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Scammed or nearly scammed? How to report – and why it matters Scams remain an ongoing challenge in Australia, with more than $334 million reported losses in 2025. Customer-owned banks are proactively combatting scams through a series of high-impact initiatives under the Scam-Safe Accord. By collaborating directly with government agencies and regulators, these institutions are building a unified front against financial crime. However, the effectiveness of all scam defences relies heavily on timely intelligence. This is why customers have an important role to play by stepping up to report a scam or any suspected fraudulent activity.   What happens when scams are reported? In reporting any suspicious activity (even if there was no money lost) customers can make a big difference by providing valuable intelligence that helps protect others. When someone reports a scam, the information becomes part of a national intelligence network, with the data shared across government agencies, industry partners like the Australian Federal Police, ASIC, Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), and financial institutions. “Information such as the type of scam, payment channel, contact method, and duration of communication is invaluable, as it is analysed to identify patterns and emerging trends used by scammers,” explains COBA Head of Financial Crimes and Cyber Resilience, Martin Latimer. A key initiative of the Scam-Safe Accord was banks joining the Australian Financial Crimes Exchange (AFCX) and the Fraud Reporting Exchange (FRX) to facilitate the timely sharing of intelligence regarding scams, and to help customers recover money faster. When customers report a scam to their financial institution, their bank or credit union can freeze the scam accounts and share the details of these accounts with other financial institutions, to ensure scammers aren’t able to move funds to other accounts. “This intelligence sharing capability means that detecting one scam can help protect the whole community from the same trap,” Latimer adds. Importantly, all the information gathered can also be used to take down scam websites, ads, and contact details - helping stop the next person from being scammed. Every time customers report a scam, it adds a new piece to the puzzle, establishing links between criminals, scam activity, and daily attempts to defraud millions of hard-working Australians.   Why some victims don’t report scams Scams can be devastating, affecting people’s financial outcomes, draining their savings, and destroying confidence. Sadly, they have become increasingly commonplace, with emails, social media, and phone calls among the most common contact methods used by these criminals. While scams can happen to anyone, and there is no shame in getting scammed, victims often grapple with difficult feelings of stigma or fear of judgement. This results in many people being reluctant to come forward and report any suspected activity. In some cases, victims may not be aware of where or how to make a report if they have been scammed. “With many people still unsure about why they should make a report, it’s more important than ever to highlight why every scam reported in the system makes a difference, and how people can make a report,” explains Latimer.   How to report a scam If you have been scammed or encounter a scam, it’s important to report it to ScamWatch.gov.au to help protect others. When in doubt, remember to STOP. CHECK. PROTECT. Stop - don’t share personal information or send money to anyone you don’t know Think – ask yourself, could the message or call be fake? Protect – act promptly if something feels off If you suspect you’ve been scammed, don’t send any more money and block all contact with the scammers. Get in touch with your bank or financial institution to report the scam, and to stop any new transactions. You can also request a temporary ban on your credit report to ensure no unauthorised loans or credit applications can be made. It’s also important to keep screen shots of conversations with scammers or websites to be able to provide all available information to your financial institution. If you’re concerned that the scammer has your personal information like your phone number, email, address, or any ID documents, it’s also best practice to enable multi-factor authentication and change passwords on your accounts. Opt for a strong password with 10 or more characters using alphanumeric and special characters and ensure it is a password you haven’t used before. Author: Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA) To contact Bank Orange Local: (02) 6362 4466 Overseas: +61 2 8299 9101 After-hours fraud reporting 1800 648 027

Where Your Aussie Dollar Goes Further in 2026 If you’re planning travel in 2026, where you go can make a real difference to how far your budget stretches. With exchange rates constantly shifting, savvy Aussie travellers are increasingly choosing destinations where the Australian dollar (AUD) is performing strongly – getting you more meals, experiences and upgrades for the same spend. Right now, while traditional favourites like the UK, US and Europe remain popular, the reality is your dollar isn’t working as hard there, making these destinations comparatively expensive for Australians. That doesn’t mean you should skip them entirely, but if value is front of mind, there are smarter ways to travel in 2026. Here’s where your Aussie dollar is delivering the most value right now 🇯🇵 Japan: A Five-Year High for Aussies The Australian dollar is sitting at a five-year high against the Yen, with around ¥112 per $1 AUD, making Japan noticeably better value than it has been in years. We’re seeing more Aussies lean into longer stays, regional travel and premium experiences, simply because their dollar is going further on the ground. From Tokyo to Niseko, it’s the kind of destination where you feel the value almost immediately. 