[Ally Castillo]

Bank fails to block transactions allowing scammers to drain $249,000 from a couple's savings​

Scammers are unfortunately becoming more and more sophisticated, and they will target anyone they think they can get easy money from.

That's why it's so important for everyone to be extra vigilant about their online activity, and to never give out personal information or passwords to anyone, no matter who they say they are.

Sadly, not even being careful can always prevent you from becoming a victim of fraudsters. Just ask this elderly couple who recently lost $249,000 in a sophisticated online scam.

Edward, 86, and Joan Adams, 82, slammed Bendigo Bank for failing to block suspicious transactions made on their account. The couple fell victim to a team of fake Microsoft employees who took over their computers and wasted no time accessing their bank accounts.

Two of their banks, NAB and HSBC, immediately blocked the attempted withdrawals. Bendigo Bank, however, did not freeze their accounts until four days after the incident.

The couple's other banks were able to freeze their accounts before anything bad happened. Credit: Expect Best/Pexels

Joan spoke to reporters and said that it took scammers three days and took out 11 withdrawals until it reached $249,000.

The withdrawals ranged from $10,000 to $50,000, and these came from a loan account that the couple reportedly have not used for two years.

Edward said that Bendigo Bank should ‘absolutely’ have blocked the transactions because the payees weren’t people they’d paid before. Also, because it was an enormous amount of money, it should have already been flagged as suspicious from the get-go.

However, the bank informed the couple via a letter that ‘generally, a bank does not have an obligation to monitor transactions on its customers’ behalf and reimburse a customer for authorised payments to a third party’.

Adding insult to injury, they revealed that Bendigo Bank is charging them interest.

‘To charge you interest on that money, that’s really kicking it in your face’, he said.

Bendigo Bank failed to block the suspicious transactions. Credit: REINER SCT/Pexels

For now, the couple said they will pay off the $249,000 that was stolen. They hoped their story serves as a warning to others.

‘They’ve got me, they’re going to get other people,’ Mr Adams said.

Bendigo Bank released a statement and explained they were taking cyber security ‘very seriously’.

They shared: ‘The Bank’s security staff remain vigilant and work closely with Australian cybersecurity agencies, intelligence and technology partners to detect any malicious or abnormal behaviour.’

The bank added that they contacted the financial institution that received the stolen money ‘immediately’ after the incident was brought to their attention.

Unfortunately, the receiving financial institution explained that they were not able to recover the funds.

They refused to comment pending further investigation.

Key Takeaways

• An elderly couple lost $249,000 in a sophisticated online scam.
• The couple accused Bendigo Bank of failing to block the suspicious transactions.
• The bank has said that it ‘takes cyber security very seriously’.
• Bendigo Bank managed to freeze the couple’s accounts four days after the scammers hacked into their computers.
• The couple will pay the $249,000 but hope that their story will be a warning to others.

We hope you stay vigilant and safe out there, members! To stay informed about other scams and fraud cases that are circulating online, consider visiting our forum to learn more.

 

[Nah]

Bank fails to block transactions allowing scammers to drain $249,000 from a couple's savings​

Scammers are unfortunately becoming more and more sophisticated, and they will target anyone they think they can get easy money from.

That's why it's so important for everyone to be extra vigilant about their online activity, and to never give out personal information or passwords to anyone, no matter who they say they are.

Sadly, not even being careful can always prevent you from becoming a victim of fraudsters. Just ask this elderly couple who recently lost $249,000 in a sophisticated online scam.

Edward, 86, and Joan Adams, 82, slammed Bendigo Bank for failing to block suspicious transactions made on their account. The couple fell victim to a team of fake Microsoft employees who took over their computers and wasted no time accessing their bank accounts.

Two of their banks, NAB and HSBC, immediately blocked the attempted withdrawals. Bendigo Bank, however, did not freeze their accounts until four days after the incident.

