COVID-19 News

At your service during COVID times

dlee@defensefinance.com (Dennis Lee) — Fri, 14 Jan 2023 00:04:29 +0000

The current wave of COVID-19 is impacting many in the community, as too many businesses and services. Defense Finance Bank has and always will place your safety, health, and interests, and that of our valued staff, above all else.

Reduced Branch Opening Hours Effective 1 June 2020

jspencer@defensefinance.com (Joanna Spencer) — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 22:50:58 +0000

The past few weeks have been a testing time for everyone as we follow Government directives to stay home and adhere to social distancing protocols. Recently we have seen a significant reduction in branch use, an increase in electronic transactions and our Call Centre is taking an above-average number of calls.

In response to this change in Member behaviour, we are making some operational changes which will see a reduction in the hours of operations of our branches. This change has been made so that our branch staff can be used to help other areas of the Bank, such as our Call Centre, to assist Members during this time.

QBE Insurance Support for our Members

jspencer@defensefinance.com (Joanna Spencer) — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 22:50:58 +0000

The health and wellbeing of our Members, community and employees is our main priority during this time of uncertainty. As the situation with COVID-19 continues to develop, we want to let you know that we are here to provide the support you may need.

Our insurance partner, QBE, has announced hardship assistance options for Members with QBE insurance policies.

Support for Australia's Small and Medium-sized Businesses

jspencer@defensefinance.com (Joanna Spencer) — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 00:28:25 +0000

Defense Finance Bank has today responded to the Australian Government’s Coronavirus SME Scheme with the following measures added to support Australian small and medium-sized businesses.

During the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, we understand the distressing times for businesses. We are always here to support you and your business, and in consultation with the Australian Government, we are pleased to announce a stimulus package that can help put the wind back in your sails.

Protect yourself from scams

jspencer@defensefinance.com (Joanna Spencer) — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 00:28:25 +0000

Renewed COVID-19 restrictions in NSW, and around Australia, are causing people to feel uncertain, distressed and anxious – an ideal situation for scammers.

Lockdowns in 2020 saw a spike in scams, and the Australian Financial Review (AFR) reports that phone scams have almost tripled since this time last year. One scam detailed in the AFR’s report shows how scammers access individuals’ computers by persuading them to download software. ‘Remote access’ scams typically involve a caller or email sender claiming to be from a large reputable technology company such as Telstra, Apple or Google. This false credibility helps them manipulate their victims into complying with requests.

COVID-19 Relief Assistance

abacich@defensefinance.com (Ashleigh Bacich) — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 23:29:28 +0000

Looking after you if you are experiencing financial difficulty

We have introduced a Financial Assistance Package for Members with any type of home loan, personal or car loan, overdraft or credit card and all commercial loans. If you wish to apply for financial relief, please complete our Financial Assistance online form and one of our friendly staff will contact you as soon as possible.

We would like to assure our Members that the Bank is prepared to make any necessary changes to support and protect them. We have implemented several actions to keep our Members, our staff and our wider community as safe as possible.

We are monitoring the situation daily and following the advice of Australian Government Health authorities as well as applying governments restrictions that are currently in place. We will continue to assess and make any necessary changes, to ensure we can continue to provide safe banking services.

Standing By You In Uncertain Times

jspencer@defensefinance.com (Joanna Spencer) — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 08:39:29 +0000

In these uncertain times, one thing is for certain, we’re here to support you. It’s what we have been doing for 50 years and will continue to do so through thick and thin. Today, we introduce additional measures to support individuals who are doing it tough and increasing our help to keep small businesses open so that they can keep their staff employed.

Tap and Pay limit increased to $200 to help reduce COVID-19 transmission

jspencer@defensefinance.com (Joanna Spencer) — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 08:39:29 +0000

In a bid to reduce the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Australian Payments Network has temporarily increased the contactless card payment limit from $100 to $200 to reduce the need for you to enter your PIN on EFTPOS machines.

The increased limit is pragmatic and an important response to a changing environment. Consumers are buying more when shopping for essentials, less often. The new $200 contactless limit will mean fewer people need to enter their PIN on the payment terminal.

How to Avoid COVID-19 (Coronavirus) scams

abacich@defensefinance.com (Ashleigh Bacich) — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 01:54:14 +0000

Unfortunately, scammers are exploiting the fears and uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 (coronavirus) in an attempt to scam people out of their money and digital security.

Scammers are using tactics such as falsely selling coronavirus-related products online, and using fake emails or text messages to try and obtain personal data.