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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.
 

Image of email scam
Image of email scam

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.

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.


Image of email scam

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.

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.


Image of SMS scam

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.

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 same number.

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.

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.


Image of scam payment notification

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.

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.

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.

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.


Image of Email scam

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.

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.