How the scam works
Here are some of the red flags to look out for with this scam:
- The scammers generally state that they’re looking to verify a transaction or some other suspicious activity.
- They go through verbal identification, much like our own, and then may ask you provide them with “codes” that you receive either by SMS or via the Macquarie Authenticator app, so they can cancel these transactions.
- These codes, in addition to the personal details gained during verbal identification are really being used to either gain access to your online banking and/or authorising payments from your account that the scammers have gained access to.
- Another method they often use is asking that you log in and transfer funds to another “safe” account that they have created for you.
- This “safe” account is one that they control, and the scammers are just waiting for your funds to be deposited so they can steal them.
What we'll never ask you
From time to time, our fraud team may need to contact you to verify certain transactions, which may require verbal identification, however, they will never ask you for or to do the following:
- Ask you to provide online passwords, SMS security codes, or Authenticator app codes (for any reason).
- Request you log into online banking via a link they have sent you.
- Ask you to transfer money to another account to keep it safe.
- Ask you to download software or request remote access to your device.
- Send you your Macquarie access code via email and ask you to repeat it to them.
- Provide you with details about your account to “prove” they are legitimate.
If you have doubts that you’re speaking with a legitimate Macquarie employee, request a reference number and call back on a number you have found from a valid source, like the Macquarie website or the number on the back of your bank card.
If you have any doubts that Macquarie branded correspondence you have received is legitimate, do not respond, this can be forwarded through to scams@macquarie.com for review and confirmation of legitimacy.
How to contact us
If you suspect that you may have been affected by this scam and if you’ve provided personal details or your funds have been transferred, please call us immediately on 133 174 (and for international locations on +61 2 8245 4470).
If you suspect you’ve received calls or an SMS, but you haven’t shared any details or transferred any funds, please report the scam by emailing scams@macquarie.com.