TL;DR: In October 2026, ASB warned of a rise in callers posing as its fraud team who ask you to key in a number sequence that secretly turns on call forwarding, sending your calls (and bank verification calls) to the scammer. Earlier alerts cover cold calls that send you to a fake ASB web address and ask for Netcodes or FastNet Business token codes, plus fakes on WhatsApp, Google Meet and iCloud and calls to schools. ASB will never ask for codes, call forwarding, remote access or "safe account" transfers. Ask for Caller Check in the ASB app. Fraud line: 0800 272 372.
October 2026: the call-forwarding trick
According to NZ Adviser (23 October 2026):
- callers claim to be from ASB’s own fraud team;
- they spoof caller ID so the number looks identical or very close to ASB’s;
- they ask you to key in a number sequence, framed as a way to "stop scam calls," which actually turns on call forwarding to the scammer’s phone;
- they also contact people through WhatsApp, Google Meet and iCloud, often using a company logo as the profile picture.
Once your calls are forwarded, the scammer can receive calls meant for you, including a genuine check from your bank. That’s why this matters so much.
ASB head of fraud operations Julie Wilton said anyone asked to forward their calls should hang up: it’s "a big red flag." She added: "We will never contact customers through an app, unless it’s the ASB Mobile App," and "A real organisation won’t mind you checking. A scammer will."
The numbers behind the warning
- Netsafe: 34% of August 2026 reports involving someone posing as another person related to a bank or financial institution, up from 20% between April and July 2026. (Netsafe notes these are reports made to it, not all scams.)
- Westpac NZ: bank impersonation made up 71% of gross scam losses among its business customers in the first half of 2026.
ASB’s other alerts
From ASB’s security alerts page:
| Alert | What happens |
|---|---|
| Bank impersonation (March 2026) | Cold call about fraud on a personal or business account; you’re told to type a fake ASB web address and read out Netcodes or FastNet Business token codes |
| WhatsApp, Google Meet, iCloud | Scammers pose as ASB Fraud, other banks or NZ brands; ask for information, remote access or phone setting changes |
| Schools | Callers claim a problem with the school’s account, such as a payment to the wrong account; ask for usernames, passwords or codes |
| Business customers | Told the FastNet Business account is at risk or being hacked; some told to install remote-access software |
The Netcode request is the punchline every time. Everything else is costume.
What ASB will never do
- Contact you via WhatsApp, Google Meet or iCloud
- Ask for call forwarding, remote access or phone setting changes
- Ask you to key in long number sequences to "secure" your account
- Ask for your password, PIN, text codes, token codes or Netcodes, or ask you to read them out
- Ask you to type any web address other than asb.co.nz
- Need your full card number or CVV
- Ask you to download software
- Ask you to buy gift cards, set up crypto or money remittance accounts, or move money to keep it safe
Use Caller Check
If someone says they’re ASB, ask them to send a Caller Check notification. Real ones appear only in the ASB Mobile Banking app. If they can’t send one, or one arrives by text, email or WhatsApp, hang up and call ASB on its publicly listed number. Scammers have started faking caller checks by message: see Caller Check scams.
Already keyed in a code?
If you entered a number sequence during a call, your phone may now be forwarding calls. Check your phone’s call forwarding setting and turn it off, or ask your mobile provider to check. Then call ASB.
How to report
- Phone (24/7): 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372); overseas +64 9 303 0332
- Texts: forward to 7726 (how)
- Schools and businesses: contact your Account Manager or call 0800 ASB FRAUD
If you gave a code or sent money
- Call ASB immediately and ask them to check for new payees, devices or transfers.
- Change your banking password from a clean device.
- Report to Police. The new reimbursement rules may apply, but only if you report to your bank and Police within three months.
A free exposure check shows whether your details are in breach data scammers use to sound convincing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will ASB ever ask me to set up call forwarding?
No. ASB says it will never ask for call forwarding or long number sequences to secure your account. Hang up.
Will ASB ever ask for my Netcode?
No. ASB says it will never ask for Netcodes, text codes or token codes, or ask you to read them out.
Does ASB contact customers on WhatsApp?
No. ASB says it never contacts you through WhatsApp, Google Meet or iCloud, and only uses the ASB Mobile App.
What is ASB’s fraud number?
0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or +64 9 303 0332 from overseas, 24/7.
How do I check a caller is really from ASB?
Ask for a Caller Check notification in the ASB Mobile Banking app. If they can’t send one, hang up.