🇻🇳 Vietnam: Even Better Value Than Before The Australian dollar is buying around 18,520 VND, marking a 12% increase over the past year and making an already affordable destination even more appealing. Vietnam continues to climb the list for Australian travellers chasing great food, culture and the beach in one trip. Right now, the stronger dollar is tipping the scales even further for those who want to explore more of Southeast Asia. 🇳🇿 New Zealand: More Value Close to Home With $1 AUD buying roughly $1.21 NZD, the Aussie dollar has gained nearly 5% over the past year, shifting the value equation across the ditch. Already a go-to for Australians, New Zealand delivers big on landscape, food and adventure – without the long-haul commitment. 🇮🇳 India: More Experience for Less The AUD has reached a five-year high of 65.20 INR, a 16% increase over the past year, making India one of the strongest-value destinations for Australians right now. From vibrant cities and iconic landmarks to wellness retreats and luxury train journeys, India offers depth and diversity without the premium price tag. 🇦🇷 Argentina: Strong Dollar, Premium Experiences The Australian dollar remains strong against the Argentinian Peso, giving travellers significant purchasing power. From Buenos Aires dining to Mendoza wineries and Patagonia landscapes, Argentina feels high-end at a fraction of the usual cost. 🇵🇭 Philippines: Island-Hopping Made Easy Trading at around 42 PHP per $1 AUD, the Philippines is delivering exceptional value for island escapes. With affordable domestic flights and laid-back stays, it’s ideal for longer, slower travel. Where the AUD is Weakest United Kingdom The AUD is buying roughly 0.53 GBP, making the UK one of the most expensive destinations for Australians at the moment. Europe (Eurozone) Against the Euro, the AUD is trading at approximately 0.61 EUR. While this is an improvement from 2025 lows, it still represents significant weakness compared to historical averages. United States Although the AUD has improved to around 0.71 USD, it remains below historical averages, meaning the United States is still a relatively expensive destination for Australian travellers. Don’t Forget to Pack PassportCard Planning a trip is all about the details - where to go, what to pack, and how to make the most of every moment. But smart travellers know it’s not just about the highlights; it’s also about being prepared for the unexpected. That’s where PassportCard travel insurance comes in. Designed for real-life travel moments, it provides instant payouts for approved claims, helping you handle surprises on the spot, wherever you are in the world. No delays, no complicated processes - just simple, seamless support when you need it most. Because with PassportCard, you’re free to travel with confidence, knowing you’re covered every step of the way. Get a free quote in minutes PassportCard Australia Pty Ltd (PassportCard) ABN 76 621 476 220 (AFSL 551 057) is an Underwriting Agency acting under Binder from Guild Insurance Limited (Guild) ABN 55 004 538 863 (AFSL 233 791). Any advice provided by PassportCard in relation to PassportCard products and the PassportCard is general advice only. Please consider the Combined Financial Services Guide & Product Disclosure Statement and the PassportCard Terms and Conditions (available at www.passportcard.com.au) before deciding whether they are suitable for you. Source: Reserve Bank of Australia – Exchange rates as of 23 March 2026

Financial hardship assistance and your credit score: 5 myths busted With rising interest rates and the cost of living continuing to put pressure on household budgets, many Australians are feeling overwhelmed.  If you’re struggling to keep up with repayments, it’s important to know that you’re not alone and there are options available to help  Understanding the mechanics of credit reporting and financial hardship assistance can help you make more confident decisions about seeking support when you need it most. Elsa Markula, CEO of Arca – Australia’s peak credit reporting body – suggests that a good place to start is simply understanding how credit reporting works . “Your credit report is a record of your credit accounts and your repayment history. Credit reporting bodies maintain this information, and lenders use it when assessing applications for credit, such as a loan, credit card or Buy Now Pay Later account,” Elsa explains. But, because life does not always go to plan, there may be situations when you may not be able to meet, or only partially meet, your repayments. In such situations, which can happen to anyone and are nothing to be ashamed of, Elsa encourages reaching out for help if you’re struggling. There are several tools or processes that can be of assistance at such a time. "If you find yourself unable to meet your repayments, please ask your lender for financial hardship assistance. An arrangement allows your repayment obligations to be adjusted for a period, giving you the breathing room to get back on track,” she says.  To help you feel more confident about your options, here are five common myths about financial hardship assistance and the facts you need to know.   Myth 1: Asking for hardship help means you’ve failed financially Many people feel embarrassed about speaking to their lender when they’re struggling with repayments. But financial hardship can happen to anyone. Unexpected events such as job loss, illness, natural disasters, relationship breakdowns or rising living costs can affect even the most careful planners. Lenders understand this. In fact, lenders have established hardship programs designed specifically to support customers through temporary financial difficulty. Reaching out early isn’t a sign of failure, it’s a proactive step toward managing your situation and finding a workable solution.   Myth 2: If you ask for help, your credit score will drop This is one of the most common misconceptions. Under Australian law, financial hardship information cannot be used by credit reporting bodies to calculate your credit score. A hardship arrangement may appear on your credit report, but it does not lower your credit score. What does matter for your credit report is whether repayments are missed. A hardship arrangement can actually help prevent repeated missed payments from being recorded.   