7 days ago
Mercer Super reports security breach after Australia Post Melbourne GPO mail theft
A superannuation fund does not know how many members have been affected after mail was stolen from Australia Post in Melbourne's CBD.
In an email sent on Wednesday, Mercer Super, which also operates Virgin Money Super, said the breach affected members who posted mail to its Melbourne GPO post box between July 1 and 17.
Mercer Super said it did not know the exact number of members who had been impacted by the theft, but said customers who sent mail during that period should get in contact.
The superannuation fund has more than 1 million members, according to its website.
"If no information was posted to us in July, there's no need to take any action," it said in an email to members.
It told customers to be alert for suspicious emails, calls or messages, and to not share personal or financial information unless certain of the source.
The fund does not believe the incident has impacted members' accounts so far.
"Currently there is no indication that any member's personal information has been published externally or sold as a result of this incident," the Mercer Super website said.
The fund also said it had enhanced its security processes to further protect members, and has contacted the Australian Information Commissioner and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA).
The offenders allegedly broke into the mezzanine area of the Melbourne GPO Box Room four times between July 6 and 17, an Australia Post spokesperson said.
"The offenders were able to force entry into a back-of-house area used for sorting mail and distributing letters into PO Boxes on three occasions, and on the fourth, left immediately when deterred by additional security measures," the spokesperson said.
"The offenders caused significant damage on entry into the facility, which was promptly repaired, and additional security measures were put in place after each break-in."
The spokesperson said letters were not tracked, unlike parcels, and Australia Post has been unable to identify individual mail or boxes targeted by the offenders.
Australia Post said it had increased security at Bourke St, including after-hours security in the Post Office Box Room.
"Plans are well underway for this facility to move to a new, nearby custom-designed facility next month," the spokesperson said.
No arrests have been made and Victoria Police says the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
