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How to stay safe online.

Read time 3 min
Help protect yourself from scams and online threats — learn how to secure your identity, devices, and finances.

Protect your device and online security

Online shopping and banking are convenient — but they come with risks. Here’s how you can help protect your personal details and your device.

Password security

Use a different password or PIN for your device and online services than the one you use for your Bankwest App or card.

  • Use a long and complex mix of letters, numbers and symbols
  • Never share your password or let anyone register their fingerprints or Face ID on your device
  • Change your password regularly to secure your account.

Secure your device

Your devices can be vulnerable to viruses, spyware, malware and other online cyber threats.

  • Install up-to-date antivirus software. Learn more on the scamwatch website
  • Keep your firewall on and run regular security scans
  • Only download apps from official stores like the Apple App Store® or Google Play™ store
  • Keep your operating system and apps updated regularly
  • Avoid removing built-in security restrictions on devices.

Avoid public Wi-Fi

Avoid online banking or online shopping on public Wi-Fi.

  • Public Wi-Fi is often not secure and can put your information at risk
  • Turn off auto-connect to prevent joining risky networks.

Social media security

What you share online can be used to steal your identity.

  • Limit the personal information you share publicly on social media
  • Customise your privacy settings to control who can view your full profile.

How we help you protect yourself

NameCheck

NameCheck helps you confirm you’re paying the right person. It checks the BSB and account numbers you enter the first time you pay someone new.

Check-it

Check-it notifications alert you to unusual activity on your account. You can respond by accepting or rejecting the transaction.

SMS code

Once you’ve opted in, SMS code, adds an extra layer of protection. A 6-digit code to your registered mobile to confirm it’s you when banking, shopping online, or updating app settings.

Alpha Tags

We use SMS Alpha Tags like ‘BW Collect’ or ‘Bankwest so you can easily identify legitimate messages from us. If a message comes from a different sender, it could be a scam — don’t open links or respond.

Push and in-app notifications

Enable push notifications in your device settings and keep your app up-to-date. This helps you receive alerts about unusual account activity.

Things to consider

Apple, the Apple logo and Apple Pay are trademarks of Apple Inc. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Bankwest Apple Pay Terms of Use apply.

Android, Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC. Bankwest Google Pay Terms of Use apply. Google Pay and Google Wallet are trademarks of Google LLC.

Contact us

Call us on 13 17 19

Call us if you’re concerned about possible fraud.

Call us on +61 8 9449 2840

Call us if you need help from overseas.

Email us

Forward the email to abuse@bankwest.com.au.