View attachment 9788

The couple's other banks were able to freeze their accounts before anything bad happened. Credit: Expect Best/Pexels

Joan spoke to reporters and said that it took scammers three days and took out 11 withdrawals until it reached $249,000.

The withdrawals ranged from $10,000 to $50,000, and these came from a loan account that the couple reportedly have not used for two years.

Edward said that Bendigo Bank should ‘absolutely’ have blocked the transactions because the payees weren’t people they’d paid before. Also, because it was an enormous amount of money, it should have already been flagged as suspicious from the get-go.

However, the bank informed the couple via a letter that ‘generally, a bank does not have an obligation to monitor transactions on its customers’ behalf and reimburse a customer for authorised payments to a third party’.

Adding insult to injury, they revealed that Bendigo Bank is charging them interest.

‘To charge you interest on that money, that’s really kicking it in your face’, he said.

View attachment 9789

Bendigo Bank failed to block the suspicious transactions. Credit: REINER SCT/Pexels

For now, the couple said they will pay off the $249,000 that was stolen. They hoped their story serves as a warning to others.

‘They’ve got me, they’re going to get other people,’ Mr Adams said.

Bendigo Bank released a statement and explained they were taking cyber security ‘very seriously’.

They shared: ‘The Bank’s security staff remain vigilant and work closely with Australian cybersecurity agencies, intelligence and technology partners to detect any malicious or abnormal behaviour.’

The bank added that they contacted the financial institution that received the stolen money ‘immediately’ after the incident was brought to their attention.

Unfortunately, the receiving financial institution explained that they were not able to recover the funds.

They refused to comment pending further investigation.

Key Takeaways

• An elderly couple lost $249,000 in a sophisticated online scam.
• The couple accused Bendigo Bank of failing to block the suspicious transactions.
• The bank has said that it ‘takes cyber security very seriously’.
• Bendigo Bank managed to freeze the couple’s accounts four days after the scammers hacked into their computers.
• The couple will pay the $249,000 but hope that their story will be a warning to others.

We hope you stay vigilant and safe out there, members! To stay informed about other scams and fraud cases that are circulating online, consider visiting our forum to learn more.

I am also with Bendigo Bank and had the same hack to my account. The amount stolen wasn't anywhere near as much. I was told that the matter is in dispute and it will take up to 30 days for a resolution with no guarantee of receiving any of the funds back.

 

[mylittletibbies]

I bank with Beyond Bank, I have found them excellent, always request SMS code if a new payee or large amounts. Also when purchasing a property jointly with my daughter, for whom I have power of attorney, they would not let her money be distributed until they had seen the settlement documents, ensuring her name was on the title deed.
Although several friends said they wouldn't be happy with the banks interference, as they called it.
I, on the other hand was very impressed that they were dotting all the i's and crossing all the t's in taking care of my daughter's funds
I highly recommend Beyond Bank to anyone who is not satisfied with their current bank.

 

[Bernice S]

Bank fails to block transactions allowing scammers to drain $249,000 from a couple's savings​

Scammers are unfortunately becoming more and more sophisticated, and they will target anyone they think they can get easy money from.

That's why it's so important for everyone to be extra vigilant about their online activity, and to never give out personal information or passwords to anyone, no matter who they say they are.

Sadly, not even being careful can always prevent you from becoming a victim of fraudsters. Just ask this elderly couple who recently lost $249,000 in a sophisticated online scam.

Edward, 86, and Joan Adams, 82, slammed Bendigo Bank for failing to block suspicious transactions made on their account. The couple fell victim to a team of fake Microsoft employees who took over their computers and wasted no time accessing their bank accounts.

Two of their banks, NAB and HSBC, immediately blocked the attempted withdrawals. Bendigo Bank, however, did not freeze their accounts until four days after the incident.

View attachment 9788

The couple's other banks were able to freeze their accounts before anything bad happened. Credit: Expect Best/Pexels

Joan spoke to reporters and said that it took scammers three days and took out 11 withdrawals until it reached $249,000.

