you’ve verified yourself.
What it is: Scammers falsify caller ID information to appear as someone you trust.
Example: Your phone displays a call from MyState Bank, but it’s really a scammer.
Stay safe: Don’t rely on caller ID. If in doubt, hang up and call us to verify using our official number, 138 001.
What it is: Scammers try stolen passwords from one site on your other accounts.
Example: Your email password is compromised, and scammers use it on your banking account.
Stay safe: Use different passwords across all your important accounts.
What it is: “Cognitive” refers to how our brain works with thoughts, understanding, and memory. In scams, fraudsters use our normal thinking and emotions against us by ‘reducing’ our cognitive load.
Example: A scammer might create panic or urgency so you act without thinking carefully or ‘reducing our cognitive load.’
Stay safe: Applying Stop. Check. Protect helps increase your cognitive load. Pause and ask yourself if the request feels rushed or unusual. Double-check any demands by calling the official number of the organisation.
D
What it is: Videos or voice recordings digitally created to seem authentic.
Example: A video call looks like it’s from your friend, but it’s computer generated.
Stay safe: If someone you know makes an unusual request by a phone call or video, call them on a number you already have saved.
F
What it is: Similar to a BEC scam, however someone sends you a bill for something you don’t recall purchasing.
Example: You get an email saying you must pay for a product or service you didn’t order.
Stay safe: Verify all bills by contacting the company directly (locate the company details independently) and do not open any email attachments from unknown companies.
What it is: A scammer claims you’re owed a refund but needs your bank details to “process” it.
Example: “Microsoft” makes contact saying you are owed money but they need access to your bank account to send the refund.
Stay safe: If someone offers you an unexpected refund, contact the company directly via their official site or phone number.
G
What it is: Someone claims you can get a government grant if you pay a fee first.
Example: “You’ve been selected for a $5,000 government grant, just pay $100 to claim.”
Stay safe: Real Government grants never ask for upfront fees and usually require many steps to be considered.
What it is: Using the details of a deceased person to commit fraud.
Example: Applying for credit cards in the name of someone who has passed away.
Stay safe: Notify MyState Bank immediately if a family member unfortunately passes away, so their accounts can be protected.
What it is: Someone pretends to be a grandchild urgently requesting money, all done via SMS.
Example: “Grandma, I’m in trouble, please send $2,000 right now. P.S. don’t tell Mum.”
Stay safe: Always confirm with other relatives or by calling the sender on the number you have saved for them (not the number they sent the SMS from) before sending money, regardless of urgency.
H
What it is: Someone who gains unauthorized access to a computer or account.
Example: A person guesses your password and accesses your email.
Stay safe: Use strong passwords and ensure your security settings are current.
What it is: A secure website address that encrypts your information.
Example: “https://” at the beginning of a URL (for instance, https://mystate.com.au).
Stay safe: Only enter personal or banking details on secure “https” websites.
I
What it is: Someone claims to be from a trusted organisation to trick you.
Example: A caller says they’re from the tax office and demands immediate payment.
Stay safe: Legitimate organisations won’t pressure you for instant payment. Stop, check, protect.
What it is: Scammers falsify caller ID information to appear as someone you trust.
Example: Your phone displays a call from MyState Bank, but it’s really a scammer.
What it is: IDCARE is Australia and New Zealand's national identity & cyber support service.
Example: You have been the victim of identity theft and need support.
Stay safe: Contact IDCARE via the following channels:
https://www.idcare.org
Phone 1800 595 160 (during business hours - Mon-Fri: 8am - 5pm)
What it is: Someone steals your personal information to impersonate you.
Example: A scammer opens bank accounts or takes out loans or credit cards in your name.
Stay safe: Keep personal details private and monitor your bank statements for unusual activity.
What it is: Claiming you’ve inherited money but must pay fees to access it.
Example: An email says a distant relative left you a large sum.
Stay safe: Genuine inheritances follow legal processes, not random emails.
What it is: Pressuring you to invest in something that’s actually fake.
Example: “Invest now, guaranteed returns!”
Stay safe: Seek professional financial advice. No legitimate investment will ever promise guaranteed returns (otherwise everyone would be investing in this particular investment).
K
What it is: Software secretly recording what you type to capture passwords.
Example: It monitors your banking login credentials.
