Keeping your wealth safe from scammers and hackers

A sophisticated email that mimics your bank’s notifications can compromise your entire savings with a single click.

With financial scams and cybercrime on the rise, keeping your wealth safe is more important than ever.

Many people are increasingly concerned about scammers and hackers targeting their personal and financial information.

At First Financial, we take security seriously, with advanced safeguards in place to protect our clients’ data.

Here are key practices to secure your finances and how we can help you stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.

Protecting your wealth is essential. We prioritise the safety of your financial data at every level. Our use of two-factor authentication (2FA) across all major platforms, including client logins, provides an additional layer of security. This requires both a password and a second form of verification, reducing the risk of unauthorised access.

We store and protect passwords using secure management tools such as Nordpass. Our team regularly undergoes cybersecurity training to stay updated on the latest threats, ensuring we are equipped to prevent data breaches.

Additionally, Macquarie’s Authenticator app enhances account security, offering a trusted and seamless way to safeguard your financial transactions.

Our virus and malware protection software is highly effective, actively monitoring for suspicious activity to prevent attacks. These measures ensure we are prepared to detect and respond to potential risks.

Online scams are becoming more sophisticated. They target individuals through phishing emails, fake websites and social media messages.

A popular tactic involves tricking people into disclosing personal information under the guise of legitimate requests, like pretending to be from a bank or government agency.

The Australian Government’s Scamwatch site offers up-to-date information on common scams.

Staying informed about current tactics is key to avoiding them. If something seems too good to be true or pressures you into sharing personal information, it’s likely a scam.

At First Financial, we remind clients to always exercise caution when sharing sensitive details online and to report suspicious activity immediately. Proactive action and communication help prevent losses and keep financial assets safe.

If you suspect your financial information has been compromised, take immediate action. Contact your financial institutions right away to prevent further damage, freeze your accounts and update your passwords to enhance security.

For any potential security threat, stay alert and review your recent transactions for any unauthorised transactions. Consider using fraud alerts or credit freezes with credit reporting agencies to protect your identity. Reporting the incident promptly to your financial institution and relevant authorities will help facilitate a quick resolution.

The team at First Financial is always here to assist you in the event of a security breach. If you need guidance on reporting scams and fraudulent activity, feel free to ask your financial adviser for the next steps.

Partnering with a trusted financial adviser like First Financial offers reassurance that your wealth is in safe hands.

We understand the importance of transparent communication and provide regular updates on security practices to keep you informed and confident in your financial journey.

Our strict data privacy policies ensure your personal information is only collected and used in ways necessary to manage your finances.

With ongoing staff training and premier security protocols, we are committed to providing peace of mind to our clients.

Financial security is a shared responsibility between us and our clients. By staying vigilant and using the resources available, you can feel assured that your pathway to wealth is safeguarded.

In today’s world, it’s disheartening to see so many scammers and hackers exploiting others, leading to financial losses for many. While these times can be unsettling, there are effective measures you can take to enhance your security, stay safe online and protect your wealth.

At First Financial, we aim to help you reach your financial goals and secure the retirement you envision.

This journey includes safeguarding your wealth and personal data. Our qualified and experienced advisers are ready to provide you with the knowledge and confidence needed to build the financial future you deserve.

Contact us today.

Read more articles about the financial industry, including our digital literacy and security guide for seniors.