Latest Scams & 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.
July 2025 – Impersonation Scams
Be alert to fake Westpac websites with Remote Access Software
We're aware of people receiving calls, claiming to be Westpac staff, that request you to visit a fake website that may look and feel very similar to the Westpac website, however it is not. The fake website contains links that will download remote access software.
The genuine Westpac website is westpac.com.au. There are no other versions of this domain name that any employee would direct you to. 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 fake 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.
Once a connection has been established, they can see and manipulate information on your computer, or within your browser.
Remember, 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 Customer Number and 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.
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.
June 2025 – SMS Scams
Be alert to scam messages posing as Westpac
This SMS claims to be sent from Westpac, requesting confirmation of a payment but is a scam. It also includes an amount and retailer to prompt you to act urgently, as well as a threat stating your services have been limited.
Be aware - 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".
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.
You should always call Westpac on a number found on our contact us page.
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.
May 2025 – Email Scams
Be alert to scam emails posing as Westpac
This scam email, claiming to be from Westpac, states there were failed logins attempted on your profile. It encourages you to click a link to resolve the issue.
Scammers often use imagery or language similar to legitimate organisations, making subtle changes—such as the actual destination of buttons or links—to disguise their intent and make the email appear as if it could be from Westpac.
Do not click on this link.
If you hover the mouse cursor over the button, you will see the link does not lead you to a Westpac domain - westpac.com.au, instead a phishing website designed to capture your sign in details.
We will never ask you to click a link, or button, sent to you via an email or through SMS. We will always ask you to visit our website or use the app.
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.
April 2025 – Email Scams
Be alert to scams emails posing as Westpac
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.
March 2025 – Impersonation Scams
Be alert to scams during severe weather events
Scammers often attempt to take advantage of severe weather events such as ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, or other topical situations to lure you into believing their requests via email, SMS, social media messages or phone calls are genuine. These are all an attempt to steal your personal and financial information.
They pretend to offer financial aid, or exploit the generosity of members of the public wanting to make a donation, to those in impacted areas.
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 – 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.
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.
