Commonwealth Bank issues mail fraud alert

Hundreds of Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) customers have reported receiving emails designed to skim money from their accounts, forcing several of them to change their passwords as a precaution.

The bank issued an official alert over a fresh batch of email 'phishing' frauds that used authentic-looking logos and seeking customers' personal details.

The frauds cover requests for people to participate in surveys, update account details, activate cards, win prizes and money, qualify for fee refunds and unlock frozen accounts.

According to retail banking service group executive Ross McEwan six hoaxes had been tracked circulating in Australia and overseas. He added that the emails appear authentic and include Commonwealth Bank logos. The refer to actual bank staff members or include believable email addresses he warned.

He said that while many people deleted the emails, some might end up as unsuspecting victims. He added that the bank did not use email to seek personal information from customers.


He asked consumers to upgrade spam filters on computers where possible.