Police are urging everyone who owns an electronic device to check their security settings after an Australian tourist had his bank account emptied when thieves stole his tablet recently.

Inspector Kent Holdsworth says the 39-year-old discovered several items, including his tablet, had been stolen from a rental car's boot while it was parked up the driveway of a friend's home in Hamilton.

Police are asking owners of electronic devices to check their security settings after an Australian tourist had his bank account emptied after his tablet was stolen. Photo: File

'A short time later the victim came back to the police station to advise that offenders had managed to clear out his bank account using credit card details captured when he had purchased various apps such as music, movies and game credits,” explains Kent.

Police admit the victim has blamed his naivety, but inquiries suggest many people could easily fall victim to the same type of offending.

In light of the incident, police have sought advice from the New Zealand Bankers' Association who say customer security is a major priority for banks.

'Their members work hard to prevent customers from becoming victims of any kind of financial crime

'An example of this is bank systems that monitor account use and can detect unusual spending patterns to help prevent attempts by fraudsters to access accounts.”

FRAUD SAFETY TIPS:

If you use your mobile device for banking:

* Use your device's password lock feature

* Change passwords periodically and make sure they are not easy to guess

* Shield passwords from people around you

* Contact your bank immediately if you lose your device or it is stolen

* Only download apps from trusted sources

* Keep device operating systems up to date, and update apps when prompted

* If available, use anti-virus software

* Check your statements. Advise your bank immediately of any unauthorised transactions

When shopping and banking online:

* Log on to internet banking by typing in your bank's full web address. Do not use links that appear to take you to your bank's website

* Check you have a secure connection, which is shown by a padlock symbol somewhere on the page, and that the website address starts with ‘https://' (the ‘s' stands for ‘secure')

* Avoid public computers and public Wi-Fi for internet banking, e.g. internet cafes, libraries or hotels

* Protect your identity information and only provide it to trusted people and organisations. This includes your date of birth, address, driver's licence number and passport details

* Shop with trusted retailers. Before you provide personal information make sure they will protect that information

* Keep your anti-virus and firewall software up to date

* If you suspect you've been taken in by a scam, contact your bank and Police immediately.