Yahoo Finance Aussie bank’s warning for thousands of customers: ‘Very convincing’
Bank Australia customers are being targeted by a new scam, with the bank urging customers to look out for text messages and calls impersonating staff.
“We're receiving urgent reports that scammers are posing as Bank Australia staff, trying to get access to customers' internet banking,” Bank Australia said.
“The scammers may call, or send an SMS advising Bank Australia will contact you shortly, and then call.”
Also read: NAB warning for 8.5 million customers
Also read: Westpac releases real-life scam call to warn customers: ‘If in doubt, hang up’
The calls and text messages may appear to be from ‘BankAust’ or similar, but they are actually coming from a different number.
This is known as a spoofing attack, where the scammer uses software to copy Bank Australia’s information so the number appears to be legitimate.
According to Bank Australia, the scammer will say your internet banking has been compromised or hacked, and will ask for your account details, including SMS one-time codes.
They will then say they are changing your old “compromised” account and will tell you not to access your account until they contact you again.
“This is a scam,” Bank Australia said.
“Bank Australia will never ask you to disclose your pin, one-time code or personal banking details in an unsolicited email, SMS or phone call.”
One Bank Australia customer said the scam was “very convincing”.
“They know your name, who you bank with and your address and email address and call from a Bank Australia number,” the customer reported on Reddit.
If you receive a suspicious message, Bank Australia said to not click on any links or provide any personal information.
NAB customers also targeted
NAB customers are also falling prey to a similar spoofing scam.
Scammers are calling and texting NAB customers, claiming there is an issue with their account and that their money needs to be transferred to a new account.
“If you receive a call or text message of this nature, do not agree to transfer any money or provide any information,” NAB warned.
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