Cyber Alert

Overview

Your online safety is front of mind for us here at Rouse Lawyers. That is why we ask you to read the following Cyber Alert carefully.

Hackers are targeting individuals across Australia by impersonating law practices or other parties involved in the legal process. This is done by altering electronic communications such as emails, faxes, social media and other instant messaging platforms, SMS, electronic file sharing and various other online platforms.

Please adhere to the following Dos and Don’ts to reduce your risk of being affected.

Do Not

Transfer any amount, especially figures over $10,000.00 AUD (or equivalent) without verbally confirming the transfer details with the apparent original sender.

Transfer of funds includes sending, depositing or paying a transfer online or via the bank itself. It is imperative you validate the transfer information before proceeding with the transfer or passing this information on to someone else.

When validating the transfer details with the original sender, you must verbally confirm the account number, BSB number, transfer amount and any applicable reference numbers by asking the sender to read them out to you and then repeating them back to confirm.

Do

Ensure you are phoning a verified number.

When calling to discuss any sensitive information, such as payment, only use the phone number provided by a verified source. You will find our best contact number at the top of this page.Hackers will include a fake number in their communications so it is imperative you do not call the number from a transfer request but instead find one from a reliable source such as our direct website or via the phonebook.

Contact Rouse Lawyers immediately if you have any doubts.

Should you receive any dubious forms of communications whether that be physical mail or electronic communications requesting a transfer of funds or other sensitive information contact us to confirm its validity.

Pass on this information.

Give the same warnings to anyone else known to be connected to the matter and anticipated to be involved in transferring or receiving any funds or funds transfer information (including but not limited to, agents, brokers, family members, accountants).

Check the legitimacy of communications.

Contact the sender to check legitimacy before you open attachments, click on hyperlinks or download buttons in unexpected emails.

Verbally confirm sensitive information.

Contact Rouse Lawyers via the phone to verbally confirm any changes to your bank account details.

Disclaimer

Rouse Lawyers will not transfer money out of our practice until we are able to verify any funds transfer information by a voice call to confirm those details. This includes reading out and reading back the account and BSB numbers or other specific payment details where applicable.

Please ensure you are available to be contacted if you need any funds transferred by a specific time, otherwise your objectives may not be met.