Latest scams and Alerts

Latest scams and alerts

We're working all the time to better safeguard your financial and personal information.

To help better protect you against scams, this page will provide information on some of the scams around at the moment.

October 2024 – Impersonation Scams

Be alert to scam calls impersonating Westpac

Scammers often attempt to take advantage of bank outages, natural disasters and other topical situations to lure you into believing their calls are genuine, in an attempt to steal your personal and financial information.

If you’re contacted by us, even our Fraud team, we will never ask you to complete any of the following actions:

Share your Online Banking Password
Share an Online Banking Security Code (sent via SMS, displayed on a Token or from Security Code via the App)
Ask you to install software that allows us to connect to your device
Sign into your Online Banking with remote access software on your device.

It’s likely a scam caller if you are asked to share your Online Banking Passwords, Security Codes or PINs.

Remember - If you have received an email, SMS, phone call or other request that you have identified as potentially fraudulent or a scam, it’s always a good idea to report this through to us, before deleting it from your inbox and deleted items, or your device.

Forward a copy to hoax@westpac.com.au or 0497 132 032.

October 2024 - Email Scams

This scam email, claiming to be from Westpac, states a new payment has been made. The email contains falsified payment details, to encourage you to call the number included within the email.

Do not call the number contained in the email.

If you call the phone number, it may impersonate similar hold music or voice overs of those heard on the legitimate Westpac phone numbers.

Once you speak with an operator, they may request you download software to access your device. Common remote access software applications include Anydesk, Team Viewer or Zoho, but there are also many others.

After downloading the software, their connection name may impersonate Westpac. If you establish a connection with this third party, it allows them the ability to remotely control your device - indicators of an active session includes your mouse moving or browsers opening without you performing this function.

Remember, Westpac will never ask to connect to your device through remote access software. It will be highly likely you are engaging in a scam if you do so.

Remember - If you have received an email, SMS, phone number or a request that you have identified as potentially fraudulent or a scam account related to Westpac, it’s always a good idea to report this through to us, before deleting it from your inbox and deleted items, or your device.

Forward a copy to hoax@westpac.com.au or 0497 132 032.

October 2024 - Impersonation Scams

Be alert to fake Westpac websites with Remote Access Software

This fake website, visually, uses images and colours that may seem consistent with those you see on our genuine Westpac website, however it is not legitimate. The information on this site contains links to software, such as Anydesk or Team Viewer, that can allow a third party to remotely access your device.

Remember, the real Westpac website is westpac.com.au. There are no other versions of this domain name.

A domain name is like a street address for the internet - if you use the wrong address, you will not be visiting the right place (or in this case, website).

After downloading the software, the third party who directed you to this phishing website will then request access to your device. Their connection name may even impersonate Westpac. The application is a form of remote access software. When a user establishes a connection with a third party, it allows them the ability to remotely control your device - indicators of an active session includes your mouse moving or browsers opening without you performing this function.

NEVER download remote access software and share access to your Online Banking.

Forward a copy to hoax@westpac.com.au or 0497 132 032.

September 2024 - Email Scams

Be alert to phishing emails

This scam email, claiming to be from Westpac, states we've detected a login from a new device to your Online Banking.

Scammers often use genuine wording from organisations in an attempt to appear legitimate, but make small changes to links or phone numbers to avoid recipients identifying the scam.

Do not click on this link.

The text within the link suggests that you are being taken to the Westpac Security Hub, however upon hovering over the link, you can see the actual website does not belong to Westpac.

Remember - If you have received an email, SMS or other request that you have identified as potentially fraudulent or a scam account, it’s always a good idea to report this through to us, before deleting it from your inbox and deleted items, or your device.

Forward a copy to hoax@westpac.com.au or 0497 132 032.

September 2024 - Bond Scams

Be alert to fake bonds

Scammers often impersonate well known financial service companies to gain your trust and confidence when looking for your next investment opportunity. Scammers commonly use legitimate company information to create professional looking websites or documentation such as certificates of authentication. They may even provide 'advisors' who are readily available to guide you through financial choices to lure you into investing.