The withdrawals ranged from $10,000 to $50,000, and these came from a loan account that the couple reportedly have not used for two years.

Edward said that Bendigo Bank should ‘absolutely’ have blocked the transactions because the payees weren’t people they’d paid before. Also, because it was an enormous amount of money, it should have already been flagged as suspicious from the get-go.

However, the bank informed the couple via a letter that ‘generally, a bank does not have an obligation to monitor transactions on its customers’ behalf and reimburse a customer for authorised payments to a third party’.

Adding insult to injury, they revealed that Bendigo Bank is charging them interest.

‘To charge you interest on that money, that’s really kicking it in your face’, he said.

View attachment 9789

Bendigo Bank failed to block the suspicious transactions. Credit: REINER SCT/Pexels

For now, the couple said they will pay off the $249,000 that was stolen. They hoped their story serves as a warning to others.

‘They’ve got me, they’re going to get other people,’ Mr Adams said.

Bendigo Bank released a statement and explained they were taking cyber security ‘very seriously’.

They shared: ‘The Bank’s security staff remain vigilant and work closely with Australian cybersecurity agencies, intelligence and technology partners to detect any malicious or abnormal behaviour.’

The bank added that they contacted the financial institution that received the stolen money ‘immediately’ after the incident was brought to their attention.

Unfortunately, the receiving financial institution explained that they were not able to recover the funds.

They refused to comment pending further investigation.

Key Takeaways

• An elderly couple lost $249,000 in a sophisticated online scam.
• The couple accused Bendigo Bank of failing to block the suspicious transactions.
• The bank has said that it ‘takes cyber security very seriously’.
• Bendigo Bank managed to freeze the couple’s accounts four days after the scammers hacked into their computers.
• The couple will pay the $249,000 but hope that their story will be a warning to others.

We hope you stay vigilant and safe out there, members! To stay informed about other scams and fraud cases that are circulating online, consider visiting our forum to learn more.

If I were a customer of Bendigo Bank I would definitely being going elsewhere. Sounds like NAB and HSBC are much better options.

 

[Tipsy]

Bank fails to block transactions allowing scammers to drain $249,000 from a couple's savings​

Scammers are unfortunately becoming more and more sophisticated, and they will target anyone they think they can get easy money from.

That's why it's so important for everyone to be extra vigilant about their online activity, and to never give out personal information or passwords to anyone, no matter who they say they are.

Sadly, not even being careful can always prevent you from becoming a victim of fraudsters. Just ask this elderly couple who recently lost $249,000 in a sophisticated online scam.

Edward, 86, and Joan Adams, 82, slammed Bendigo Bank for failing to block suspicious transactions made on their account. The couple fell victim to a team of fake Microsoft employees who took over their computers and wasted no time accessing their bank accounts.

Two of their banks, NAB and HSBC, immediately blocked the attempted withdrawals. Bendigo Bank, however, did not freeze their accounts until four days after the incident.

View attachment 9788

The couple's other banks were able to freeze their accounts before anything bad happened. Credit: Expect Best/Pexels

Joan spoke to reporters and said that it took scammers three days and took out 11 withdrawals until it reached $249,000.

The withdrawals ranged from $10,000 to $50,000, and these came from a loan account that the couple reportedly have not used for two years.

Edward said that Bendigo Bank should ‘absolutely’ have blocked the transactions because the payees weren’t people they’d paid before. Also, because it was an enormous amount of money, it should have already been flagged as suspicious from the get-go.

However, the bank informed the couple via a letter that ‘generally, a bank does not have an obligation to monitor transactions on its customers’ behalf and reimburse a customer for authorised payments to a third party’.

Adding insult to injury, they revealed that Bendigo Bank is charging them interest.

‘To charge you interest on that money, that’s really kicking it in your face’, he said.

View attachment 9789

Bendigo Bank failed to block the suspicious transactions. Credit: REINER SCT/Pexels

For now, the couple said they will pay off the $249,000 that was stolen. They hoped their story serves as a warning to others.

