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How woman almost lost $4,500 during call with 'softly-spoken' scammer
The woman almost lost $4,500 to a scammer pretending to work for NAB's fraud department.
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New Bank Scam So Convincing It "Wildened" Fraud Departments
Sophisticated Bank Scam Alarms Australian Fraud Departments Sydney, Australia - A new, highly sophisticated bank scam is circulating, prompting urgent warnings after a recent incident left even experienced bank fraud departments "wildened" by its deceptive nature. The scam, detailed in a widely shared online video by user "The only Tahneea," highlights how fraudsters are mimicking legitimate bank procedures to defraud unsuspecting individuals. According to the account, a "smart girl" received a phone call from a private number. The caller, speaking with a UK accent, sounded "exactly like NAB Bank" and initiated a conversation that lasted approximately 20 minutes. Crucially, the scammer did not immediately ask for any personal information, instead focusing on building trust and appearing to "help" the victim with her account. "This guy sounds so legit," the video creator explained, noting that the fraudster guided the victim to a replica NAB website, "NAB/protect," which looked "spot on" to the official site. The victim was then instructed to download software onto her computer, unknowingly granting the scammer screen-sharing access. The fraudster then had the victim log into her bank account, assuring her he was merely helping to "kick everyone essentially out of your account" and "re-verify your phone." He avoided asking for passwords directly, further enhancing his credibility. However, once logged in, the scammer gained access to her accounts and passwords. The victim subsequently received a text message from NAB regarding a suspicious transaction. The scammer, still on the line, provided an "on-the-spot answer," claiming it was an automated message due to the account activity. It was only after the call ended, and a legitimate NAB representative called back, that the full extent of the scam was revealed. The victim had unknowingly provided a verification number, leading to a fraudulent transfer of over $4,500. Her computer now requires a full wipe. Authorities and bank officials are urging the public, especially older individuals, to exercise extreme caution. "If a fraud department calls you, hang up and call the actual business number back. They don't care if you hang up on them, by the way," the video advises. "Protect yourselves and your families!" This incident underscores the evolving tactics of scammers who are becoming increasingly adept at creating convincing illusions of legitimacy.