Myth 3: It’s better to miss a payment than ask for hardship Some people delay contacting their lender because they think they can “catch up later.” But missed payments can stay on your credit report and may affect future credit applications. A financial hardship arrangement can help avoid this situation. When an arrangement is in place, your repayment history reflects whether you meet your obligations as agreed to with your hardship arrangement. That means seeking help early can help protect your credit report and reduce financial stress.   Myth 4: A hardship arrangement will stop you from getting credit in the future Having hardship information on your credit report does not automatically prevent you from accessing credit later. If you apply for credit in the future, a lender may simply ask questions about your current circumstances to understand whether the hardship situation has passed and whether you can comfortably afford repayments. It’s also important to know that hardship information remains on your credit report for 12 months after the final repayment under the arrangement, after which it is no longer visible.   Myth 5: You should wait until things get really bad before asking for help Many people wait until they’re already behind on payments before contacting their lender. But the earlier you reach out, the more options may be available to you. For example, lenders may offer temporary payment pauses, smaller repayments or other tailored arrangements depending on your circumstances. Seeking help early can help ease your financial pressure, help avoid fees or negative repayment history, and give you breathing room while you get back on track.   Information sourced from: COBA Read about how we can help you here: Financial Hardship | Bank Orange

How to manage and protect your passwords to keep you safe online Passwords form the foundation of our online safety, whether that’s banking, healthcare, or even our social connections. If they’re weak or reused, they can make you vulnerable to criminals. “When your data is leaked in a breach, scammers can use it to impersonate you, trick you into clicking malicious links, or try your passwords on other websites. They might even use that stolen information to lock your files and demand a ransom,” COBA Head of Financial Crimes and Cyber Resilience Martin Latimer said. Strong passwords are our first line of defence against cybercriminals, and amid rising data breaches across Australia, there’s never been a greater need for good password hygiene. To help you figure out the best way to strengthen your passwords - and why this matters - COBA’s Financial Crimes and Cyber Resilience team have put together some simple tips.   Why does password hygiene matter? Data breaches can be a goldmine for scammers, providing them with a trove of personal and payment information that can then be exploited. In the first six months of 2025, over 10,000 individuals were affected by cyber incidents, with malicious or criminal attacks comprising the largest source of data breaches, according to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner. “Having strong passwords is crucial to ensure cybercriminals can’t access your banking, government or healthcare accounts or target you with malware,” Latimer explained.   How to build stronger passwords Strengthening your passwords doesn’t mean making them harder to remember — it means making them harder to crack. Longer, word-based phrases (known as passphrases) are usually a strong choice. Consider a string of random words that only you can stitch together to create a unique phrase (for example: “train hall idea work” or “television table bottle snack”). Avoid using personal information or common, predictable words. “Safe passwords typically have 10 or more characters - the longer, the better! You should further strengthen your password by combining uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers and special symbols, including swaps like ! for 1 or @ for A,” Latimer said.   Managing your passwords It’s important not to share your passwords with anyone - including loved ones - and to ensure you are using different passwords for your various accounts. Always enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever it’s available. This adds two or more verification methods to create an extra layer of safety on your accounts. MFA may involve passkeys, one-time passwords (OTPs), or biometric verification. Additionally, pay attention to where your passwords are being saved. “While many may do this for convenience, blindly saving your passwords in your browser to be auto-filled can put your cybersecurity at risk,” Latimer cautioned. Instead, opt for a reputable password manager with a strong master password. Ensure it offers strong privacy and security features such as encryption, MFA, and alerts if your passwords have been exposed in a breach.   What to do if your passwords have been compromised It’s important to be aware of the signs of a data breach so you know if your password has been compromised. Look out for suspicious activity such as unauthorised transactions, unfamiliar log-ins, unsolicited password resets, or alerts from financial institutions or service providers (even those you don’t normally use). You can also check if you were affected by a data breach using platforms such as Have I Been Pwned. If you believe your passwords may have been compromised, take immediate action to secure your accounts. Update your passwords across important accounts and run anti-virus software on your devices (including your phone) to check for ransomware. If you are contacted by someone you suspect is a scammer, report the scam to the National Anti-Scam Centre – Scamwatch to help protect others. For more information on how you can strengthen your online safety and keep your personal information secure, visit Cyber.gov.au.

