ANZ scam emails and texts: how to spot a fake ANZ message
Quick answer
Scammers pretend to be ANZ in texts, emails and calls to steal your login or money. ANZ says it will never ask for your password, PIN or one-time codes, and it doesn't use links in texts. Don't click, and contact ANZ through its app or website.
- Comes by
- Text, Email, Phone call
- Pretends to be
- ANZ
- Last updated
How it works
Scammers send messages that look like they come from ANZ, saying there's a problem with your account, a blocked card or a suspicious payment. A link leads to a fake login page that captures your details. Sometimes a caller follows up, claims to be from ANZ's fraud team and asks for one-time codes or tells you to move money.
ANZ is the one being impersonated here. It says it will never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, one-time codes, remote access or money transfers by email, SMS or call.
Red flags
- A text or email about a blocked account or card with a link to "fix" it
- Requests for your password, PIN or one-time code
- A caller who says to move money to a "safe account"
- Pressure to act within minutes
- A sender address or number that isn't ANZ's
Example message
ANZ: Your account has been suspended due to unusual activity. Verify your details now to avoid restrictions: [link]
What to do
- 1
Don't click or reply
Don't open links or attachments and don't call numbers in the message.
- 2
Check with ANZ
Contact ANZ using the ANZ app or the details on its official website.
- 3
If you clicked or shared details, call ANZ now
ANZ has a Customer Protection Team available 24/7. Change your password and tell them what you shared.
- 4
Report the message
ANZ's security pages explain how to forward suspicious emails and texts. In Australia you can also report to Scamwatch.
- 5
Get identity help if needed
IDCARE offers free support for identity and cyber concerns.
Report it
Check if your details are exposed with Serus
Scammers find your number and address on data brokers and people-search sites. Serus removes them.
Why you got it
Scammers send these messages in bulk, but the ones that name you or mention your suburb work better. Names, mobile numbers and addresses sit on people-search sites and in breach data. Serus finds the data brokers and people-search sites that list you and removes you from them, and alerts you when your details show up in a breach, so fewer scammers can build a convincing message about you.
Common ANZ scams
Frequently asked
Does ANZ send texts with links?
ANZ has said "we don't use links" in its texts, so treat a text link claiming to be from ANZ as suspect.
Will ANZ ever ask for my one-time code?
No. ANZ says it will never ask for passwords, PINs or one-time codes.
Does this apply in New Zealand?
Yes. ANZ New Zealand publishes the same warnings and has its own reporting page.
Sources
Something wrong or out of date? Tell us and we'll re-check it.