‘They’ve got me, they’re going to get other people,’ Mr Adams said.

Bendigo Bank released a statement and explained they were taking cyber security ‘very seriously’.

They shared: ‘The Bank’s security staff remain vigilant and work closely with Australian cybersecurity agencies, intelligence and technology partners to detect any malicious or abnormal behaviour.’

The bank added that they contacted the financial institution that received the stolen money ‘immediately’ after the incident was brought to their attention.

Unfortunately, the receiving financial institution explained that they were not able to recover the funds.

They refused to comment pending further investigation.

Key Takeaways

• An elderly couple lost $249,000 in a sophisticated online scam.
• The couple accused Bendigo Bank of failing to block the suspicious transactions.
• The bank has said that it ‘takes cyber security very seriously’.
• Bendigo Bank managed to freeze the couple’s accounts four days after the scammers hacked into their computers.
• The couple will pay the $249,000 but hope that their story will be a warning to others.

We hope you stay vigilant and safe out there, members! To stay informed about other scams and fraud cases that are circulating online, consider visiting our forum to learn more.

Those scammers are from India, I have quite a few run ins with those gutless cowards needless to say their ears are probably still burning

 

[Nana Zorak]

Banks in general can have a very cavalier attitude to clients' money. If you find a good bank , stick with them. I had a few of the big 4 but found them lacking in empathy for a pensioner so found a smaller more personal bank & have been with them for years & am very satisfied with the way they handled some small hacking problems I had in the past several years. It does pay to be always vigilant though.

 

[StephenNikita]

If I were a customer of Bendigo Bank I would definitely being going elsewhere. Sounds like NAB and HSBC are much better options.

Don’t bet on it. National couldn’t give a shit when I was scammed

 

[The Prawn]

I work in IT and have seen these types of scams. You must remember Microsoft, Google, Apple Amazon and all other tech companies, government departments and utilities will never cold call you claiming your computer or router or whatever, has been hacked/breached. If you receive a call like this just hang up. Additionally if your searching the web and get a pop up on your screen claiming your computer is infected or has lots of errors and call a 1800 number to speak with a technician to fix it, just close the box or browser. IF you find you are unable to get rid of the warning on the screen use ctrl alt del and shutdown the computer. Power it back up then run a deep scan on your computer. Additionally clear out your web browser cache. If you don't know how to do this get someone who does such as a friend or relative. Or call local professional computer service. I so hate seeing people scammed of their hard earned funds and life savings.

 

[Macarj]

Bendigo bank amateurs, enough said

 

[Macarj]

Don’t bet on it. National couldn’t give a shit when I was scammed

Switch to ANZ

 

[Macarj]

I am also with Bendigo Bank and had the same hack to my account. The amount stolen wasn't anywhere near as much. I was told that the matter is in dispute and it will take up to 30 days for a resolution with no guarantee of receiving any of the funds back.

Pathetic from Bendigo bank

 

[Janiced53]

Bank fails to block transactions allowing scammers to drain $249,000 from a couple's savings​

Scammers are unfortunately becoming more and more sophisticated, and they will target anyone they think they can get easy money from.

That's why it's so important for everyone to be extra vigilant about their online activity, and to never give out personal information or passwords to anyone, no matter who they say they are.

Sadly, not even being careful can always prevent you from becoming a victim of fraudsters. Just ask this elderly couple who recently lost $249,000 in a sophisticated online scam.

Edward, 86, and Joan Adams, 82, slammed Bendigo Bank for failing to block suspicious transactions made on their account. The couple fell victim to a team of fake Microsoft employees who took over their computers and wasted no time accessing their bank accounts.

Two of their banks, NAB and HSBC, immediately blocked the attempted withdrawals. Bendigo Bank, however, did not freeze their accounts until four days after the incident.

