An important reminder about email scams, following a recent incident where a client was targeted by a fraudulent email that appeared to come from HFB. The scammer sent a fake tax invoice with altered bank account details, resulting in a financial loss.
Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and even the most cautious individuals can be caught off guard. At HFB, your security is our priority, and we want to help you stay informed and protected.
What happened?
The scammer impersonated an HFB team member and sent an email requesting payment of a tax invoice. While the invoice looked legitimate, the BSB and account number had been changed. The client, believing the email was genuine, transferred funds to the fraudulent account.
How to spot a scam email
Here are some red flags to watch for:
- Urgent or alarming messages: e.g. “Your account will be closed unless you act now.”
- Unfamiliar sender addresses: Look closely for misspellings or strange domains.
- Unexpected attachments or links: These may contain malware or lead to fake websites.
- Requests for personal or financial information: Legitimate companies will never ask for passwords or banking details via email.
- Too-good-to-be-true offers: Scammers often use enticing promises to lure victims.
Protect yourself – especially when making payments
- Always verify bank details: If you receive an invoice or payment request from HFB (or any business), call us directly using a known phone number to confirm the BSB and account number before transferring funds.
- Be cautious with email instructions: Even if an email looks like it’s from us, double-check any changes to payment details.
- Enable multi-factor authentication: This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.
- Keep your software up to date: Updates often include important security patches.
- Report suspicious emails: Let us or your IT provider know if you receive anything questionable.
We’re Here to Help
If you ever receive an email that seems suspicious or you’re unsure about, please don’t hesitate to reach out to HFB. We’re here to support you and can help verify the legitimacy of any communication.
Let’s work together to stay safe online.