Chinese extortion phone scam

We're aware some customers are receiving phone calls from fraudsters pretending to be the Chinese Embassy, Chinese Law Enforcement or Postal Services and advising customers they are linked to illegal parcels connected to money laundering and criminal gangs.

The fraudsters are threatening call recipients with risk of arrest, prosecution and deportation if payment is not made to Hong Kong to confirm their innocence. There may be other scenarios used and demands to send funds to other countries.

This is a scam. Please hang up immediately; do not follow the instructions of the caller. Please share this message with your family and friends.

The financial services industry has seen an increase in scams over the past couple of years and ANZ encourages customers to remain vigilant.

Remember:

• If you think you have been the victim of this type of scam please call us immediately on 0800 269 296 (international +64 4 470 3142).  Please call us on 0800 838 123 to speak to our bi-lingual staff.
• Never disclose your banking passwords, PINs, security codes or personal financial information to anyone even if they say they are from the bank or the Police.
• Stay vigilant when anyone contacts you out of the blue with unusual or urgent requests.
• Don't install software on your devices that you are not familiar with.
• Don't let anyone have remote access to your devices, regardless of where they say they are calling from.
• Protect your devices and accounts with strong passwords and keep all software up to date.