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How to spot a scam.
Get help identifying scams from the get-go.
Learn how to spot a scam.
Scams are designed to trick people. They are often sophisticated and targeted, and anyone can become involved in one. One of the best ways to avoid being scammed is to be aware of the warning signs. If you’re not sure about something, contact us to check before making payments or giving out information.
Warning signs
- An urgent request that puts pressure on you
- Emails or text messages prompting you to click on links or attachments
- A situation where you have to make a payment to ‘release’ funds
- Contact that is unexpected or unsolicited
- A request to download software onto your computer or device
- Requests for money from a friend or partner that you have not met in person
- Offers that appear exceptionally good under the circumstances
- The payee account details for a bill or invoice have changed
- Unusual payment methods such as cryptocurrency or prepaid cards
- A request to receive and/or transfer money on behalf of someone else
- Learn more about types of scams and how to avoid them.
What we'll never ask for.
Knowing what Westpac staff will never ask you for, could help you stay protected.
- Under no circumstances would anyone from Westpac ask for your online banking password or PIN. These are your details and shouldn't be shared with anyone.
- We'll never email or text you with a direct link to a page asking you to log into your online banking or provide any personal information.
- We'll never ask you to give us remote access to your computer or phone, or to download software like Anydesk or Team Viewer.
- We'll never send you an unsolicited message on social media or messaging apps like Whatsapp.
- We'll never ask you to move money to another account to keep it safe or help us catch criminals or hackers.
- We'll never come to your home (or send a courier) to pick up cards or cash.
- We'll never ask you to withdraw cash to keep it safe.
Keeping you safe.
- Please be extremely vigilant for any unexpected or suspicious phone calls. If you have any doubt, phone us yourself using our official phone number, 0800 400 600.
- If you're calling us after a suspicious phone call, always wait on the phone until we answer, don’t request our call back service. Scammers often call again, and you may think it’s us, but it could be the scammer again.
- Don't feel pressured to comply with a request you're not comfortable with. Scammers often spend a long time convincing people to do what they want and may call them repeatedly.
- Carefully read any email and text alerts you receive from us and make sure that you are using that information for its intended purpose only.
- If you believe you've been targeted by a scam, contact us immediately.
- You can also block your Credit or Debit Mastercards through the 'Manage my Cards' button in Westpac One® online banking.
Holiday scams and how to avoid them.
Each year scams and fraud increase over the festive season. Stay safe by following these tips to help prevent them.
Do you have concerns about recent contact?
Do you have concerns about a payment you're making?
Latest scams.
Report a scam.
Email us
If you believe you have received a suspicious email, you can forward it to us.
Report to other agencies
Once you have spoken to us, you should report scams to other agencies so that they can take steps to prevent other people being targeted by them and losing money.
- Report online fraud and scams to Netsafe
- Report cybersecurity issues to CERT NZ
- Report investment scams to The Financial Markets Authority
- If you've been impacted by a scam or fraud, IDCARE provide specialist aftercare support.
Related information.
Things you should know.
Westpac's General Terms and Conditions require you to, amongst other things, safeguard your Security Details, notify Westpac immediately of any security breach, and provide all relevant details of any fraudulent activity.
Payments that you authorise yourself are generally not considered fraudulent. It's likely that you will be liable for any losses incurred and it can be difficult to recover the money once the payment has been made. Take care when making payments and ensure you take steps to protect yourself from scams. If you believe you have been targeted by a scam, contact your bank immediately.