Super scam alerts

Microsoft scam

We’re aware of an increase in members falling victim to the well-known Microsoft scam.

The Microsoft Security Alert scam is a widespread threat targeting all Windows users. Using fake pop-up alerts, scammers impersonate Microsoft to deceive users into allowing remote access to their computers.

Overview of how the scam typically operates:

• Malicious redirects lead to fake Microsoft security pop-ups
• Pop-ups use logos and urgent warnings about viruses
• Scare tactics pressure users into calling tech support numbers
• Numbers route to overseas scam call centres, not Microsoft
• Callers are tricked into providing remote computer access
• Scammers install spyware, steal data, encrypt files for ransom

The pop-ups are very convincing at first glance, using the Microsoft brand and alarms about malware to make the warnings seem credible.

Facebook Messenger scam

We’re aware of a member targeted by scammers on Facebook Messenger. The member was approached via Facebook Messenger by someone claiming to be a Customer Service Provider of AustralianSuper. This individual, using the name 'Tony Myles,' offered assistance with the member's account for a fee. The communication was not on an official AustralianSuper template, lacked the proper logo, and used a Gmail email address.

Facebook fake page alert

We’ve recently identified two fake Facebook pages that were impersonating our brand.

To ensure you are interacting with the official AustralianSuper social media pages, please only access them via the footer section of our website.

We’re aware of a scam where you may have received encouragement from a representative purporting to be from an investment firm, brokerage company or other third party. These scammers will encourage you to withdraw funds from your AustralianSuper account to your bank account, to then invest the money with them by transfer to their bank account.

They’ll tell you how to answer questions from the bank to alleviate their concerns. As well as encourage you to invest in other investment platforms promising you bigger returns or early access to your superannuation, including, but not limited to crypto investments.

Never give an unsolicited caller information about yourself or access to your computer or device.

If you think you've been scammed, please report it to us by calling us on 1300 300 273. You can also learn other ways to protect yourself by visiting our online security tips.

The ACCC has also released The Little Black Book of Scams at accc.gov.au with detailed information about protecting yourself against scams.

We're aware of a scam where you may receive a call with a pre-recorded message asking for you to authorise a transaction to debit a credit card or bank account by pressing a number. Even though the telephone number may look like a legitimate Australian landline, it's not the real phone number where the scammer is calling from. 

Please don’t call this number to see if it's legitimate. 

Never give an unsolicited caller information about yourself or access to your computer or device. AustralianSuper will never call you to authorise a transaction by listening to a pre-recorded voice and pressing buttons on your phone. 

If you think you've been scammed, please report it to us by calling 1300 300 273.  Also, you can learn other ways to protect yourself by visiting our online security tips.  

There is a current scam involving phone calls from individuals claiming to represent AustralianSuper. They cold-call from a mobile number and say they’re from the ‘AustralianSuper Centre.’

The caller may begin the conversation with recent investment performance and try to educate you about superannuation options. You may be asked for your personal details like your name or email address so they can send you some more information. In some cases, you may be asked to transfer your funds to another super fund. Do not transfer the funds or give any personal information to the caller.

If possible, don’t answer these calls in the first place, but if you have answered it, disconnect the call immediately.

AustralianSuper may on occasion ask for your personal details to administer your account but will never contact you from a mobile phone number. If you think that you have received this type of phone call, please report it to us on 1300 300 273.

We’re aware of emails circulating that appear to be from AustralianSuper, advising people that their password expires ‘Today’ and requesting the receiver to click on a link to keep their password.

If you have received an unsolicited email and it looks suspicious, please don’t click any links. AustralianSuper will never ask you to confirm, update or disclose personal or banking information via a link in an email or text message or link you to a login page.

If you would like to update your password please log into your account via the Login button at the top of the website and follow the prompts.

We’re aware of a small number of attempts by scammers to use the AustralianSuper Brand to mislead members and the public.

A recent example was a fake Facebook page using the AustralianSuper Brand logo promising high returns involving cryptocurrency. We’ve reported the matter to Facebook and the website has been taken down.

If you have come across an unsolicited SMS, email or website and it looks suspicious, please don’t click any links. AustralianSuper will never ask you to confirm, update or disclose personal or banking information via a link in an email or text message or link you to a login page.

These scams usually involve offers on highly profitable trading systems based on individual expertise or through algorithms they’ve developed. The scammers may:

• promise high returns with low risks
• use fake celebrity endorsements to try and enhance their legitimacy
• request the transfer of funds into a trading account, either via a crypto wallet or bank account
• provide small returns sourced from other victims’ initial deposits.

They will then claim problems with making withdrawals and cut off contact.

These scams usually involve being cold-called or emailed by random individuals or organisations. They'll usually say they’re Financial Advisers or representatives of a SMSF. The scammers may:

• promise high returns if you move all or some of your super to a SMSF
• use email, web and company information that looks real
• register actual businesses and even bank accounts in your name to appear genuine
• ask you to provide personal information like identity documents to complete the transfer.

They’ll then access your account and transfer your super to their own bank account.

These scams usually involve offers to help you access your super early. The scammers may: 

• cold call you and offer help to access your super early, or some other benefit, deal or help with your account
• email or SMS fake vouchers, financial help offers, or information related to COVID-19
• appear to be from trustworthy organisations. These include your super fund, bank or a government organisation. They could even appear to be from your employer or someone you know
• ask you to provide personal information such as identity documents.

They’ll then access your account and transfer your super to their own bank account.