How Fair Go Finance protects our clients from online fraud

November 04, 2024Family and Social

In today’s online society, the dangers of identity fraud and scams are everywhere.

In an effort to keep Aussies safe, the SCAMwatch website, www.scamwatch.gov.au provides ongoing information about the latest scams and how scammers can steal peoples’ personal information like credit card details, tax file numbers and passwords.

At Fair Go Finance, we are also committed to ensuring our customers stay safe, both with their finance needs and protecting their personal information.

Outsmarting Online Scammers: How Fair Go Finance Protects You (and How You Can Protect Yourself)

With scammers getting more clever every day, it feels like we’re all one click away from accidentally handing over our personal details. At Fair Go Finance, we're not only serious about protecting your information—we also want to help you stay ahead of the latest scam trends. Below, we’ll break down some of the common scams making the rounds and share how we work to keep you safe, plus a few practical tips to keep you secure online.

Here’s what to watch out for and how to keep scammers out of your personal information.

Common Online Scams You Should Know About

Phishing Emails

One of the oldest tricks in the scammer’s book. Phishing emails often look like they’re from a trusted source—think your bank, favourite online store, or even a government agency. But hidden in these emails are links designed to steal your passwords, credit card numbers, or other sensitive data. Scammers have gotten really good at making these look official, even copying brand logos and colours.

Spotting It:
Look closely at the sender’s email address—it’s often a little off, like an extra letter or a slightly misspelled name. Also, legitimate companies won’t ask you to confirm sensitive info via email, so if you see something fishy, don’t click!

Fake Loan Offers

Scammers know that people looking for loans may be vulnerable, so fake loan offers have become popular. These scammers promise instant cash or guaranteed approval, but they often ask for an "upfront fee" to secure the loan—one that goes straight into their pockets and leaves you empty-handed.

Spotting It:
Any lender that promises guaranteed approval without checking your details or asks for fees upfront is likely a scam. At Fair Go Finance, we never ask for fees before processing your loan.

Fake Competitions or Surveys

“Congratulations! You’ve won a $500 gift card!” Sound familiar? Scammers lure people in by offering prize draws or rewards in exchange for personal information. Once they have your data, they use it to try to access your accounts or sell it on the dark web.

Spotting It:
If you didn’t enter a competition, you probably didn’t win one. Legitimate companies won’t ask for sensitive details to claim a prize—at most, they may need your contact info.

Phone Porting Scams

This one’s a bit sneakier and can have serious consequences. In a phone porting scam, scammers trick mobile providers into transferring your phone number to a new SIM card. Once they have control of your number, they can intercept texts, like those used for two-factor authentication.

Spotting It:
If you suddenly lose mobile service, especially if you’re in an area where you usually have a strong signal, contact your provider immediately. It could be a sign that someone’s trying to port your number.

How Fair Go Finance Has Your Back

1. A Secure, Encrypted Website

When you’re on our website, rest assured that your data is protected by advanced encryption. The padlock symbol in your browser verifies that your information, like when you apply for a loan, is securely encoded. We treat your personal data with the same level of care you would—and that scammers hate.

2. Rigorous Identity Verification

Scammers may be clever, but we’re always a step ahead. Our strict identity verification ensures that every application is genuinely from you, not an imposter. We verify your identity directly with trusted sources and run extra checks before approving any loan.

3. Encrypted Bank Statement Service

Sharing bank statements can feel risky, so we make sure it isn’t. When you apply with us, you can submit your statements through a fully encrypted, secure Bank Statement service that allows you to log in directly to your bank. This keeps your information out of reach from anyone but you and our secure system.

Simple Steps to Protect Yourself from Scams

While we’re doing our part, here’s what you can do to keep the scammers at bay:

Use Strong Passwords and Change Them Regularly: A strong, unique password is one of the easiest ways to protect your data.

Avoid Clicking Unknown Links: Even if it looks legitimate, be cautious about links in unexpected emails or messages.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Wherever possible, add an extra layer of security to your accounts.

Be Aware of Public Wi-Fi Risks: When using public Wi-Fi, avoid accessing sensitive accounts like online banking.

Stay Informed About New Scams: Scammers constantly evolve their tactics, so staying updated helps you recognise red flags early.

For more tips on protecting your data, check out http://www.staysmartonline.gov.au and stay safe.

Ready for a Safe and Secure Loan Experience?

At Fair Go Finance, our goal is more than just offering loans—we’re here to support you on your financial journey with security you can trust. Apply now knowing that we’re dedicated to keeping your personal information safe, every step of the way.

To apply for a secure, online loan with Fair Go Finance, click here.