Find out about our latest scam alerts and what to do if you've received a suspicious SMS.
Beware of scammers impersonating Bendigo Bank to target RACQ Bank members
January 2026
Following the recent announcement of our acquisition of RACQ Bank (subject to regulatory approval), we have been made aware of scammers impersonating Bendigo Bank to target RACQ Bank members.
How the scam works:
Scammers are using the announcement as an opportunity to contact RACQ Bank members over phone, SMS or email to gain access to personal information and accounts.
What to watch out for:
All official communications about this transaction and future migration will be issued by RACQ Bank to RACQ Bank members. Please be aware that the RACQ banking experience and regular communication methods remain unchanged at this stage.
How to protect yourself:
Stop
You can find all information regarding our proposed acquisition of RACQ Bank on our website or through the RACQ Bank website. Avoid engaging with any unsolicited communications from scammers claiming to be Bendigo Bank.
Think
Bendigo Bank and RACQ Bank will never ask you for your password, to update personal details or credit or debit card numbers, to transfer money or set up new direct debits over phone, SMS or email.
Protect
If something doesn’t feel right, contact RACQ Bank immediately through the details found on their website (not via search engine or details provided in unsolicited communications) and report the scam to Scamwatch.
For more information on RACQ Bank official communications to their members, visit https://www.racq.com.au/bank-transaction#overview
Spoofed phone calls pretending to be Bendigo Bank
January 2026
We are aware of a scam targeting Bendigo Bank customers involving phone calls that appear to come from a genuine Bendigo Bank phone number.
How the scam works:
- Scammers are contacting customers and advising of a suspicious transaction at JB Hi-Fi.
- The caller then attempts to prompt the customer to share information or act to “stop” the transaction.
What to watch out for:
- Scammers often claim the flagged amount is around $700–$800.
- They may also claim the payment has originated from New Zealand.
How to protect yourself:
Stop
- Do not share your passwords, one-time passcodes (OTPs), card details, or personal information.
- Do not approve transactions or follow instructions during an unexpected call.
Think
- Phone numbers can be spoofed, even if the number looks genuine, it may not be.
- Bendigo Bank will never ask you to:
- Provide your full password or one-time passcode
- Move money to another account “for security reasons”
- To download software or give remote access to your device
- Pressure you to act urgently over the phone
Protect
- If you receive a call like this, hang up immediately.
- Contact us using the phone number on the back of your card or our official website, not a number provided during the call.
What to do if you’ve already engaged with the caller
Contact us immediately on the phone number on the back of your card or via our official website if you believe you may have:
- Shared personal or banking information
- Provided a one-time passcode
- Approved a transaction you don’t recognise
- Downloaded software or given access to your device
Fake gambling websites targeting Australians
September 2025
Australians are being targeted by fake online gambling websites. Some online gambling services look like they’re legal and you might be able to access them, but they won’t give you the same customer protection as a licensed service.
How the scam works:
- They let you deposit funds or buy credits by asking you to pay small amounts of money into an account using PayID or bank transfers.
- When you “win”, you can’t access your winnings or withdraw any money you’ve deposited.
- The scammers shut down their services, or move them elsewhere, and your money disappears.
- After you stop using the service, they may continue to withdraw funds from your bank account without your permission.
What to look out for:
- The site is new or not well-known.
- Social media posts and ads, WhatsApp groups and Google Play Store and Apple App Store ads promoting unfamiliar gambling sites.
- Promises of generous bonus payments or free credit offers for joining or referring family and friends.
- You have to deposit money through bank transfers or use PayID to fund your account or buy credits.
How to protect yourself:
Stop. Take the time to identify any flags or suspicious webpage elements.
Think. Check if a website is a legal operator by visiting acma.gov.au/check-if-gambling-operator-legal. If a website isn’t listed here, it likely isn’t legitimate.
Protect. Do not use Pay ID or make a bank transfer if you have doubts about the website.
If you or someone you know needs help with gambling, visit gamblinghelponline.org.au for resources and support.
If you think you have lost money to a gambling scam, report it at bendigobank.com.au/security/report-suspicious-activity , call us on 1300 236 344 or visit any Bendigo Bank branch immediately.
Let us know ASAP if you think you have been the victim of a scam
If you need help or more information
Phone
If you have clicked on any suspicious links and entered your e-banking details:
For general enquiries call 1300 236 344 (in Australia) or +61 3 5445 0666 (from overseas - standard international call charges apply)
- Monday to Friday - 8am to 9pm AEST/AEDT*
- Weekends and some public holidays - 9am to 8pm AEST/AEDT
*Excludes Christmas Day
SMS
If you have received a suspicious SMS message claiming to be from us, you can forward it to 0429 557 997 for investigation.
Please note you will not receive a personal response from 0429 557 997.
If you have received any suspicious emails, you can forward them to us via email.
Please note you will not receive a personal email response from us.
