Online Safety

We’ve taken no shortcuts when it comes to security measures that protect your personal and financial information.

• Data is encrypted to protect the confidentiality of your data.
• Firewall security to prevent unauthorised access into our network.
• Always monitoring suspicious login activity accessing your account.
• We take every step to confirm the authenticity of each application, verifying that the applicant’s identity is accurate

Trust your gut. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t click on links, open attachments or provide any personal or financial information.

We won’t ever ask for remote access to your computer or mobile phone or ask for your passwords or PINs (including over the phone or email).

If you have received a suspicious email or SMS claiming to be from us, send a screenshot to reportscam@ford-finance.com.au. Our team will investigate to keep you and others safe too.

We’ve got the tech, but you can double your protection with these three simple tips.

Some of the scams we often see, and how to combat them.

SMS and emails

You might receive a message with a link to a malicious website or be asked for personal information. It pays to be cautious and verify the legitimacy of the sender.

Voice and video impersonations

Someone you know might call you in ‘distress’, but it’s actually a scammer impersonating them. Take steps to verify so you can be sure.

Online shopping

Fake online stores and classified ads are set up to sell you a product that doesn’t exist. If it seems too good to be true – it probably is.

Remote access

Unless you’re engaging IT professionals for a very specific service, don’t download software that gives remote access to your computer.

Fake investments

Only invest with authorised institutions. Sham investment opportunities are all over the internet.

Romance

Fake profiles can be set up to lure you into a relationship – even working at it for months – before you’re asked for money for something.

Jobs

The promise of a high-paying job, or a money-making scheme (often Ponzi or pyramid) is designed to get money out of you instead.

Tickets

There are a lot of fake sellers out there – only buy directly from authorised sellers when getting tickets for entertainment and events.

These are the red flags to watch out for.

Spelling

Poor grammar and spelling are often a big giveaway, but these days, it can be really subtle. Look out for slightly incorrect web addresses or emails (e.g. from fordfinance@gmail.com or fordfinance.org instead of ford-finance.com.au).

Time pressure

If you feel pressured to act quickly, it’s likely a scam.

Password or PIN information

We’ll never ask for your password or PIN.

QR codes

Suspicious-looking QR codes can send you to fake or malicious websites.

Payment terms

Don’t proceed if you’re asked to pay in a specific way like gift cards or cryptocurrency.
The only ways we may accept payments are direct debit or EFT’s.