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“We’re waiting in the carpark for your money”: Perth banker saves elderly customer from $9,000 scam - NAB
30 January 2026
Scams
Real scam example highlights risk to customers
- Scammers claimed to be waiting in the carpark for cash
- Man in his 80s threatened over text messages
- $3.1m lost to phishing scams in WA last year
When John*, a NAB customer in his 80s, requested to withdraw $9,000 at the Booragoon branch, Branch Manager San Keerthipala’s training kicked in.
“A few things raised questions for me,” San said.
Booragoon Branch Manager, San Keerthipala
“When I asked what the money was for, he insisted it was to pay for a broken window, but the amount didn’t add up. When his story quickly changed to paying a friend, I invited him for a private chat and asked a few more questions.”
John soon revealed he had been receiving controlling text messages, and he wasn’t sure who they were coming from.
“He opened up and showed me a stream of text messages telling him to go to the bank and take out $9,000. They told him it was his ‘right’ to take the money, instructing him to be rude to anyone questioning him about it.
“They even claimed to be waiting in the carpark for him to hand over the cash.”
San immediately put a stop to the scam and arranged for security to escort the customer back to his car, to make sure he got home safely.
“The customer was relieved when we stopped the transaction and very thankful for all the support,” San said.
“It’s a good day at work when you can help save a customer from losing their money let alone, almost ten grand. We ask these questions to protect people’s money.”
In 2025, nearly 5,000 West Australians reported being victims of phishing scams, with losses totalling $3.1 million.**
NAB's scam advice to customers
- Stop and ask questions before moving money.
- Don’t click links or share banking details with anyone.
- Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.
- If you think you’ve been scammed, contact your bank immediately.
Visit NAB’s Security Hub to learn more about common scams, red flags and ways to protect yourself.
Notes:
*customer name has been changed to protect his privacy.
**Data from Scamwatch.com.au
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