We've been alerted to scammers posing as representatives of Trinity Asset & Commercial Capital communicating to potential investors through a fake website that requests your contact details, or an unexpected call or email.

Always take precautions when establishing a new investment, including completing searches to validate ABNs, and performing checks of the ASIC Professional register.

Find out more about Investment Scams. If you have participated in the activity described, and you have made payments, contact us immediately.

September 2024 - Term Deposit Scams

Be alert to fake Westpac Term Deposit offers

We've been made aware of fake Term Deposit emails from representatives claiming to be from Westpac.

Remember, the safest way to find out our Term Deposit rates is by visiting the information on our website, speaking with a Westpac representative in branch, an established relationship manager or through our contact centre.

Be cautious to investment websites that request you to enter contact details to receive a call back with information.

Find out more about Investment Scams. If you have participated in the activity described, and you have made payments, contact us immediately.

September 2024 - Fake Websites

Be alert to fake Westpac websites

Scammers often use genuine wording from organisations in an attempt to appear legitimate. This website, posing as the "Westpac Bank", is not legitimate. The site contains details about banking products but is ultimately designed to capture your personal and financial information.

Remember, the real Westpac website is westpac.com.au and there are no other versions of this domain name.

A domain name is like a street address for the internet - if you use an alternative address it's unlikely you will be visiting the right place (or in this case, website).

Find out more about phishing. If you have participated in the activity described, and you have made payments, contact us immediately.

Forward a copy to hoax@westpac.com.au or 0497 132 032.

August 2024 - Investment Scams

Be alert to fake Westpac websites

This fake website, visually, uses images and colours that may seem consistent with those you might see on our genuine Westpac website, however it is not legitimate. The information on this site contains details specifically about investing, as well as support services.

Remember, the real Westpac website is westpac.com.au and there are no other versions of this domain name.

A domain name is like a street address for the internet - if you use an alternative address it's unlikely you will be visiting the right place (or in this case, website).

After downloading the software, the fake advisor/third party will then request access to your device. The application is a form of remote access software. When a user establishes a connection with a third party, it allows them the ability to remotely control your device. This includes the information you see on screen.

NEVER download remote access software and share access to your Online Banking.

Find out more about Investment Scams. If you have participated in the activity described, and you have made payments, contact us immediately.

August 2024 - SMS Scams

Be alert to scam texts regarding Medicare refunds

This scam SMS, claims to be sent from Medicare, advising a refund cannot be processed.

Be aware - If you click the link in this SMS, you will be taken to a phishing website which attempts to steal your personal and banking information.

Always use genuine apps or websites to validate the information being provided, particularly when emails or SMSs advise they are for refunds. Remember, never sign in to your online banking, or share your credit card details via a link received in an email or SMS.

Forward a copy to hoax@westpac.com.au or 0497 132 032.

August 2024 - Job Scams

Be alert to scam texts with fake job ads

This scam SMS, claims to be sent from a representative of the Westpac Group, offering a fake role.

Be aware - These messages are not from a representative of the Westpac Group, rather a scammer attempting to capture your personal and banking information. To learn more about applying for roles at Westpac, visit our Careers information page.

Scammers use impersonation tactics, to try and convince you they are genuine. As a part of this scam you will be invited to a video interview through various well known applications like Microsoft Teams, ZOOM or Skype.

Once you have completed an interview, you may receive a letter of offer.

Learn more about job scams

July 2024 - SMS Scams

Be alert to scam texts hiding in genuine message conversations

This scam SMS, claiming to be sent from Westpac, states a direct debit payment will occur. It also includes a date to prompt you to act urgently.

Be aware - The link in this SMS will not take you to a Westpac website. Never use a link received in an email or SMS to sign into your banking. Always type westpac.com.au into your browser, or use the App, to securely access your banking.

Scammers use impersonation tactics, such as Caller ID spoofing, to try and convince you this is a trusted message. Your phone will automatically group this scam SMS in with legitimate messages sent from the sender name "Westpac".

Never share any Online Banking Security Codes with a third party, not even callers who claim to be Westpac. We will never ask you for this information.

