Is this text or call from Westpac a scam?
Banks are the most impersonated organisations in Australian scams, and Westpac is no exception. A text, email or phone call that looks like it's from Westpac 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 Westpac message from a fake.
Genuine Westpac links only ever go to westpac.com.au. Below is exactly what a real Westpac 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.
Westpac reported its scam-protection measures have helped scam losses fall 19% this year and saved customers from losing more than $300 million. Source: Westpac
What a real Westpac message looks like
Genuine SMS from Westpac typically arrive under the sender ID Westpac, and real links only ever go to westpac.com.au.
- SMS messages sent from the exact sender ID 'Westpac'
- Emails originate only from addresses ending in @westpac.com.au
- Westpac never sends SMS codes and then phones to ask for those codes
- Genuine Westpac transaction alerts never contain links or ask for card details
- Westpac app push notifications never direct customers to click email or SMS links
Crucially, Westpac 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 Westpac scams
- SMS claiming a new device login or suspicious payment and urging the recipient to 'verify' via a link
- SMS styled as a transaction confirmation that asks the customer to reply with an SMS code or tap a link
- Messages pretending to be Westpac security alerts that threaten to lock the account unless action is taken immediately
Red flags to watch for
- Message contains any link at all
- Sender asks for an SMS verification code or one-time password
- Urgent language about account lock, fraud, or immediate payment
- Sender ID looks similar to Westpac but includes extra characters or spaces
- Email address does not end in @westpac.com.au
Scam text examples
Here's a real example of a scam message impersonating Westpac, with the tell-tale red flags highlighted. Compare it against anything you've received.
Westpac: Unusual activity detected on your card ending 4582. To protect your account, confirm the transaction now: westpac-secure-login.com
What gives it away:
- Message contains any link at all
- Sender asks for an SMS verification code or one-time password
- Urgent language about account lock, fraud, or immediate payment
- Sender ID looks similar to Westpac but includes extra characters or spaces
- Email address does not end in @westpac.com.au
Not sure about your message?
Paste the suspicious Westpac text or email and get an instant scam verdict, free.
How to verify a message from Westpac
- Call Westpac on 132 032
- Log in via the Westpac app or westpac.com.au typed manually
Where to report a scam impersonating Westpac
Received — or fell for — a message impersonating Westpac? Report it. It helps authorities and carriers shut the campaign down for everyone who gets the next one.
- Westpac scam alerts — Westpac'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 got a text from Westpac with a link — is it a scam?
Yes. Real Westpac SMS messages never include links; if you receive one, delete it and do not tap anything.
Westpac scam text asking for my code — what should I do?
Hang up or ignore the message. Westpac will never phone or text asking you to read back an SMS code; report the message to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au.
How do I know if a Westpac email is real?
Check the sender address ends exactly with @westpac.com.au and never click links; instead type westpac.com.au yourself or open the Westpac app.
Did Westpac really send this transaction alert?
Compare the sender ID: genuine alerts come only from 'Westpac'. If anything looks different or contains a link, treat it as fake and contact Westpac via the verified channels above.
Related scam types
Scams impersonating Westpac 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 Westpac through an official channel.