Cyber Security and Identity Theft Information
At Carla Finance, protecting your personal and business information is important to us. Cyber criminals are increasingly targeting Australian businesses through email scams, fake invoices, phishing attacks, identity theft and fraudulent payment requests. While lenders and finance providers invest heavily in security measures, business owners and individuals also play an important role in protecting their information.
Common Cyber Security Risks
Some of the most common cyber threats affecting Australian businesses include :
Email Phishing scams
Fake invoices and payment redirection fraud
Identity theft
Business email compromise
Password breaches
Ransomware attacks
AI-powered scams and impersonation attempts
These threats can result in financial loss, business disruption and the exposure of sensitive customer information.
Simple steps to protect yourself
You can improve your cyber security by:
Using strong, unique passwords and passphrases
Enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Verifying payment details before transferring funds
Keeping software and devices updated
Training staff to recognise suspicious emails and messages
Regularly backing up important business information
Being cautious when opening links or attachments from unknown sources
Cyber Security Helpful Resources
Below are a couple of documents that you can download to keep you, your team and your business safe. Please note that Carla Finance will never request that you transfer funds to a new bank account solely via email. If you receive any communication that appears unusual or requests changes to payment details, please contact us directly using our published contact information prior to taking any action. Staying informed is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your business, your finances and your customers.
A short document for sole traders and small businesses outlining top threats and how to keep your team updated on cyber security.
Protect yourself and your business from scams
A short document from the Australian government on how to protect yourself from scams. Released by the National Anti-Scam Centre.
A document for small businesses outlining how to protect yourself at tax time. Released by the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia.
Cyber Security for the festive season
A small business guide to cyber security around the end of the year and the beginning of the next. A short document with holiday themed reminders around cyber security.
For more information, head to the governing body for scams in Australia, where you can learn about the latest scams, how you can protect yourself and if you need to report a scam.
Identity Theft
Identity Theft and Finance Fraud
Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal or business information and uses it without your permission. This information can include driver’s license, passports, bank account details, tax file numbers, ABN’s, financial statements and other documents commonly used during finance applications.
Cyber criminals may use stolen information to apply for loans, open accounts, impersonate businesses, redirect payments or commit other forms of financial fraud. Finance and lending transactions often involve the exchange of sensitive personal and financial information, making both individuals and businesses attractive targets for cyber criminals.
Warning Signs of Identity Theft
You may be at risk if you notice :
Unauthorised enquiries on your credit report
Unexpected loan or account statements
Requests to verify transactions you did not make
Changes to account details you did not authorise
Suspicious emails, phone calls or text messages requesting personal information
How to protect yourself
Simple steps can significantly reduce your risk:
Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication
Never share personal information in response to unexpected emails, texts or phone calls
Verify requests for bank account changes or payment instructions by phone
Keep identification documents secure and only provide them through trusted channels
Regularly review bank accounts and credit reports for unusual activity
Ensure software and devices are kept up to date
If You Suspect Your Identity Has Been Stolen
Act quickly. Contact your bank, lender or broker immediately, change passwords on affected accounts and report the incident to the relevant authorities. Cyber Wardens recommends contacting IDCARE for support if personal or business information has been compromised, and reporting cyber incidents through the appropriate government channels.
A Note from Carla Finance
We take the protection of our clients' information seriously. Carla Finance will never request sensitive information or changes to payment details solely by email. If you receive a communication that seems unusual, please contact us directly using our published contact details before taking any action.
For further information, head to the National Identity and Cyber Support website which offers expert support and frontline insights into scams, identity theft, and cybercrime.
For further information to pass on to your teams and business, or to report a data breach see below.
Australian Cyber Security Centre - Cyber Crimes, security incidents and abuse
National Anti-scam Centre Scamwatch - Online scams
IDCARE - If your personal or business information is at risk of a data breach
Australian Taxation Office - If your personal or business identity has been stolen-
Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) - Any financial misconduct, such as superannuation and crypto scams.
Australian Signals Directorate - Australian Government intelligence agency responsible for foreign signals intelligence and cyber security.