RACQ Bank says NO to cyberbullying

News
RACQ Bank has encouraged its members to make their online safety a top priority, at the same time announcing the Bank had implemented measures to prevent online bullying and harassment.
Cyberbullying phone

RACQ spokesperson Lucinda Ross said after industry investigations last year revealed the description field of online banking transactions had been used to send abusive messages, RACQ Bank acted quickly to audit its own processes.

“Sadly, online bullying and harassment exists in our society, and it’s something we want our members to be aware of, so they can protect themselves and seek help if they need it,” Ms Ross said.

“Fortunately, when we investigated our RACQ Bank Mobile and Internet Banking platforms in 2020, we didn’t identify any existing evidence of harassment or bullying relating to our members, but we’ve taken a proactive approach to further reduce the risk of this happening in the future.

“In September 2020, we updated our Mobile and Internet Banking terms and conditions to include an ‘Acceptable Use’ policy. The policy outlines unacceptable mobile and internet banking conduct, which is any conduct that is unlawful, defamatory, harassing, threatening, or promotes or encourages harm or violence against any person.”

Ms Ross said if a member was experiencing online abuse, they could contact the team on 13 1905.

“If we find something that is potentially unacceptable, we may contact the member as a warning,” she said.

“We can refuse to process transactions, and if conduct continues, we may close the member’s accounts.

“Thankfully, we’ve not needed to take further steps at this time, but we want our members to know we’re here to help if they need it.”

Related topics

  • The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice, not intended as legal advice or professional advice and does not take into account any person’s particular circumstances. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives and needs.

    Insurance products (excluding Travel Insurance) are issued by RACQ Insurance Limited ABN 50 009 704 152 (RACQ). Conditions, limits and exclusions apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the PDS and any applicable Supplementary PDS before making a purchase decision on this product. You can also access our Target Market Determinations on this website.

    Banking and loan products issued by Members Banking Group Limited ABN 83 087 651 054 AFSL/Australian credit licence 241195 trading as RACQ Bank. Terms, conditions, fees, charges and lending policies apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the disclosure documents for your selected product or service, including the Financial Services Guide and the Terms and Conditions, and consider if appropriate for you before deciding.

    Except for RACQ Bank, any RACQ entity referred to on this page is not an authorised deposit-taking institution for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). That entity’s obligations do not represent deposits or other liabilities of RACQ Bank. RACQ Bank does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of that entity, unless noted otherwise.

    RACQ Operations Pty Ltd (ABN 80 009 663 414 AR 000234978) and Members Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 45 144 538 803 AR 000432492) are acting as an Authorised Representative of the issuer of the insurance, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548). Any advice set out above is general in nature only, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before purchasing any travel products, please consider the RACQ Travel Insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Target Market Determinations (TMDs) that apply to these products. Whilst the PDS outlines the Terms and Conditions of these products, the TMDs outline the intended class of customers that comprise the target market for these travel products. This will allow you to consider which products best suit your objectives, financial situation and needs and consider the products appropriateness to your personal circumstances. TMDs also outline matters involving the distribution and the review of these products. The PDS, Supplementary PDS and TMDs for each travel product can be found here.