NAB fraud team calls and texts: how to spot the fake
Quick answer
A call or text that says it's from NAB's fraud team and asks you to move money, share a one-time code or install an app is a scam. Don't call back any number it gives you. Hang up and call NAB on the number on your card or in the app, then report it to Scamwatch.
- Comes by
- Phone call, Text, Email
- Pretends to be
- NAB
- Last updated
How it works
NAB is a real bank and the one being impersonated. Scammers pretend to be its fraud team because a call about "suspicious activity" gets people to act fast.
NAB says criminals can make a call or text look like it comes from a genuine NAB number, which is called spoofing. A fake text can even land in the same thread as real NAB messages. Scamwatch describes the same tactic across banks.
The usual script:
- A text or call about a problem. An unauthorised payment, a locked account or a new device.
- A link or a callback number. The link opens a fake NAB site that asks for your internet banking login, card number and PIN. The number puts you through to the scammer.
- A reason to move money. You're told to transfer funds to a "safe" account to protect them. Scamwatch says a bank won't ask for this.
- A request for codes or access. One-time codes, remote access to your device, or personal details such as your licence number.
NAB says it will never ask you to share a one-time PIN, move money to keep it safe, give remote access to your devices, or hand over personal information like your driver's licence details.
Red flags
- A text with a link that you weren't expecting, even when it appears in your NAB message thread
- A caller who says your account is at risk and tells you to move money to a safe account
- A request for a one-time code, PIN or internet banking password
- A request to install an app or give remote access to your device
- Pressure to act now and to stay on the line
- A callback number given in the message instead of one you look up yourself
Example message
NAB Alert: suspicious activity has been detected on your account. To secure your funds call our fraud team on [phone number] or verify your details at [link] within 24 hours.
What to do
- 1
Don't tap, call back or reply
If it's a text, don't tap the link. If it's a call, hang up. Don't use any number or link from the message.
- 2
Contact NAB yourself
Call NAB on the number on the back of your card or in the NAB app, and ask whether there's a real problem.
- 3
If you shared details or sent money
Call NAB straight away on that number and ask them to stop payments and secure your accounts. Change your internet banking password and the password on any account that shares it.
- 4
If you gave remote access
Uninstall the app, disconnect the device from the internet and have it checked before you use it for banking.
- 5
Report it
Report the scam to Scamwatch and, if you lost money, to ReportCyber. NAB also publishes where to send suspicious texts and emails on its scam alerts page.
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 who call about a bank account often start with a list of names and mobile numbers. Those lists come from data breaches and from sites that publish personal details. A caller who knows your name sounds more believable.
Serus finds where your details are listed on data brokers and people-search sites and removes them, and alerts you when your details show up in a breach, so fewer scammers can reach you with a believable story.
Frequently asked
Is NAB the scammer?
No. Scammers pretend to be NAB. The bank is the one being impersonated.
The text appeared in the same thread as my real NAB messages. Is it real?
It might not be. NAB says criminals can spoof its sender so fake texts appear alongside genuine ones. Don't tap links in an unexpected text.
How do I find the real NAB fraud number?
Use the number on the back of your card or in the NAB app, not one from a search result, text or caller.
I already moved money. Can it be stopped?
Call NAB straight away and say it's a scam. The sooner the bank knows, the better the chance of stopping a transfer.
Sources
Something wrong or out of date? Tell us and we'll re-check it.
