Is this text or call from ING a scam?
Banks are the most impersonated organisations in Australian scams, and ING is no exception. A text, email or phone call that looks like it's from ING 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 ING message from a fake.
Genuine ING links only ever go to ing.com.au. Below is exactly what a real ING 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 ING message looks like
Genuine messages from ING only ever link to ing.com.au.
- ING only contacts you via the ING Australia app or when you initiate the call yourself
- Genuine ING messages use the domain ing.com.au and never ask you to click a link for card verification
- ING will never send an SMS asking you to verify, reactivate or unlock your debit or credit card
- Any real ING communication about your account will appear inside the secure app inbox first
- ING Australia does not use SMS sender IDs for security alerts; all urgent notices arrive through the app
Crucially, ING 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 ING scams
- Scammers send SMS pretending to be ING claiming your card needs immediate verification and linking to an inert lookalike domain such as ing-card-verify.net
- Fraudsters pose as ING and send a fake security alert warning of suspicious transactions, directing you to a counterfeit site like ing-secure-login.com to "confirm" details
- Criminals impersonate ING Australia with messages about a blocked account or failed transfer, pushing recipients to enter card or online-banking credentials on a fake page
Red flags to watch for
- The message arrives as an SMS; ING does not send card-verification texts
- The sender claims urgency or account restriction and pressures you to click a link right away
- The URL shown is anything other than ing.com.au, for example ing-card-verify.net or similar variations
- The text contains spelling errors, generic greetings such as "Dear Customer", or requests for passwords or one-time codes
- The message threatens to lock or cancel your card unless you act immediately
Scam text examples
Here's a real example of a scam message impersonating ING, with the tell-tale red flags highlighted. Compare it against anything you've received.
ING: Your debit card has been temporarily restricted. Verify now at ing-card-verify.net to restore access within 2 hours.
What gives it away:
- The message arrives as an SMS; ING does not send card-verification texts
- The sender claims urgency or account restriction and pressures you to click a link right away
- The URL shown is anything other than ing.com.au, for example ing-card-verify.net or similar variations
- The text contains spelling errors, generic greetings such as "Dear Customer", or requests for passwords or one-time codes
- The message threatens to lock or cancel your card unless you act immediately
Not sure about your message?
Paste the suspicious ING text or email and get an instant scam verdict, free.
How to verify a message from ING
- Log in to the official ING Australia app on your device
- Type ing.com.au directly into your browser and navigate to the secure login area
Where to report a scam impersonating ING
Received — or fell for — a message impersonating ING? 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 received an SMS from ING asking me to verify my card — is it a scam?
Yes. ING does not send SMS messages to verify cards; any such text is fraudulent. Delete it and report the number to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au.
How do I know if an ING message is real?
Only trust messages that appear inside the ING Australia app or that you requested by phone. Never click links in unsolicited texts; instead, open the app or type ing.com.au yourself.
What should I do if I clicked a link in a fake ING text?
Change your ING password immediately via the official app, monitor your accounts for unusual activity, and contact IDCARE on 1300 432 273 for free support. Report the scam at cyber.gov.au.
Related scam types
Scams impersonating ING 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 ING through an official channel.