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Tips for Avoiding Scams & Staying Safe
Written by Stefan Del Zio
Scammers know all kinds of tricks to get you to hand over your money. Here are some practical things you can do to protect yourself and stay one step ahead of the scammers.
Important Changes to BPAY Payments
Written by Aija Zablovska
BPAY has recently introduced some changes to the system that may affect you.
Variable Customer Reference Number (CRN)
The Customer Reference Number (CRN) is used to identify the account or invoice number on your statement. Most billers allow you to retain the same CRN from bill to bill however there are some that change the CRN for each bill they send. These are referred to as a variable CRN.
If your bill has a variable CRN, you are now unable to setup an automatic regular payment to this biller using this CRN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the biller code and CRN?
Using the current bill you are paying, look for the BPAY 
symbol. The biller code is unique to the company and type of product you are paying for. The CRN or Reference number is unique to you as a customer and the bill or invoice number you are paying.
I have received an error message indicatingthat the “Biller uses variable Reference Numbers, only once-off payments allowed”. What do I do?
Some billers have changed the way they are billing and are using variable or a different CRN (Customer Reference Number) for each bill they send you. The CRN you are using will only be applicable for the current bill which is why OnlineBanking will not allow you to set up a Regular Future Payment.
How can I set up a Regular Future Payment for this biller if the biller is using variable Customer Reference Numbers?
You should contact the biller directly if you wish to arrange for aregular payment option. You may have the option to setup a direct debit or other arrangement.
Am I able to set up a future payment for this bill?
You may use Online Banking to set up a future one-off paymentfor a bill using BPAY. However you will not be allowed to setup are-occurring payment for thisbill.
What happens to my ‘Personal Payees’ saved in Online Banking?
You will need to be aware that the CRNs saved under your ‘Personal Payees’ via Online Banking may change each time you pay your bill. This will depend on the biller and if they chosen to use a variable CRN. The CRN already stored in ‘Personal Payees’ may no longer be valid. This is why it’s very important that you use the customer reference number on the current bill that you are trying to pay to ensure that thepayment is loaded correctly. This will prevent rejections and payment delays.
Are these changes only happening to our Credit Union?
No, BPAY have made it compulsory for all institutions to ensure there are measures in place for customers to use the correct CRN for billers using the variable CRN option and to prevent payments from some credit card accounts.
BPAY® is registered to BPAY Pty Ltd ABN69 079 137 518.
Secure your mobile phone and devices
Written by Aija Zablovska
The features that make your phone ‘smart’ also make it susceptible to viruses and malicious software. If your phone isn’t secure and it is lost or stolen, your personal information, including passwords, banking details, emails and photos could be used to access your money or to steal your identity.
Mobile phones, especially smart phones are mobile computers. They allow you to access the internet and email, download applications and games and store personal contacts, photos and information. You need to protect and secure your phone just as you would your home or mobile computer.
Top tips
Put a password on your phone and a PIN on your SIM card.
Do not rely on the default factory settings. Using a password and PIN will stop thieves getting access to your phone or using the SIM in another phone to make calls. All phones have security settings so familiarise yourself with them and turn them on.
Setup your device to automatically lock.
If your phone has not been used for a few minutes, it should automatically lock and require a password or PIN to reactivate.
Encrypt your data.
Some phones allow you to encrypt your data, sometimes using third-party software. Encryption secures your data if your phone is lost or stolen.
Consider installing security software from a reputable provider.
Anti-virus, anti-theft, anti-malware and firewall software is available for some mobile phone operating systems.
Stay with reputable websites and mobile applications (apps).
Always keep an eye on your commonly used websites’ addresses and make sure you are not redirected or diverted to other websites. When using any financial mobile applications, such as mobile banking, make sure to only use applications supplied by your financial institution.
Be careful when allowing third party unsigned applications to access your personal information.
This includes access to your location. Always read permission requests before installing new apps or app upgrades, looking for unusual requests or pleas for money.
Do not click on unsolicited or unexpected links.
Even when they appear to be from friends.
Check your phone bill for unusual data charges or premium rate calls. Contact your service provider immediately if you discover any unusual calls or data usage on your bill.
Check for updates to your phone’s operating system regularly.
Install them as soon as they are available.
Be smart with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
When connecting to the internet using Wi-Fi, try to use an encrypted network that requires a password. Avoid online banking or financial transactions in busy public areas and over unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Ensure that passers-by can't watch what you are typing (known as shoulder-surfing). Turn Bluetooth off when you aren’t using it.
Back up your data regularly. Set up your phone so that it backs up your data when you sync it, or back it up to a separate memory card.
If you decide to recycle your phone, make sure you delete all your personal information first.
Most phones have an option to reset to factory settings. Remember to remove or wipe any inserted memory cards.
To assist you in case of your mobile theft or loss, ask your provider or manufacturer whether it has services such as mobile tracking and the ability to remotely wipe your information stored on the phone.
Information sourced from Stay Smart Online, an Australian Government Initiative. For more information visit www.staysmartonline.gov.au
Home, Agri & Commercial Loan Rate Reduction
Written by Aija Zablovska
Gosford City Credit Union will be passing on the full 0.25% rate reduction to its members with a home, agricultural or commercial loan.
The effective date of this rate reduction for new loans and existing loans will be from the 1st of January 2012.
If you have any questions regarding the changes in these rates call us on 4343 5000 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
rediATM Prosperity in Australia Survey 2011
Written by Amy Craig
Australians consider their health, family wellbeing and love to be the most important measures of their prosperity, over solely their financial status, according to the results of a national survey. But whilst these family-oriented values play an important role in our overall wellbeing, only half of us consider ourselves to be prosperous, as the year draws to a close.
For more information on the key findings please click here.
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