Scams and fraud that target businesses
Businesses are increasingly becoming the targets of scams and fraud. Read about protecting your business, staff and customers from the potential data and financial loss, reputational damage and operational impacts of cyber-attacks.
Upcoming webinar: Staying ahead of scams
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, fraud and scams continue to pose a threat to both businesses and individuals. Join us for an informative webinar featuring industry-leading fraud experts who will share emerging trends and real-world insights on how to recognise and prevent scams.
Types of business scams
A lot of the scams and cyber-attacks used to target individuals can be used to target businesses too. These may include:
- Phishing scams that trick you out of information that can be used to access your bank accounts or credit card(s).
- Remote access scams that trick you into giving someone access to your device i.e. smartphone, tablet or computer. This could allow them to access your bank accounts, two-factor authentication codes and any data saved on that device.
- Malware or ransomware, possibly spread by email attachments, via devices (i.e. flash drives or SD cards), or unintentionally downloaded from the internet.
- A compromised email account which, for a business, can allow scammers to send fake invoices to your existing customers, or update the payment details to redirect legitimate invoice payments to scam accounts.
- Payment facilities and ecommerce platforms can be targeted by fraudsters. Your customers’ card details may be stolen and used fraudulently in your store or online, which can result in liability and financial loss for your business.
Protecting your business from scams and fraud
Stay up to date with the latest scams
Knowing what scams are currently active can be a good form of defence.
Educate your staff
Your staff can be your best defence against scams and fraud.
Make sure they know what part they play in keeping themselves, the business, and your customers safe.
The PACT acronym can help you and your staff remember some simple, actionable tips.
Guide to building cyber resilience in your business
This guide seeks to simplify cyber security, by providing actionable tips and information for businesses. These tips can help balance the need to operate effectively and take advantage of innovative technology while managing cyber threats and risks.
Your business processes
- Make sure your security processes and policies are up to date, and that they are followed
- Back up your data regularly, capturing all the digital information you need to keep your business running
- Make sure passwords are long, strong and unique
- Use two-factor authentication, where available
- Set your devices, software, operating systems and apps to update automatically
Find more tips for protecting your business on Own Your Online:
Securing your business accounts
OnlineCode two-factor authentication
If you’re registered for OnlineCode in the ANZ goMoney mobile app and Internet Banking, it adds a second layer of security to verify certain transactions.
Control access to your accounts
Decide how your employees and your accountant access your ANZ Internet Banking by assigning them a profile in ANZ Direct Online – Administrator, Authoriser or User.
Use more than one authoriser
Set your account rules so payments made in goMoney, ANZ Direct Online or Internet Banking require more than one authoriser (signatory). Add new authorisers to your account by calling our Business Specialists.
How we help keep you safe
Read more about the other ways we safeguard your accounts and information:
Secure your card acceptance terminals and ecommerce platforms
- Be wary of customers who make unusual requests, like asking for immediate returns, large voucher purchases over the phone, or to handle the EFTPOS— terminal themselves.
- Only use solutions and practices that comply with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) compliant solution with Card Security PCI DSS. For more information, see the ANZ Merchant Operating Guide on Accept card and device payments.
- Protect your website with 3D secure authentication to help prevent online payment fraud. To check if it is enabled, contact your website payment gateway provider, or call us on 0800 473 453.
- To reduce the risk of bot-driven fraud through your website, secure your website’s checkout process with tools like CAPTCHA, to help distinguish between human activity and automated activity.
Report it
If you think you’ve been the victim of a scam or fraud, or if you notice anything unusual with your accounts or online banking, call us immediately.
If you have a cyber security issue or have been the target of a scam or fraud not connected to your banking, report it to CERT NZ. Reporting even minor events helps CERT NZ identify risks and improve their guidance.
Contact us
From overseas: +64 9 523 7220
Related content
Information and education resources
Important information
This material is for information purposes only. Eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply to ANZ goMoney, Internet Banking and Direct Online. Fees apply to Direct Online. See our ANZ Electronic Banking conditions (PDF 138KB) and ANZ Direct Online conditions of use (PDF 186KB), for steps you must take to help stop unauthorised use or unauthorised access to goMoney, Internet Banking and/or Direct Online, also available from any branch.