ASB Bank has just sent out an alert to customers registered with FastNet Internet Banking. -- Dear Customer With the recent spate of email scams to hit some other New Zealand banks, we felt it timely to once again remind you about the importance of keeping your personal Internet banking details safe, and never disclosing your Internet access codes or passwords to anyone, even if you believe they are from the Bank. ASB Bank and ASB Securities have not been affected by these scams. To ensure you keep your personal Internet banking details safe, please remember: * Never share, write down or disclose your access codes or passwords to anyone, (other than during the normal sign in procedure), or store them in a file on your computer. * Always access the ASB Bank or ASB Securities website by starting up a new browser session and typing in the address directly into the address bar of your browser. Never follow a link in an email to the ASB Bank or ASB Securities website. * Never leave your computer signed onto Fastnet or ASB Securities when you are not there. * Never open emails, email attachments, or run software from untrusted or unknown sources. * Install anti-virus and other security software, such as a personal firewall, and keep it updated with the latest vendor updates. * Use the Sign Off button when you've finished using Fastnet Classic. * Use the Log Out button when you've finished using ASB Securities. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact ASB Bank or ASB Securities by visiting our websites or calling 0800 803 804. Yours sincerely, Barbara Chapman Head of Retail Banking and Marketing ASB Bank Limited --