Threat scams targeting Australians - NAB
What are threat scams?
Threat scams involve criminals targeting Australians to extort money by impersonating government officials such as police or embassies, or by threatening your reputation by potentially releasing fake or real private photos or videos. These scams use fear and intimidation to convince individuals into sending money and sharing personal information. Australians reported losing over $13 million to these scams in 2025.
How you can avoid a threat scam
You can protect yourself, family and friends by remembering these three simple steps. Stop. Check. Protect.
Stop
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a government official, or a person you’re connected with on social media or messaging apps threatens you with deportation, criminal charges, or asking you to send money to stop them sharing a private photo or video, stop to consider, could it be a scam?
Check
Don’t hand over any personal information, transfer money, or share private photos or videos with someone threatening you. Remind yourself that law enforcement will not contact you in this way or demand money to prove your innocence.
Check Scamwatch for the latest scams targeting Australians.
Protect if you suspect
Report it to your local police. If you have provided any banking details or sent money, call us on 13 22 65 or visit your nearest NAB branch immediately.
The red flags of threat scams
How to protect yourself from threat scams
- Be cautious of the information you share on public social media sites or messaging apps
- If you believe you’re involved in a threat scam, save a record of the following:
- All contacts and conversations from the person threatening you before blocking them.
- Details of where the conversation started (e.g. their profile page on social media).
- Any information the criminal shared, such as phone numbers or bank account numbers.
- Reports you have made about the issue to online platform.
If you receive a call from someone making any of these threats or demands, it is a scam. Hang up the phone immediately and report it to your local police. If you have any concerns for your or your loved one’s immediate safety, call 000.
Report fraud
Learn how to identify if you’ve been affected by fraud or scams, what you can do immediately or how to contact us to report suspected fraud.
Helpful resources
How we can help
If you’re a NAB customer and you believe your business or personal accounts have been impacted by fraud or a scam, we’re here to help. Explore the immediate steps you can take to protect yourself and discover when you should get in touch with us to make a report.
Learn what to do in the event of fraud or scams
Get updates on the latest fraud alerts
IDCARE
IDCARE is Australia and New Zealand's not-for-profit counselling and support service set up to assist Australians impacted by identity theft and cyber-related crimes.
IDCARE can assist NAB customers to navigate through the process when identity details or credentials have been compromised through fraud or scams. IDCARE is a free service for all Australians.
Australian Government | Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC)
The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) brings cyber security capabilities from across the Australian Government together in a single location. It’s the hub for private and public sector collaboration and information sharing to combat cyber security threats. ACSC provides topical, relevant and timely information on how home internet users and small businesses can protect themselves from, and reduce the risk of, cyber security threats such as software vulnerabilities, online scams, malicious activities and risky online behaviours.
Learn more about the Australian Cyber Security Centre
Australian Government | ReportCyber
ReportCyber is a secure reporting and referral service for cybercrime and online incidents which may be in breach of Australian law. The ReportCyber website provides a cybercrime reporting mechanism as well as helpful information about cybercrime.
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission | Scamwatch
Scamwatch provides information to consumers and small businesses about how to recognise, avoid and report scams using publications, videos and other online resources.
Australian Government | Office of the eSafety Commissioner
The Office of the eSafety Commissioner provides online safety education for Australian children and young people, a complaints service for young Australians who experience serious cyberbullying, and address illegal online content.
Learn more about the Office of the eSafety Commissioner
Australian Government | Attorney-General’s Department
The Attorney-General’s Department website provides helpful information and resources about your rights and protections in regards to identity security, freedom of information and cyber security. The Department has developed a range of resources to assist people to protect their identity and recover from the effects of identity crime.
Learn more about the Attorney-General’s Department
eSafety Commissioner
Related articles
How to keep your identity safe online
Your identity is your most valuable asset. Protect it. Your freedom depends on it.
How to protect yourself from employment scams
Learn how to protect yourself from common employment scams.
Fund Recovery Scam
Learn the signs of a fund recovery scam so you can protect yourself and your family.
Important information
Apologies but the Important Information section you are trying to view is not displaying properly at the moment. Please refresh the page or try again later.