- Scam
1800 497 119 (1800497119): Contributors report SMS scams impersonating NAB with fake web access codes and callback requests. Confirmed fraudulent by NAB.
NAB Impersonation Scam Reports for 1800 497 119
Two contributors have reported receiving fraudulent SMS messages from 1800 497 119 (also written as 1800497119) impersonating the National Australia Bank (NAB). Both reports describe text messages designed to trick recipients into calling back or providing sensitive information under the guise of NAB account verification. One contributor confirmed directly with NAB that the message and callback request were fraudulent.
The scam targets NAB customers specifically, leveraging the bank's trusted name and legitimate-sounding account security language to create urgency and credibility. Contributors received SMS texts claiming to relate to web access codes and account verification, both common pretexts used in phishing attacks against banking customers.
What Callers from 1800 497 119 Send
The SMS messages from 1800 497 119 impersonate NAB's official communications. One contributor reported receiving a text about a NAB web access code with a callback option embedded in the message. Another received a scam text explicitly instructing them to call 1800 497 119 to speak to NAB.
These messages are designed to appear urgent and authentic, mimicking the style and language of genuine bank security alerts. The inclusion of specific banking terminology (web access code, account verification) makes the fraudulent messages more convincing to recipients who may not immediately recognize the scam. Neither contributor should have engaged with the callback request or provided any information to the number.
Report Patterns and SMS Delivery
Both reports received scam SMS messages via text, not voice calls. This delivery method is typical of phishing campaigns targeting online banking credentials. The SMS format allows scammers to reach multiple recipients quickly while creating the appearance of an official bank notification.
One contributor took the critical step of verifying the message with NAB directly, confirming the SMS and the callback request were not legitimate. This verification approach is essential when receiving unexpected financial institution communications, as it helped unmask the fraud before any sensitive data was compromised.
What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 1800 497 119
If you receive a text message from 1800 497 119 or any number claiming to be from NAB:
- Do not: Call the number back, click any links in the message, or reply to the text
- Do not: Provide personal information, banking details, passwords, or security codes
- Do: Contact NAB directly using the phone number on your bank card or official NAB website to verify the message
- Do: Delete the message immediately
- Do: Block 1800 497 119 on your phone to prevent future messages
- Do: Report the SMS as spam or phishing to your mobile service provider
How to Report 1800 497 119
If you receive a phishing SMS from 1800 497 119 impersonating NAB or any bank:
- Forward the SMS to 0429 999 888 (Australian telecom spam reporting)
- Report the scam to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au
- Report to your bank's fraud team directly (NAB can flag the number on their end)
- Report the number to ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) at acma.gov.au
- Report to ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au for phishing and fraud
- Block the number (1800 497 119) in your phone's contacts to prevent future messages
- Contribute your experience to Reverseau to help other Australians identify this scam
Help others by sharing your experience with 1800 497 119!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
Scam text telling me to call this number to speak to NAB.
SMS about NAB web access code with callback option, confirmed with NAB it's a scam
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WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Is 1800 497 119 actually NAB's customer service number?
No. 1800 497 119 is not a legitimate NAB number. Contributors who received SMS from 1800 497 119 confirmed directly with NAB that the messages and callback requests were fraudulent. NAB's official customer service numbers are listed on the back of NAB cards and the official NAB website. Never rely on contact details provided in unsolicited SMS messages.
What should I do if I already called 1800 497 119 or provided information?
Contact NAB immediately using the number on your bank card or their official website. Inform them you may have been contacted by a scam impersonating NAB. If you provided banking details, passwords, or security codes to 1800 497 119, ask NAB to monitor your account for fraud and consider changing your online banking password. Also report the scam to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) and ReportCyber (cyber.gov.au).
Why do scammers impersonate NAB specifically?
NAB is Australia's largest bank with millions of customers, making it an effective target for phishing scams. Scammers rely on the trust associated with 1800 497 119 appearing to come from a legitimate bank. Using NAB's name increases the likelihood that recipients will trust the message and call back or provide sensitive information. The impersonation tactics used in messages from 1800 497 119 exploit this trust advantage.
How can I tell if an SMS claiming to be from NAB is legitimate?
Legitimate banks like NAB will never ask you to call a number provided in an SMS to verify your account or provide security codes. If you receive an SMS from 1800 497 119 or any number claiming to be NAB, contact NAB directly using the official number on your card or website. Genuine NAB communications will match information on your official statements and account. When in doubt, call NAB independently rather than using contact details from unsolicited messages.
Should I block 1800 497 119 on my phone?
Yes, you should block 1800 497 119 immediately. Blocking the number prevents further scam SMS messages from reaching you. Most phones allow you to block numbers in settings or through your contacts app. After blocking 1800 497 119, also report it to your mobile service provider and to the authorities listed above so other Australians are warned about this impersonation scam.
What's the difference between 1800 497 119 and NAB's real customer service number?
1800 497 119 is not a NAB number at all-it's being used by scammers impersonating NAB. NAB's legitimate customer service numbers are available on the back of your NAB card, on NAB's official website (nab.com.au), or through your MyGov account if linked to banking services. Never use phone numbers provided in unsolicited SMS messages. When you need to contact your bank, always initiate the call using independently verified contact details.