Scam targets 'bank account and credit card numbers'

Australian Central members have been targeted in a scam.

Members of Australian Central have received bogus phone calls and emails targeting their bank account and credit card details.

Fraudsters are pretending to be from the mutually owned financial institution and illegally gather information from customers to pretend to refund excess fees.

But the organisation stated it is a scam.

"These callers are not from Australian Central or the Australian Taxation Office and no reputable organisation will contact people in this manner to request personal information," it said.

Moreover, the company recommended that anyone who thinks their Aussie credit card, bank account or other personal details should phone 13 13 21.

In addition, Australian Central advised members to keep spyware detection programmes and virus software up-to-date, as well as to withhold giving out details or car numbers.

This advice was supported by Symantec Corporation, which announced a new tool to help businesses in Australia understand potential information risks that could affect them.

By Emma North