Safety & Security
Keeping you safe is our priority.
Data protection
Giving you control of your data.
Summerland Bank is governed by a regulatory framework often called ‘Open Banking’ — a mechanism designed to give you greater choice and control over your financial data. While also encouraging competition and innovation, Open Banking comes with stringent security and regulatory oversight to protect your data and interests. By enabling you to grant (or take back) consent at any time, you decide what information gets shared with authorised third-party providers.
Fraud prevention
Protecting what matters most.
Your security is our priority, and we want you to have the ultimate peace of mind when it comes to your money. However, scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated and protecting your personal information is a joint effort, which means that we all must remain vigilant and informed of any potential attempts at identity theft or fraud. Remember, the key to online security is vigilance and staying informed about the latest security practices and threats and taking proactive steps to protect your sensitive data online. Find out more about Fraud Prevention.
A tip for staying safe: Ensure you have strong passwords and use a different password for your internet banking than the one you use for other sites.
If you suspect fraud or have a security concern, please reach out to our friendly local team immediately on 1300 728 728 during normal business hours (Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm), or on 0467 953 309 on weekends or public holidays.
Online Banking security
Ultimate peace of mind online.
With Summerland Bank, you can access your accounts and manage your finances effortlessly online, with the peace of mind that your money is safe thanks to our secure web-based platform. We leave no stone unturned to ensure your money is well protected with robust encryption software, multi-factor authentication and advanced security measures. Find out more about our commitment to secure banking practices →
A tip for staying safe: Avoid using internet banking on public computers or on an unsecured internet connection (including free WiFi).
ATM and card security
Keeping you and your money safe.
Learning to protect your cards, spot unauthorised transactions, and take precautions both online and in-person can help keep your money safe. If your card is lost or stolen, report it immediately by calling us or by selecting the ‘Updated Card Status’ option under ‘Services’ in your internet banking. Find out more about Card Security and International Travel.
A tip for staying safe: Whether you are overseas or onshore, it’s important to keep your card in sight at all times when making transactions (treat it like cash) and regularly check your balance or statement.
Safe banking practices
Protecting what matters most.
In an increasingly digital world, safeguarding your online presence, financial information and personal data is paramount and we work hard to protect your safety. Through high-quality customer service and a deep understanding of the modern banking landscape, we advocate for vigilant and informed banking, which includes using strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and regularly monitoring account activity. We encourage our customers to practice a healthy scepticism when anyone asks for your personal or financial details, and to always ensure they’re using secure and private networks when accessing their accounts. Together, we can fortify the security of your financial information and foster a safer banking environment. Find out more about our commitment to secure banking practices.
A tip for staying safe: Add an extra layer of protection to your online accounts with what’s called ‘two-factor authentication’ or 2FA such as FaceID. This is a simple yet powerful way to ensure that only you can access your accounts and keep your information safe from unauthorised access.
A tip for staying safe: Ensure you have strong passwords and use a different password for your internet banking than the one you use for other sites.
If you suspect fraud or have a security concern, please reach out to our friendly local team immediately on 1300 728 728 during normal business hours (Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm), or on 0467 953 309 on weekends or public holidays.
Online shopping
Practice caution when adding to cart.
Many of us love the comfort of shopping from home or on-the-go, but it’s essential to be vigilant in protecting your sensitive information. Always shop from reputable and verified retailers, ensuring their websites use secure ‘https’ connections — just look for a padlock symbol in the address bar. And be wary of offers that seem too good to be true, as they can sometimes be fronts for scams. It’s also a good idea to continuously update your virus protection software from your security software provider and regularly check your bank statements to ensure you recognise all of the transactions. Find out more about staying safe online.
A tip to keep you safe: It can be a good idea to create a separate email account just for online shopping that has a different password to your other accounts. Even better, use a different account and do not affiliate it with your personal, everyday email or bank accounts.
Phishing and scams
Be careful not to get hooked.