View attachment 9788

The couple's other banks were able to freeze their accounts before anything bad happened. Credit: Expect Best/Pexels

Joan spoke to reporters and said that it took scammers three days and took out 11 withdrawals until it reached $249,000.

The withdrawals ranged from $10,000 to $50,000, and these came from a loan account that the couple reportedly have not used for two years.

Edward said that Bendigo Bank should ‘absolutely’ have blocked the transactions because the payees weren’t people they’d paid before. Also, because it was an enormous amount of money, it should have already been flagged as suspicious from the get-go.

However, the bank informed the couple via a letter that ‘generally, a bank does not have an obligation to monitor transactions on its customers’ behalf and reimburse a customer for authorised payments to a third party’.

Adding insult to injury, they revealed that Bendigo Bank is charging them interest.

‘To charge you interest on that money, that’s really kicking it in your face’, he said.

View attachment 9789

Bendigo Bank failed to block the suspicious transactions. Credit: REINER SCT/Pexels

For now, the couple said they will pay off the $249,000 that was stolen. They hoped their story serves as a warning to others.

‘They’ve got me, they’re going to get other people,’ Mr Adams said.

Bendigo Bank released a statement and explained they were taking cyber security ‘very seriously’.

They shared: ‘The Bank’s security staff remain vigilant and work closely with Australian cybersecurity agencies, intelligence and technology partners to detect any malicious or abnormal behaviour.’

The bank added that they contacted the financial institution that received the stolen money ‘immediately’ after the incident was brought to their attention.

Unfortunately, the receiving financial institution explained that they were not able to recover the funds.

They refused to comment pending further investigation.

Key Takeaways

• An elderly couple lost $249,000 in a sophisticated online scam.
• The couple accused Bendigo Bank of failing to block the suspicious transactions.
• The bank has said that it ‘takes cyber security very seriously’.
• Bendigo Bank managed to freeze the couple’s accounts four days after the scammers hacked into their computers.
• The couple will pay the $249,000 but hope that their story will be a warning to others.

We hope you stay vigilant and safe out there, members! To stay informed about other scams and fraud cases that are circulating online, consider visiting our forum to learn more.

If I was with Bendigo Bank I would withdraw all my money and if I had loans with them I would transfer that as well. That’s a disgrace that it took them 4 days to block the transactions!!!

 

[Lynette Finnigan]

That is appalling behaviour by the bank, our workplace was hacked, thus our pay/banking information stolen, so I went to my bank and closed and opened new accounts they thought I wouldn't have to worry, as their security is set to alert any strange banking, but I changed anyway. I also wanted them to put a watch on my account, so any time I did have to draw out an extra large sum of cash, I often got a call from the bank, checking it was me before they released it.. . ...but these people didn't seem to get any security at all!! And even an old account they hadn't used for ages, surely if it suddenly has 10s of thousands drawn on it, it should have raised an alarm or 2!! I hope they've improved their services and security... glad I don't bank there!!

 

[Alexander]

I use the Bendigo Bank and have no complaints about the services they offer. Some years ago I had a telephone call from them to advise me that there was a claim for $7.98 from an unknown Company and did I know anything about it. I said no and heard no more and there was no debit to my account. The people conned out of large sums of money should have a claim on the Bendigo and I am surprised they have not offered redress.
I have also been the subject from some Indian voiced man saying he was from Microsoft and I had to do something about irregularities in my account. I told him where to go and hung up. He called back again alomost immediately and I told him I wasn't interested and again hung up. He called back again and quite aggressively told me that if I didn't do what he said I had to do, he would be unable to stop Microsoft closing my account. Again I told him what to do and hung up the phone. He rang again and I left the phone line open and the phone on my desk. Some time later I put the phone back on the hook and he had had the nerve to leave a message on my message bank threatening me. I ignored him and nothing has happened to my machine.

 

[gordon1940]

Don’t bet on it. National couldn’t give a shit when I was scammed

I disputed a transaction on my NAB Credit Card. They acknowledged it immediately and commenced recovery. It was resolved within 4 days and my funds retrieved. No complaints here.

