Woolworths introduces new security feature to boost Everyday Rewards account protection

In an age where digital security is more important than ever, Woolworths is taking a significant step to protect its customers by introducing multi-factor authentication for its Everyday Rewards loyalty program.

This move is a proactive measure to ensure that shoppers' details and hard-earned rewards remain secure against the ever-increasing threat of cyber scams.


The Australian retail giant has informed its customers about this 'important change,' which will be implemented over the coming months.

The new security protocol will require customers to enter a verification code sent to their mobile phone to access their Everyday Rewards accounts.


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Multi-factor authentication is being introduced for the Everyday Rewards program to increase account security. Credit: NillsBV / iStock


This is a departure from the previous system, which may have relied solely on passwords.

An Everyday Rewards spokesperson emphasised the necessity of this upgrade, stating:

‘As the verification codes will only be sent to the mobile number linked to the Everyday Rewards account and not the email address, we are asking our members to ensure they have an up-to-date mobile number linked to their account,’

‘This will make the new process as smooth as possible and avoid any disruption to accessing their accounts.’


For our members over 60, who may be less familiar with such security measures, multi-factor authentication might sound complex, but it's quite straightforward.

It simply adds an extra step to the login process, requiring something you know (like a password) and something you have (like your mobile phone).

This makes it much more challenging for any would-be scammers to gain unauthorised access to your account.

Woolworths urges customers to update their mobile numbers linked to their Everyday Rewards accounts to facilitate a smooth transition to this new system.

This ensures that the verification codes are sent to the right place and there are no hiccups when accessing accounts.


Multi-factor authentication is not new; it's a security measure widely used by businesses in Australia and worldwide.

Asking for two or more verification forms significantly reduces the risk of account takeovers and provides an additional safeguard for your personal information.

Updating your contact details is simple. Customers can log into their Woolworths account online, navigate to 'My Account', and select 'My Details' or 'Update Account Details' to make the necessary changes.

This security update follows a recent incident where Woolworths temporarily suspended the Everyday Pay feature from its app due to a 'sophisticated external phishing scam.'

Although only a small number of customers were affected, and the Everyday Pay systems and data remained secure, the incident served as a reminder of the importance of robust security measures.


For our tech-savvy seniors, this change is a welcome step towards safer online shopping and rewards management.

For those who feel overwhelmed by technology, remember that these measures are in place to protect you, and there's always customer support available to help you navigate these changes.

Woolworths shut down the Everyday Pay feature within its Everyday Rewards app due to a sophisticated external phishing scam that affected several customers.

The payment system, which allowed customers to save payment methods and pay at the checkout via QR code, was 'turned off' after scammers had obtained personal details from some users. You can read more about it here.
Key Takeaways

  • Woolworths introduced multi-factor authentication for its Everyday Rewards program to increase account security.
  • Customers must receive and enter a verification code sent to their mobile phone to log into their Everyday Rewards accounts.
  • The move is part of a broader effort to enhance security and is not solely a response to previous phishing scams.
  • Woolworths urged customers to keep their mobile numbers updated on their accounts to avoid disruptions.
Have you updated your details, or are you concerned about multi-factor authentication? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
 
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So, OK ... in its simplest terms, that means you're at the checkout and your bill comes to $84.08. You proffer your card and the machine tells you that, before proceeding, you have to enter a security code which was sent to your mobile. "Hang on," you say. "I'll have to turn my phone on."
So a few minutes go by until your mobile warms up and, meanwhile, you can hear the blood pressure of about seven people behind you in the queue bubbling up to boiling point. Then, in the process of putting the code in, you hit the wrong button ...
 
Yes, I found it very difficult and time consuming to log into my rewords account, especially to communicate to AI helper. There is no option to talk to customer service officer.
 
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So, OK ... in its simplest terms, that means you're at the checkout and your bill comes to $84.08. You proffer your card and the machine tells you that, before proceeding, you have to enter a security code which was sent to your mobile. "Hang on," you say. "I'll have to turn my phone on."
So a few minutes go by until your mobile warms up and, meanwhile, you can hear the blood pressure of about seven people behind you in the queue bubbling up to boiling point. Then, in the process of putting the code in, you hit the wrong button ...
Oh for goodness sake what if you don't use a mobile phone!
 
Yes, I found it very difficult and time consuming to log into my rewords account, especially to communicate to AI helper. There is no option to talk to customer service officer.
I tried using AI helper with my bank app. Well let’s just say I needed a strong drink 🍷 afterwards. Oh and then I had to wait for 2 days before a real person got back to me. All I can say is I am glad I wasn’t getting my bank account drained of my savings
 
my understanding is that within the rewards APP on your mobile there is a section that uses a QR code to enable you to pay using your rewards card, is that correct? unless you are using your rewards card to pay you only need the pin number for your bank issued card or am as confused as I usually am when the very mention of the word APP causes my brain to freeze?
 
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Paypal has that extra security as well but guess who got hacked last night through them, I DID!
Someone used my card numbers to buy something for $115 even though the transaction isn't showing up on my Paypal page but it is showing on my bank page.
Iv'e put in a fraudulent claim and have to wait up to 7 business days for a new card to be sent out and up to 14 days to see if they are going to refund me or not.
The woman from the bank told me they have some machine thing that goes through random numbers until it finds one it can use so don't say it can never happen because i'm here, and if I can get scammed anyone can!
 
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my understanding is that within the rewards APP on your mobile there is a section that uses a QR code to enable you to pay using your rewards card, is that correct? unless you are using your rewards card to pay you only need the pin number for your bank issued card or am as confused as I usually am when the very mention of the word APP causes my brain to freeze?
Not at the moment because somebody said unknown person used their account
 
EVERYTHING SEEMS TO REVOLVE AROUND A SMART PHONE THESE DAYS.WHAT IF YOU ONLY HAVE A SIMPLE FLIP PHONE FOR MAKING PHONE CALLS?IT SEEMS LIKE EVERY ONE IS BEING FORCED TO HAVE A SMART PHONE
 
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And for folk who don't have a mobile phone, (yes there are still some of us who don't want those abominations) we're unable to get our rewards anyway then.
I have a mobile simply for rubbish like this, I never use the full amount I pay each month I dislike talking on a mobile and use my landline for everything else. I also really dislike text messages and you are constantly getting dozens of them - I refuse to answer - just delete important or not.
 
Oh for goodness sake what if you don't use a mobile phone!
Tough, almost forced to have a smart phone and computer these days, all for the convenience of other people, mainly business so they don't have to send anything by mail. Constantly people being scammed losing money, NO SCAMS WHEN PENCIL AND PAPER WAS USED -
 

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