You’ve heard the adage: if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Well, it’s never been more true. ‘Phishing’ is a type of cybercrime where fraudsters attempt to get sensitive information from you such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details by disguising themselves as someone trustworthy. For example, a message from a number you don’t know claiming to be your child or a loved one who has lost their phone and needs money transferred. It’s common for these tactics to employ urgency and put pressure on you to respond quickly. And they are not always pretending to be individuals. There has been a concerning trend involving scammers impersonating businesses across various digital channels. Through online ads, social media, text messages, emails, and even phone calls, these impostors often try to mirror the visual identity of legitimate organisations, making it even harder to spot. Find out more about common scams and tactics.
A tip to keep you safe: Be extremely cautious when divulging sensitive information, such as PINs, passwords, or personal details. Look for signs of suspicious grammar, punctuation, or spelling mistakes, and never click on a link or download an application or file from someone you don’t know.
A tip to keep you safe: It can be a good idea to create a separate email account just for online shopping that has a different password to your other accounts. Even better, use a different account and do not affiliate it with your personal, everyday email or bank accounts.
Skimming devices and counterfeit cards
Be aware of your surroundings.
Skimming devices are sneaky tools that fraudsters attach to ATMs or point-of-sale terminals to secretly swipe your card’s information. They’re often undetectable at a glance, capturing the details stored on your card’s magnetic stripe, including the card number and your PIN. The card’s details are then transferred over to a counterfeit card, mimicking the look and feel of genuine cards, and are used to make unauthorized transactions and access your account.
If you suspect fraud or have a security concern, please reach out to our friendly local team immediately on 1300 728 728 during normal business hours (Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm), or on 0467 953 309 on weekends or public holidays. Get more tips on Fraud Prevention.
A tip for staying safe: Safeguard yourself by inspecting card slots before you use your card and shield your PIN at ATMs and point-of-sale terminals.
Privacy Policy
Keeping your private information, private.
As a customer-owned bank, and committed part of our local community, we care deeply about your privacy. It is important to us that you know exactly how we collect, use, and disclose your personal information. This information is publicly available in our Privacy Notification, which describes what information we collect and why, how it’s used and to whom it’s disclosed.
In compliance with the Privacy Act 1988, the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) and the Privacy (Credit Reporting) Code 2014, Summerland Bank also has a robust Privacy Policy that includes more details about what we do with your personal information and how we safeguard it. It also guides you on what to do if there’s a problem. To find out more, please click on one of the relevant links below, or contact our Privacy Officer.
A tip to keep you safe: Frequently review and update the privacy settings on your social media accounts, apps, and other online platforms. Ensure that you’re only sharing information with trusted parties and that your data isn’t publicly accessible.
Secure communication
Extra layers of security and protection.
In the world of modern banking, e-commerce, and digital communication, there is a need for sophisticated protocols that protect against unauthorised access, data breaches, and other cyber threats. At Summerland Bank, we employ advanced encryption technologies and robust security measures to keep you, your money and your data safe. We ensure that every piece of information exchanged between our valued customers and the bank is encrypted and secure, which uphold its confidentiality and integrity. Through two-factor authentication, SSL certificates, and continuously updating our cybersecurity measures, we aim to provide a safe, reliable, and secure communication platform to give our customers ultimate peace of mind. Find out more about how we communicate with our customers to keep you safe and confidential.
A tip to keep you safe: Always validate that you are accessing the official Summerland Bank website by closely inspecting the URL each time you login. The correct site is: https://summerland.com.au/
Reporting fraud and suspicious activity
Always be one step ahead.
We do everything we can to keep you and your data safe, but the best defence is always a joint effort. Together, we all must remain vigilant and informed of any potential attempts at identity theft or fraud. If you suspect fraud or have a security concern, please reach out to our friendly local team immediately on 1300 728 728 during normal business hours (Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm), or on 0467 953 309 on weekends or public holidays.
You are always welcome to determine the authenticity of any email or SMS communications by directly emailing: [email protected].
A tip to keep you safe: Go one step further to protect yourself by staying up-to-date with current scams affecting others in the community, and the various tactics being used by fraudsters, by visiting: www.scamwatch.gov.au
Physical and mail security
Stay safe and secure.
