ANZ warns customers in Tonga and Solomon Islands of impersonation scams

ANZ has issued warnings to customers and the general public in Tonga and the Solomon Islands regarding scammers impersonating bank staff. Fraudsters are reportedly making unsolicited phone calls to request sensitive personal and financial information, including account numbers, birth certificates, and details regarding sources of funds.

Melanie Culling, ANZ Head of Retail Pacific, noted that scammers may use convincing tones and pressure tactics to create a sense of urgency. The bank clarified that while it may legitimately contact customers to update records or meet identification requirements, customers should never share PINs, card security codes, or one-time passcodes.

To combat these threats, ANZ has launched a ‘Stop, Check and Protect’ campaign. The bank advises individuals to pause before responding to suspicious requests, independently verify the identity of callers through official channels, and avoid transferring money to unverified ‘safe’ accounts.