Is this text or call from Bendigo Bank a scam?
Banks are the most impersonated organisations in Australian scams, and Bendigo Bank is no exception. A text, email or phone call that looks like it's from Bendigo Bank can be genuine — but it can just as easily be a scam built to look identical. The good news: a few quick checks almost always tell a real Bendigo Bank message from a fake.
Genuine Bendigo Bank links only ever go to bendigobank.com.au. Below is exactly what a real Bendigo Bank message looks like, the scams currently circulating in its name, the red flags that give a fake away, and a real example to compare against. Got a message in front of you? Check it now for an instant verdict.
What a real Bendigo Bank message looks like
Genuine messages from Bendigo Bank only ever link to bendigobank.com.au.
- Bendigo Bank never sends SMS from a standard mobile number or an unknown alphanumeric sender ID.
- Genuine communications from Bendigo Bank direct customers to log in only via the official Bendigo Bank app or by manually typing bendigobank.com.au.
- Bendigo Bank will never ask for your full password, PIN or one-time passcode via SMS, email or phone.
- Official Bendigo Bank messages use the exact domain bendigobank.com.au and do not include hyphens, extra words or subdomains.
- Bendigo Bank does not send urgent payment or verification links outside the secure app environment.
Crucially, Bendigo Bank will never ask you to move money to a 'safe account', read out a one-time SMS code, or install remote-access software like AnyDesk or TeamViewer.
Common Bendigo Bank scams
- SMS claiming to be from Bendigo Bank that urges the recipient to click a link to 'secure' or 'verify' their account.
- Emails pretending to be from Bendigo and Adelaide Bank that warn of suspicious activity and direct the user to a fake login page.
- Messages stating an account has been locked or a payment has failed, pressuring the recipient to enter credentials on an imposter site.
Red flags to watch for
- The message contains a shortened or lookalike link instead of directing you to manually enter bendigobank.com.au.
- The sender ID is a mobile number or an unexpected name rather than a verified Bendigo Bank channel.
- The text creates urgency about account lockouts, failed payments or security issues and demands immediate action.
- The message asks for login details, passcodes or personal information directly via SMS or email.
- The link domain contains extra words, hyphens or misspellings such as bendigo-bank-secure-login.com.
Scam text examples
Here's a real example of a scam message impersonating Bendigo Bank, with the tell-tale red flags highlighted. Compare it against anything you've received.
Bendigo Bank: Your account has been temporarily restricted. Verify your details now at bendigo-bank-secure-login.com to avoid further issues.
What gives it away:
- The message contains a shortened or lookalike link instead of directing you to manually enter bendigobank.com.au.
- The sender ID is a mobile number or an unexpected name rather than a verified Bendigo Bank channel.
- The text creates urgency about account lockouts, failed payments or security issues and demands immediate action.
- The message asks for login details, passcodes or personal information directly via SMS or email.
- The link domain contains extra words, hyphens or misspellings such as bendigo-bank-secure-login.com.
Not sure about your message?
Paste the suspicious Bendigo Bank text or email and get an instant scam verdict, free.
How to verify a message from Bendigo Bank
- Log in via the official Bendigo Bank mobile app downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Manually type bendigobank.com.au into your browser to access online banking.
Where to report a scam impersonating Bendigo Bank
Received — or fell for — a message impersonating Bendigo Bank? Report it. It helps authorities and carriers shut the campaign down for everyone who gets the next one.
- Scamwatch — Report the scam to the ACCC's national scam service.
- ReportCyber — Report cybercrime and financial loss to the police.
- ACMA — Report scam texts and spam SMS or calls.
- Forward to 7226 (SPAM) — Forward the scam SMS to short code 7226 so your carrier can block the source.
- IDCARE — Free identity and cyber support if your details were taken.
Frequently asked questions
I got a text from Bendigo Bank with a link — is it a scam?
Bendigo Bank does not send links in SMS for login or verification. Delete the message and log in only by opening the official Bendigo Bank app or typing bendigobank.com.au yourself.
How do I know if a Bendigo Bank email is real?
Check that the sender address ends exactly with @bendigobank.com.au and that it does not ask you to click any links or enter login details. When in doubt, open the app directly instead.
What should I do if I clicked a fake Bendigo Bank link?
Change your password immediately from the official app, monitor your accounts for unusual activity, and report the message at scamwatch.gov.au or cyber.gov.au.
Related scam types
Scams impersonating Bendigo Bank usually fit one of these patterns. Learn how each works:
Related brands
Other bank names scammers impersonate — check a message from one:
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice — always verify with Bendigo Bank through an official channel.