LMW data disclosure incident

20 February 2019

Heritage Bank has been notified by property valuation firm Landmark White Limited (LMW) of a data disclosure incident on LMW's system that has affected customers from a number of Australian banks.

Heritage Bank takes any incident involving its members’ data protection extremely seriously. We are working with LMW and external experts to fully understand the nature and extent of the incident, and to identify Heritage Bank members who may have been affected.  While the incident is being investigated we have suspended valuation services with LMW.

We understand the information disclosed by LMW may include member name, residential and/or business address, email address, and contact telephone number relating to property valuations undertaken by them.  It may also include the valuation date and some details about the property.

LMW has informed Heritage Bank that there is no evidence of misuse of any personal information but that this is being monitored on an ongoing basis, and we are waiting to receive further updates.  

If further specific action is required, Heritage Bank will notify affected members.

We want to make it clear that this incident is limited to LMW's systems and did not involve a breach of any Heritage Bank system.

Our usual monitoring and detection systems are in place to track any unusual activity on our members’ accounts. We recommend customers remain vigilant to telephone call, SMS and email phishing scams requesting personal details or the payment of money, and avoid opening attachments via email or social media from unknown senders.

For further information customers can contact Heritage on 13 14 22 or via email to info@heritagebank.com.au. If you have any doubts about the legitimacy of direct communications received from Heritage or LMW in relation to this incident, please contact Heritage or LMW to verify the communication.