Scams are becoming more sophisticated but knowing what to look for can make all the difference. Fraudsters may use unexpected emails, texts, calls or messages that appear trusted to pressure people into acting quickly or sharing personal information. Taking a moment to pause, check the details and use a trusted route before responding can help you protect your personal information and your money.
What to expect from genuine AFP contact
If we contact you, we will take steps to confirm your identity before discussing any account details. Calls may be recorded for training and quality purposes, and we may ask security questions such as your name, date of birth or address. These checks are there to help protect you and give you confidence that you are speaking with AFP. If we cannot verify your identity, we will not continue with the discussion.
For Annual Service Review calls, the purpose is to check if your circumstances have changed and whether your current arrangements still support your needs. The call may also lead to arranging a follow-up conversation with a Financial Planning Manager if further advice or support would be helpful. Please note that we will never ask you to disclose full passwords, online banking login details, one-time passcodes, or to move money urgently to keep it safe.
If something does not feel right, pause before taking any action and contact us through a trusted route. This can help you feel confident that you are dealing with AFP and not someone pretending to be us.
Stay informed
Awareness is the first line of defence against financial crime, so it’s important to keep up to date. Have there been any high-profile security breaches recently? What tactics are fraudsters currently using? Have your friends raised the alarm about different types of scams? Stay informed by using trusted sources such as your Financial Planning Manager, your bank or provider, official fraud prevention guidance and reputable news sources.
Secure your personal data
Be vigilant when it comes to safeguarding your personal information. Use strong passwords for your online accounts and destroy any paperwork before throwing it in the bin. Where possible, enable two-factor authentication to add a second layer of security beyond your password.
Verify contacts and requests
Be wary of unexpected emails, texts or calls asking for personal or financial information, even if they initially appear to be legitimate. Fraudsters often impersonate trusted organisations and may use pressure phrases such as “act now”, “limited time” or “your account will be closed” to encourage a quick response.
If you aren’t sure whether a message is genuine, do not engage with it. Contact the business using details you have found independently, such as those on an official website, statement or previous trusted correspondence. If you are returning a phone call, use a different phone where possible, as a fraudster may stay on the line and make you believe you have reached the legitimate business.
Keep an eye on your accounts
Monitor your credit reports, bank statements and transaction histories regularly, so you can spot any unusual or suspicious activity sooner rather than later and get it reported. Many financial services issue alerts when activity appears unusual, but you should still check your own accounts regularly and report anything you do not recognise.
Only use secure devices and networks
If you’re making financial transactions through devices such as laptops or mobile phones, check that they are secure before you proceed. Use a trusted network, keep security software and malware protection up to date, and avoid making payments if you are unsure whether the device or connection is safe.
Don’t click on suspicious links or attachments
Fraudsters may try to steal personal information through phishing emails, smishing texts or vishing phone calls, as well as by setting up fake websites. Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments if you are not sure where they have come from or if anything looks unusual. Similarly, make sure you know that a website is authentic before entering any sensitive information.
Report anything suspicious
If you see anything unusual or suspicious, or if you think you may have been targeted by financial crime, report it as soon as possible. By making sure relevant organisations and authorities are aware of the latest tactics being used by criminals, they will be in a stronger position to help prevent others being targeted in the same way and investigate other cases of fraud.
If something feels wrong, trust your instincts. Don’t respond, click links, share information or move money until you have checked it independently. Your Financial Planning Manager or AFP can help confirm whether a communication is genuine, so please contact us through a trusted route if you are ever unsure.
AFP302 exp7/27
Market Commentary – Quarter 1, 2026