Central Coast Council has identified suspicious activity in the payment gateway used by Council.
As a precaution access to this payment gateway via the Council website and telephone has been stopped.
“We understand that multiple agencies may have been impacted by the same issue,” a spokesperson said.
“We strongly recommend that community members check banking transactions and if you suspect your credit card information may have been compromised, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
The spokesperson said Council understands that a criminal cyber attack has occurred, involving the generation of random card numbers that were then tested for authenticity by making small payments to Council.
“Hundreds of these payment attempts were rejected, but we are aware that fewer than 20 were successful,” they said.
“These actions may have impacted any card holders across Australia, not just those who transact with Council.
“Council is working with its providers to provide a solution to this cyber criminal attack and in the interim has closed its online payment channel.
“It is understood a number of other organisations have been similarly impacted.”
The spokesperson said all card holders should remain alert.
“We apologise to our customers who may not be able to transact with us via their preferred method of payment but we have multiple other options available which are safe and accessible,” they said.
A further update will be provided as soon as Council has information from the payment gateway provider.