Stay safe: Use reliable security software and update it regularly.
L
What it is: Using multiple defences (not just a password) to protect accounts.
Example: Apart from having a PIN to protect your MyState Banking app, you also have set up biometrics and two-step verification for your MyState Bank app.
Stay safe: Consider adding extra security measures to safeguard your MyState account.
What it is: Telling you you’ve won a lottery you never entered.
Example: You receive an SMS about a “big win,” but they want a fee first.
Stay safe: You can’t win a lottery you didn’t enter, and real winners don’t pay to claim prizes (if they do, it’s 100% a scam).
M
What it is: Stealing mail to gather your personal information.
Example: Thieves take bank statements from your letterbox.
Stay safe: Use a locked mailbox or PO Box, and consider switching to online statements.
O
What it is: Someone “accidentally” pays you too much, then asks for a refund of the difference.
Example: A Facebook Marketplace buyer fakes evidence of overpayment, so you send them real money.
Stay safe: Confirm funds are truly in your account before refunding anyone. Consider calling us to confirm the legitimacy of the funds in your account.
What it is: Fake websites that take your money but never deliver goods.
Example: You buy from a site with unbelievably low prices, but nothing arrives.
Stay safe: Shop on familiar sites or research new ones thoroughly before purchasing from them.
P
What it is: Emails or texts aimed at stealing personal information.
Example: An email pretending to be from MyState Bank asks for your password.
Stay safe: Never click links in unexpected messages. Go directly to https://mystate.com.au. Remember, we will never send you an email or SMS with links in them.
What it is: A scam where criminals trick you into visiting a fake website with the purpose of stealing sensitive information.
Example: You receive an email asking you to log in to your MyState Internet Banking account, but the link leads to a counterfeit website designed to steal your information.
Stay safe: We’ll never send you an email asking you to click on any links. If we need you to visit our website, we will instruct you to manually type our official URL.
R
What it is: If you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud or a scam, report it as soon as possible to your bank. The sooner we are notified, the more chance we have of recovering the funds.
Example: You just realised your friend who banks with MyState has shared an SMS code sent from her bank to scammers and now has lost all access to her Internet Banking.
Stay safe: If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000. Act fast if you've had your personal or financial information stolen. Contact your bank or credit card provider now and tell them to stop any transactions.
What it is: Someone online professes love to get your money.
Example: An online partner asks for urgent funds for medical bills.
Stay safe: Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person.
What it is: Pre-recorded calls often used by scammers.
Example: A recorded message claims your MyState Bank account is frozen.
Stay safe: Hang up and call MyState Bank on 138 001 to verify.
S
What it is: Text messages trying to steal personal details.
Example: A text that appears to be from your bank asks you to click a link.
Stay safe: Avoid clicking links in texts; use your banking app or type the URL.
What it is: Fake banking apps or spoofed websites designed to steal login details.
Example: You download a fake MyState Bank app from an unverified website.
Stay safe: Only download official apps from your phone’s app store. Learn more about downloading our banking app.
What it is: Tactics used by international organisations like ASIO and the CIA with the purpose of manipulating people into revealing confidential information.
Example: A scammer pretends to be tech support using tactics intended to scare you and make you lower your cognitive awareness with the purpose of you sharing your password.
Stay safe: Verify any unexpected contact by reaching out via their official channels and don’t be scared to hang up and verify a caller (especially if it’s an unexpected call).
What it is: Unwanted emails that may contain scams or malicious links.
Example: Emails promoting “miracle” products or unreal deals.
Stay safe: Delete suspicious messages and never click unknown links.
V
What it is: Phone calls designed to extract personal or financial details.
Example: A caller claims to be from MyState Bank’s Fraud Bureau and asks you to verify sensitive information.
Stay safe: If unsure, hang up and call MyState Bank on 138 001 (during business hours) or our 24/7 scam and fraud hotline 1300 705 750 (after-hours).
What it is: Malicious software that can harm your device or steal information.
Example: Your computer acts strangely after opening an unexpected email attachment.
Stay safe: Keep security software updated and avoid downloading files from unknown sources.
W
What it is: Scammers trick you into sending money to their account.
Example: An email seems to be from your boss, urgently asking for a bank transfer.
Stay safe: Always verify payment requests by speaking to the person directly or using known contact details.