City + Coast: The Perfect European Summer Itinerary Formula When it comes to a European summer, the best trips strike a balance. Culture and coastline. Buzz and bliss. Long museum days followed by salty swims and sunset dinners by the sea. That’s where the City + Coast itinerary formula comes in, pairing iconic cultural capitals with nearby seaside escapes for the ultimate summer holiday. It’s the smartest way to experience Europe at its best without burnout (or missing out). Here’s how to do it and where to go 🇫🇷 Paris + The French Riviera (Nice, Antibes or Cannes) City highlights: Louvre, Montmartre, river cruises on the Seine Long lunches and people-watching in classic Parisian cafés Coastal escape: Pebble beaches in Nice Chic seaside dining in Antibes Glamour and beach clubs in Cannes ✈️ Easy flights connect Paris to Nice in under 1.5 hours. 🇮🇹 Rome + Amalfi Coast (Positano, Amalfi or Capri) City highlights: Colosseum, Vatican City, Roman trattorias Rich culture, history and food in every direction Coastal escape: Cliffside villages, turquoise waters and boat days Sunset aperitivo in Positano or a day trip to Capri 🚆 Rome to Naples by train, then onward to the coast. 🇪🇸 Barcelona + Costa Brava or Mallorca City highlights: Gaudí architecture, markets and tapas Urban beaches and buzzing nightlife Coastal escape: Hidden coves and crystal-clear water in Costa Brava Or island life, beach clubs and hiking in Mallorca 🚗 Costa Brava is an easy drive; Mallorca is a short flight away. 🇵🇹 Lisbon + Algarve Coast City highlights: Historic trams, tiled buildings and riverfront dining Vibrant neighbourhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto Coastal escape: Golden cliffs, surf beaches and coastal walks Laid-back towns like Lagos and Carvoeiro 🚆 Lisbon to Algarve by train in around 3 hours. 🇭🇷 Dubrovnik or Split + Dalmatian Islands (Hvar, Brač, Korčula) Medieval cities paired with island-hopping paradise. City highlights: Old town walks, historic forts and waterfront dining Coastal escape: Clear waters, beach clubs and relaxed island vibes Perfect for swimming, sailing and long lunches ⛴️ Ferries make island-hopping easy and scenic. 🇬🇷 Athens + Greek Islands (Paros, Naxos or Santorini) City highlights: Acropolis, museums and rooftop dining Coastal escape: Whitewashed villages, beach days and sunset views Choose Paros or Naxos for balance, Santorini for drama ⛴️ Easy ferries connect Athens to the islands. Planning Tips for a Smooth Summer Trip Book accommodation and transport early - summer fills fast Allow extra time for travel days during peak season Pre-book major attractions in cities Choose coastal stays with easy access to beaches Make sure you’re covered for delays, cancellations and medical care But before you go… European summer is peak travel season and with packed flights, busy transport hubs and full itineraries, smart planning makes all the difference. Delays happen, plans can change and the unexpected can occur when you’re far from home, which is why travel insurance is just as essential as your passport. With PassportCard travel insurance, approved claims are paid instantly, so you’re never left out of pocket while exploring Europe. It’s travel insurance the way it should be: quick, simple and hassle-free. So, where will your European summer take you? 🌍✈️ Get a free quote in minutes: PassportCard Travel Insurance PassportCard Australia Pty Ltd (PassportCard) ABN 76 621 476 220 (AFSL 551 057) is an Underwriting Agency acting under Binder from Guild Insurance Limited (Guild) ABN 55 004 538 863 (AFSL 233 791). Any advice provided by PassportCard in relation to PassportCard products and the PassportCard is general advice only. Please consider the Combined Financial Services Guide & Product Disclosure Statement and the PassportCard Terms and Conditions (available at www.passportcard.com.au) before deciding whether they are suitable for you.

Women and Property 2026 report findings   Cotality is a global leader in property information, analytics, and data‑enabled solutions. They recently conducted their sixth annual Women and Property Report, exploring property ownership by Australians across gender and age groups. Property ownership still follows a familiar pattern: the older people are, the more likely they are to own their home. Around three‑quarters of Baby Boomers are homeowners, either outright or with a mortgage. By comparison, only about a third of Gen Z have managed to enter the property market. When it comes to income, most young women and men fall under the $100k mark - but women are more concentrated at the lower end. Almost 30% of Gen Z women earn under $40k, compared with about 20% of Gen Z men. Younger women, in particular, don’t see home ownership as a top life priority the way older generations do. Whether that’s because of a discouraging housing market or simply different lifestyle values, owning a home just doesn’t hold the same weight for them. For those who have bought property, the biggest motivations were financial stability (40%), having secure living arrangements (39%), family needs (34%), and wanting to avoid renting (27%). Across the board, younger generations feel less prepared to buy a home - both financially and in terms of understanding the buying process. Two in five Gen Z women said saving a deposit was a major challenge, compared with about one in four women from older generations. When it comes to improving their homes, young women tend to focus on small, sustainable upgrades like LED lighting and draft‑proofing. In contrast, young men and older generations (often with higher incomes) are more likely to invest in bigger, costlier improvements like solar panels or insulation.   Cotality (2026). Australian Women and Property Report. Retrieved from https://www.cotality.com/au (subscription required)