TL;DR: A WhatsApp message with your bank’s logo says there’s suspicious activity and you need to act now. It’s a scam. ASB says it never contacts you via WhatsApp, Google Meet or iCloud. ANZ warned of WhatsApp impersonation in March 2026. Kiwibank says WhatsApp scams are increasing. NZ Post says it doesn’t use WhatsApp at all. Don’t reply. Call your bank on the number on your card.
What the banks say
| Organisation | What it says |
|---|---|
| ASB | Will never contact you through WhatsApp, Google Meet or iCloud (ASB) |
| ANZ NZ | Warned of ANZ impersonation WhatsApp scams (March 2026) (ANZ) |
| Kiwibank | WhatsApp and messaging app scams are increasing, using the logo and urgent "compromised account" claims (Kiwibank) |
| NZ Post | "NZ Post does not use WhatsApp as a communication channel" (NZ Post) |
What the scam looks like
- A bank logo as the profile picture
- "Suspicious activity" or "your account is compromised"
- Urgency: act in the next few minutes
- A request for login details, codes, a call or a video meeting (Google Meet) so they can "help"
- Sometimes a request to change phone settings or install remote access (ASB warns about this)
A logo on WhatsApp is just a picture. Anyone can set one. It proves about as much as a fake moustache.
Why WhatsApp?
It’s encrypted, free, international, and feels personal. Scammers can message from overseas while looking official, and the chat feels more private than a text.
What to do
- Don’t reply or click anything.
- Block and report the account in WhatsApp.
- Call your bank on the number on your card or its official site:
- ANZ 0800 269 296
- ASB 0800 272 372
- Kiwibank 0800 113 355
- If you shared anything, tell the bank immediately and report to Police (105) and Netsafe.
Also watch for fake Caller Check messages on WhatsApp (explained). A free exposure check shows if your number is in breach data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do NZ banks contact customers on WhatsApp?
ASB says it never contacts you via WhatsApp. ANZ and Kiwibank have warned about WhatsApp impersonation scams.
Does NZ Post use WhatsApp?
No. NZ Post says it doesn’t use WhatsApp as a communication channel.
What should I do with a bank WhatsApp message?
Don’t reply, block and report it, and call your bank on the number on your card.