In an era where many of us are primarily concerned about online safety, it’s important to remember that fraudsters still use mail theft as a way of getting people’s personal information and stealing identities. Ensuring the safety and confidentiality of physical mail is crucial, particularly when it contains sensitive or personal information. Make sure your mailbox is secure, be careful when opening unsolicited mail, and keep in mind the expected delivery times for sensitive mail items like bank statements or new credit cards to mitigate the risk of theft or fraud.
At Summerland Bank, we take mail security seriously, offering options like electronic statements and notifications to reduce the risks associated with physical mail. For customers who prefer or require paper mail, we ensure that all correspondence is packaged securely, and sensitive items are sent via traceable methods to confirm safe and timely delivery. Learn more about Fraud Prevention.
A tip to keep you safe: Keep yourself and your personal information safe by securing your personal documents at home or putting a lock on your mailbox. And regularly clear out old advertising material from your letterbox because it can signal that you’re not home.
Financial abuse
Stay safe and secure.
Financial abuse is a prevalent and often overlooked form of abuse that involves the manipulation or exploitation of someone’s financial resources without their consent. It includes things like controlling another person’s access to money, preventing them from working, stealing funds, or coercing them into financial decisions against their will. Not only can this lead to severe financial instability and emotional distress, but it is illegal.
At Summerland Bank, we recognise the seriousness of financial abuse and are committed to providing support, resources, and assistance to affected customers. Our dedicated team is trained to identify signs of financial abuse and engage with customers empathetically and confidentially. We’re here to listen, understand, and provide tailored solutions that uphold the dignity and financial autonomy of every individual involved. Access more information or resources on financial abuse →
If you are concerned about financial abuse, please contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) – a free, confidential family violence and sexual assault support service that operates 24 hours 7 days a week. A free confidential online chat service is also available. And if you are in immediate danger, call 000 immediately.
A tip to keep you safe: If you’re experiencing financial abuse there are ways to keep your finances safe. Before taking any of these steps consider your personal safety and have a safety plan ready.
Emergency and disaster preparedness
Be ready for the unexpected.
Time and again, whether we are faced with raging floods, devastating bushfires, or other challenges, our community comes together with a resilience, strength and deep-rooted commitment to being there for one another. Particularly in an area prone to disaster, it’s important to be prepared for if and when disaster strikes.
At Summerland Bank, we’re committed to empowering our community with resources and support for effective disaster preparedness. From financial readiness and having a small amount of cash on hand to safeguarding essential documents, including insurance policies, identification, and banking details, there are ways we can help expedite recovery and maintain access to emergency services and funds. Find out more about how we support community.
A tip to keep you safe: Safeguard critical financial documents in a waterproof container, and have digital backups stored securely in the cloud or a portable drive.
Information security at Summerland
Prioritising security
Security has always been a top priority at Summerland Bank. We are committed to safeguarding our and our clients’ assets and sensitive information through state-of-the-art technology solutions, 24×7 fraud monitoring and rigorous internal cybersecurity training programs. We run regular Business Continuity programs, penetration tests, and security awareness programs and use third parties to audit our environments to ensure we comply with all mandatory regulations. Your continued trust is paramount to us, and we continue our pursuit of excellence in security to protect your financial well-being.
Educational resources
Be informed and in control of your financial future.
As a bank owned by customers and operated by locals, we are deeply committed to fostering financial literacy in our community because an informed customer is a confident one. We offer a range of resources, workshops, and tools designed to teach our customer’s everything they need to know about their finances, including practical skills and tailored learning opportunities. From supporting those just starting out, to locals running their own business, and to helping those planning for a comfortable retirement — we are dedicated to helping you make informed decisions, manage debts, boost your savings, and navigate the sometimes complex world of finance with confidence and ease. Learn more about our upcoming events.
A tip for you: Financial literacy is not just about understanding money. It’s also about using that knowledge to make informed decisions and help secure your financial wealth, wellbeing and security. It’s never too late to start. Sign up for the Summerland Bank newsletter for regular tips and resources to get on top of your finances.