 

[Alexander]

Me again. I had solar panels fitted on the roof of our home and paid the invoice when it was presented directly by going the the Bandigo Branch where I live and paying the total as required. The installers kept on at me for quite some time as they maintained I had not paid them. I sent them a copy of the invoice and the payment receipt and they said that it was not their invoice even though it was the only one I had. The Bendigo bank looked into this for me and managed to recover the funds from the illegal source of the supposed invoice. Then I could pay the supplier "again." The Bendigo generally does all it can to assist its customers would be my comment if asked about them in a review.

 

[debjane]

I use the Bendigo Bank and have no complaints about the services they offer. Some years ago I had a telephone call from them to advise me that there was a claim for $7.98 from an unknown Company and did I know anything about it. I said no and heard no more and there was no debit to my account. The people conned out of large sums of money should have a claim on the Bendigo and I am surprised they have not offered redress.
I have also been the subject from some Indian voiced man saying he was from Microsoft and I had to do something about irregularities in my account. I told him where to go and hung up. He called back again alomost immediately and I told him I wasn't interested and again hung up. He called back again and quite aggressively told me that if I didn't do what he said I had to do, he would be unable to stop Microsoft closing my account. Again I told him what to do and hung up the phone. He rang again and I left the phone line open and the phone on my desk. Some time later I put the phone back on the hook and he had had the nerve to leave a message on my message bank threatening me. I ignored him and nothing has happened to my machine.

Ihad a similar thing happen to me , I put my phone on the desk and popped my bagpipe music on, 2o minutes later he finally hung up.

 

[MickyD1112]

I am also with Bendigo Bank and had the same hack to my account. The amount stolen wasn't anywhere near as much. I was told that the matter is in dispute and it will take up to 30 days for a resolution with no guarantee of receiving any of the funds back.

I have also been scammed. I am with BankWest ,when a Company Get Funds back accessed my account online taking $10+K. for Crypto in 10 lots .When they asked for another $10k to release the funds is when the Bank blocked my Online Banking and cancelled my cards.The Banks fraud squad contacted me informing me of a suspicious transaction request for 10k but not the other suspicious transaction’s. I have e mailed Elbaite where Get Funds Back used money to buy crypto in my name. I am awaiting a reply.
Micky D

 

[MotherGoose]

Not trying to excuse the Bendigo Bank's incompetence in this particular situation but...in their defence, they are the only bank for miles around our locality as one by one all the other banks have deserted us and closed their branches. To access a bank, one has to travel a considerable distance and even then, their range of services is limited. I recently travelled to the Commonwealth Bank that was near my workplace in order to make three transactions, all of which were commonplace - nothing out of the ordinary. Three times I was told "Sorry, we don't do that here". When I rather sarcastically asked, "Is there any bank business that I CAN conduct at this branch?", I was told, "No, not really", by the young teller. In my opinion, ALL the banks need to lift their game.

 

[Cheezil]

I work in IT and have seen these types of scams. You must remember Microsoft, Google, Apple Amazon and all other tech companies, government departments and utilities will never cold call you claiming your computer or router or whatever, has been hacked/breached. If you receive a call like this just hang up. Additionally if your searching the web and get a pop up on your screen claiming your computer is infected or has lots of errors and call a 1800 number to speak with a technician to fix it, just close the box or browser. IF you find you are unable to get rid of the warning on the screen use ctrl alt del and shutdown the computer. Power it back up then run a deep scan on your computer. Additionally clear out your web browser cache. If you don't know how to do this get someone who does such as a friend or relative. Or call local professional computer service. I so hate seeing people scammed of their hard earned funds and life savings.

Was wondering what the actual scam was. All the article said was that it was a Microsoft scam, no other info on how this resulted in these people losing so much money to the scam! It sounded like they actually hadn't done anything but the money just disappeared from their account! Thanks


S