From Westpac today. Note the sophistication regarding spoofing the callerIDs. The technique will probably propagate to other financial institutions, and other businesses with particular ‘twists’.
We’ve recently received reports of scammers impersonating us, including spoofing our trusted phone numbers.
These often start with receiving an SMS, with a sender name of “Westpac”, advising a Fraud or Security Officer will call. When a call is received, the number on screen may display as one of our advertised numbers.
Legitimate calls from the Bank will never ask you to make a transaction (e.g. to a safe account or transfer to another financial institution), share Online Banking Security Codes, or request remote access your computer/device.
What is Spoofing?
Caller ID spoofing is the unauthorised use of a phone number to mislead you about the origin of the call/SMS.
Simply put, it is when the Caller ID shows a phone number or name different to the initiating phone number.
Scammers use this technique to in hopes you will answer their call or action an SMS, as Australians become more wary about answering calls from unusual or unknown numbers.
What should I look out for?
Scammers may use a sender name of “Westpac” or spoof our common phone numbers to try and convince you this is a trusted call or message.
Your phone will automatically group spoofed SMS messages alongside any existing legitimate messages you may have received from Westpac.
Unfortunately, there is little you can do to prevent a scammer calling or messaging you from a spoofed number.
How can you protect yourself?
Stay alert to scam calls and SMS messages.
If you receive any messages regarding your account or transaction activity, do not click on any links provided via SMS - always sign in securely to check your account by typing westpac.com.au to your browser or using the App.
Never share your Online Banking Security Codes with anyone, including callers claiming to be Westpac.