"Stop the hackers" scam

We are aware that phone scammers are calling some ANZ customers telling them they need their help to ‘stop hackers’.  In many cases these scammers claim to be from Spark’s technical department.   Customers are instructed to download remote access software (team viewer) and then log-on to Internet Banking. This software will allow the scammer to remotely access your computer and obtain log in details and then later steal funds.

In some instances, once Internet Banking access is obtained, the scammers will transfer money between accounts to make it appear that funds have been credited from an external party.  These scammers will either set up an International Money Transfer on Internet Banking or instruct the customer to visit the branch to transfer the funds overseas to assist with ‘catching the hackers’. 

To ensure an International Money Transfer is not being made to a scammer it is important we ask customers what the payment is for and whether there is documentation to support the transaction.

Remember:

• Never disclose your banking passwords, PINs or personal financial information to anyone even if they say they are from the bank or the Police
• Don’t install software on your devices that you are not familiar with
• If you are not sure, hang up, and call the company on their registered phone number for verification

If you receive a call from someone asking for your personal or financial details,  your help to ‘catch hackers’, or you inadvertently downloaded software onto your computer, please call us immediately on 0800 269 296 (international +64 4 470 3142).

For more information, see the following article:

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12130820