Social media scams

We're seeing an increase in scams using social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, TikTok, and Messenger. Scammers are using fake business pages, AI-generated content, deepfake videos, and impersonation tactics to gain trust, steal personal information, install malware, or convince people to send money.

These scams can appear highly convincing, often using trusted brands, public figures, customer testimonials, or professional-looking websites to create a false sense of legitimacy.

• Fake customer service or complaints pages offering refunds, compensation, or support.
• Investment scams using deepfake videos, fake celebrity endorsements, and AI-generated news articles.
• Fake loans and financial offers promising fast approval or financial assistance.
• Community group scams where fraudsters build trust before requesting personal information, encouraging investment opportunities, or asking you to download apps.
• Marketplace scams promoting heavily discounted goods that never arrive.
• Job and side-hustle scams advertising easy money or unrealistic earning opportunities.
• Prize and giveaway scams claiming you've won a competition, voucher, or reward and requiring payment or personal information to claim it.

• Promises of guaranteed returns, refunds, prizes, or quick profits.
• Pressure to act immediately or keep an opportunity secret.
• Requests to move conversations off the social media platform to WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, or direct text messages.
• Requests for personal information or contact details.
• Requests to download apps, install software, allow remote access or screen sharing.
• Requests for banking credentials, two-factor authentication codes, or identity documents.
• Social media pages with limited history, followers, or verification.
• Unsolicited messages directing you to external websites or messaging apps.
• Offers that seem too good to be true.

• Never disclose your banking login details, full card details, or two-factor authentication codes to anyone. ANZ will never ask for this information.
• Never click links, download attachments, or call numbers in unexpected or suspicious messages. Always access ANZ Internet Banking through the official ANZ website.
• Be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true, including investment opportunities, compensation offers, and fast loans.
• Verify social media pages, businesses, and organisations through official channels before engaging with them.
• Never download unverified apps, software or files from unofficial sources.
• If you receive a suspicious message or call, hang up and contact ANZ directly using the phone number or contact method listed on our official website.

Always pause and reassess the situation. Scammers often create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to act quickly.

More about protecting yourself against scams.

If you suspect fraud on your account or have shared financial information or transferred money as a result of this scam, please call us immediately on 0800 269 296 (or +64 4 470 3142 from overseas, charges may apply). Our Customer Protection Team is available 24/7 to help you.