Advice for victims of Optus data breach
RACQ is aware of a data breach involving Optus customer information and is encouraging members to be on alert.
Optus has advised the leaked information may include current and former customers’ data, including names, dates of birth, phone numbers, email addresses, residential addresses and identification document numbers.
RACQ has not been provided with details of which members may have been impacted or the personal information which has been compromised.
This incident has not affected RACQ’s systems. We have security controls in place which aim to protect our members’ accounts. However, during this time, we encourage our members to have heightened awareness across their accounts, including looking out for unusual or fraudulent activity and any notifications which seem odd or suspicious.
If at any time you have any concerns about your privacy, please contact us on 13 1905, visit any RACQ branch, or email us at privacy@racq.com.au. RACQ will appropriately support and assist with your concerns where possible.
The Queensland Government has also announced Queenslanders impacted by the breach can apply for a new driver licence with new numbers free of charge. An Optus data breach notice or written notification from an enforcement authority is required, along with evidence of identity for the new licence.
Please remember:
- Scammers often pose as legitimate organisations like banks, telcos, insurance companies, health organisations or the government to gain your trust.
- Awareness is your best defence – talk to your loved ones about the latest scams so that everyone knows what to be on the lookout for.
- Don’t click on links in unexpected messages. Optus have advised any messages relating to this incident will not include any links.
- Use strong passwords for your accounts and don’t share them, install anti-virus software on your devices and keep it up to date, and limit what personal information you share about yourself online.
- Remember your bank will never ask you for your PIN or internet banking password. They will also never ask to gain remote access to your computer or device.
Watch out for the following signs:
- You receive an email, text or a phone call out of the blue for personal information.
- You receive an email or text asking you to ‘validate’ or ‘confirm’ your personal details by clicking on a link or opening an attachment. The message may be poorly written or contain grammatical errors.
- You receive an email or text asking you to pay an invoice or update payment information by clicking on a link or opening an attachment.
- There are unexpected pop-ups on your computer or mobile device asking if you want to allow software to run.
- You receive a friend request from someone you don’t know on social media.
- Your mailbox has been broken into.
For more information on how to stay safe from scams please visit ACSC, Scamwatch, Moneysmart and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
FAQs
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.