Cyber Security Alert

Your online security is important to us at Pine Lawyers. We ask that you read the following Cyber Security Alert carefully.

Cybercriminals are actively targeting individuals and businesses across Australia by impersonating law firms and other parties involved in legal and financial transactions. This commonly occurs through the interception or alteration of electronic communications, including emails, text messages, instant messaging platforms, file-sharing services and other online channels.

To help reduce the risk of fraud, please follow the guidance below.

• Do not transfer funds (particularly amounts over AUD $10,000) without first verbally confirming the payment details with the apparent sender.

• This includes any transfer of funds by online banking, electronic payment, bank deposit or providing payment details to a third party.

• When confirming payment details, you must speak directly with the sender and verbally confirm the BSB, account number, amount and any reference details by having them read the details to you and repeating them back.

• Only use verified contact details. If you need to confirm sensitive information, including payment instructions, use a phone number obtained from a trusted source such as our official website or prior correspondence you know to be legitimate. Do not rely on phone numbers included in payment requests.

• Contact Pine Lawyers immediately if you have any concerns or doubts about a communication you receive.

• Verify unexpected communications. If you receive an unexpected email, attachment, hyperlink or request for sensitive information, contact the sender directly using a verified method before taking any action.

• Verbally confirm any changes to bank details. Always contact Pine Lawyers by phone to confirm any change to payment instructions or banking information.

• Share this warning. Please ensure that anyone else involved in your matter who may be responsible for providing or receiving funds (including agents, brokers, accountants or family members) is aware of these precautions.

Pine Lawyers will not transfer funds from our trust account unless payment details have been verified by a direct voice call. This verification process includes reading out and confirming account and BSB details or other relevant payment information.

Please ensure you are available to be contacted if funds are required to be transferred by a particular deadline. Delays in verification may affect transaction timing.

If you are ever unsure about the legitimacy of a communication, pause and contact us before taking any action. Taking a moment to verify information can prevent significant financial loss.