Is this text or call from NAB a scam?
Banks are the most impersonated organisations in Australian scams, and NAB is no exception. A text, email or phone call that looks like it's from NAB 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 NAB message from a fake.
Genuine NAB links only ever go to nab.com.au. Below is exactly what a real NAB 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.
NAB reported it prevented or recovered more than $385 million in scam and fraud losses in 2025. Source: NAB News
What a real NAB message looks like
Genuine SMS from NAB typically arrive under the sender ID NAB, and real links only ever go to nab.com.au.
- SMS from sender ID exactly NAB
- Emails sent from addresses ending in @nab.com.au
- Login or transaction alerts reference your actual recent activity
- NAB never asks you to click a link to verify your account or move funds
- Any call from NAB shows on caller ID as 13 22 65 or a number you can confirm via the app
Crucially, NAB 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 NAB scams
- SMS claiming suspicious activity on your NAB account and directing you to a fake login page
- Emails warning of a blocked card that contain an inert lookalike domain such as nab-secure-login.com
- Phone calls from spoofed numbers pretending to be NAB fraud staff who pressure you to transfer money to a safe account
- Messages urging you to install a remote-access app so NAB can fix an alleged security issue
Red flags to watch for
- Any request to transfer funds to another account for safety reasons
- A link that leads to a domain other than nab.com.au
- Urgent language demanding immediate action or your account will be frozen
- Caller claims to be from NAB but asks for your full password, one-time code or card PIN
- Message arrives from a sender ID that is not exactly NAB
Scam text examples
Here's a real example of a scam message impersonating NAB, with the tell-tale red flags highlighted. Compare it against anything you've received.
NAB: We've detected unusual activity. To protect your account, please verify now at nab-alert-login.com. Failure to confirm within 1 hour may result in a temporary block.
What gives it away:
- Any request to transfer funds to another account for safety reasons
- A link that leads to a domain other than nab.com.au
- Urgent language demanding immediate action or your account will be frozen
- Caller claims to be from NAB but asks for your full password, one-time code or card PIN
- Message arrives from a sender ID that is not exactly NAB
Not sure about your message?
Paste the suspicious NAB text or email and get an instant scam verdict, free.
How to verify a message from NAB
- Call NAB on 13 22 65
- Log in via the NAB app or nab.com.au typed manually
Where to report a scam impersonating NAB
Received — or fell for — a message impersonating NAB? Report it. It helps authorities and carriers shut the campaign down for everyone who gets the next one.
- NAB scam alerts — NAB's own page on current scams and how to report 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 NAB asking me to log in through a link — is it real?
No. NAB never sends links in SMS for login or verification. Delete the message and if concerned, open the NAB app or type nab.com.au yourself.
How can I tell if a phone call claiming to be NAB is a scam?
Hang up and call the number on the back of your NAB card or 13 22 65. Scammers often use spoofed numbers that look like NAB on your caller ID.
What should I do if I clicked a link in a suspicious NAB message?
Change your NAB password immediately via the official app or nab.com.au, monitor your accounts for unusual activity, and report the message at scamwatch.gov.au.
NAB text said my account will be locked unless I confirm my details — what now?
This is a common scam pattern. Ignore the text, do not enter any details, and contact NAB directly through 13 22 65 or the NAB app.
Related scam types
Scams impersonating NAB 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 NAB through an official channel.