Forward a copy to hoax@westpac.com.au or 0497 132 032.

June 2024 - Fake Receipt Scams

Be wary of fake receipts

We've received varied reports of customers claiming to have received a Westpac receipt for items purchased through an online marketplace.

These receipts are given to a seller as proof of payment to collect an item.

Be aware - Receipts, whether digital or a printed receipt, could be manipulated to appear consistent with the claimed transaction. Your primary confirmation for receipt of payment should always be by signing into Online Banking or the App, and verifying the funds have been received in to your account.

If you cannot validate the money is in your account, and the purchaser produces a receipt, be wary as this may be a scam. If the payment is delayed, do not part with the item until you have confirmed the deposit has been received into your account.

Forward a copy to hoax@westpac.com.au or 0497 132 032.

March 2024 - Email Scams

Email Subject Lines may vary

We've received varied reports of this particular scam email, with slight changes to the wording, however the body of the email is consistent in appearance. The email is focused on Security Upgrades or new enhancements within our banking platforms, and requests you click a link to implement the features, update security settings, or secure your account.

We will never ask you to click a link to access to our new security features.

Be aware - The link in this email will take you to a phishing website to capture your personal and banking information. Never use a link received in an email or SMS to sign into your banking. Always type westpac.com.au into your browser, or use the App, to securely access your banking.

Forward a copy to hoax@westpac.com.au or 0497 132 032.

March 2024 - Email Scams

Email Subject Line: #!TRANSICTION!#

This scam email claiming to be sent from PayPal, indicates an amount has been charged to your account. To prevent this from occurring, you need to contact them on the phone number provided (in the email).

Be aware - The phone number in this email is not listed on PayPal's website as a contact number. To contact PayPal always use the options listed at paypal.com.au/contact-us

Scammers use impersonation tactics, such as phishing emails posing as reputable companies, to try and convince you this is a trusted message.

Customers have reported they were prompted to download Remote Access software to their device, (applications such as TeamViewer, AnyDesk etc.) to aid in being refunded alleged debits.

Never provide access or control of your device to a third party. Some indications of someone else controlling your device could be seeing your mouse move on screen, applications being opened or closed etc, without you performing these actions. It's important you do not access your Online Banking if someone has control of your device or share Security Codes with a third party. Your Security Codes help keep you safe from unauthorised transactions.

Forward a copy to hoax@westpac.com.au or 0497 132 032.

February 2024 - SMS Scams

Be alert to scam texts hiding in genuine message conversations

This scam SMS, claiming to be sent from our Westpac Protect™ SMS Code number, states your account access has been locked.

Never share any Online Banking Security Codes with a third party, not even callers who claim to be Westpac. We will never ask you for this information.

Forward a copy to hoax@westpac.com.au or 0497 132 032.

February 2024 - Scam Alert

Be alert to unexpected messages about new payments

A scam SMS, claiming to be from Westpac, states a payment from a new device has been made. This message provides a link to a payment confirmation screen.

If you click the "Cancel Payment" option on this screen, you will be prompted to enter a Security Code to confirm this request. If you enter your Security Code, you will authorise a fraudulent payment. Do not enter the Security Code.

We will never ask you to click a link or enter a Security Code to cancel a payment.

Never share any Online Banking Security Codes with a third party, not even callers who claim to be Westpac. We will never ask you for this information.

Forward a copy to hoax@westpac.com.au or 0497 132 032.

December 2023 - Phishing Email

Email Subject Line: A new device added to your Online Banking

This scam email, claiming to be from Westpac, states we'd like you to review a device that has accessed your Online Banking.

Scammers often use genuine wording from organisations in an attempt to appear legitimate, but make small changes to links or phone numbers to avoid recipients identifying the scam.

Be aware - If you call the number in this message, you will not be speaking with Westpac. It will be a scammer. They are likely to request your personal or banking information. Do not provide any of this information. Just hang up.

Never share any Online Banking Security Codes with a third party, not even callers who claim to be Westpac. We will never ask you for this information.

Forward a copy to hoax@westpac.com.au or 0497 132 032.

Latest Scams & Alerts