- ANZ Digital Security
- Banking Fraud Prevention
- Cybercrime Protection
ANZ launches Digital Padlock, Australia's first instant banking security feature that lets customers immediately lock their accounts when targeted by scammers. Learn how this revolutionary tool protects your money.
Revolutionary Banking Security: ANZ's Digital Padlock Arrives in Australia
ANZ has introduced Digital Padlock, a groundbreaking security feature that represents an Australian-first approach to combating financial fraud and scams. This innovative tool empowers customers with immediate control over their banking security, allowing them to instantly lock down digital access to their accounts when they suspect cybercriminal activity.
The Digital Padlock feature is now available to all ANZ customers, including both personal and business banking clients who use ANZ Apps and Internet Banking services. This comprehensive security measure provides real-time protection in the critical moments when customers believe they may be under attack from scammers or fraudsters.
How Digital Padlock Functions as Your Banking Emergency Brake
Digital Padlock operates as a comprehensive security shutdown system that customers can activate instantly through their ANZ App, Internet Banking, or ANZ Plus App. When triggered, this powerful tool immediately prevents any digital access to customer accounts while blocking banking cards and securing all related banking services.
The system prevents unauthorised individuals from logging into ANZ Apps, Internet Banking, or Phone Banking services. Additionally, it blocks the use of eligible banking cards, including those stored in digital wallets, effectively stopping future payments, purchases, and cash withdrawals. The feature also prevents attempts to recover Customer Registration Numbers or reset login credentials, including ANZ App PINs and Internet Banking passwords.
Once activated, Digital Padlock automatically notifies ANZ's sophisticated fraud monitoring system, Falcon, ensuring that professional security teams are immediately aware of the potential threat. Digital account access can only be restored after customers contact ANZ directly and the specialised ANZ First Responders team confirms it is safe to proceed.
When to Deploy Digital Padlock for Maximum Protection
Customers should consider activating Digital Padlock when they notice suspicious transactions on their accounts or believe someone is attempting to gain unauthorised access to their banking information. Common scenarios include realising they have clicked on a suspicious link, inadvertently shared personal information with a potential scammer, or received unexpected communications claiming to be from their bank.
The tool serves as a critical last resort measure when customers feel their banking security may be compromised. According to ANZ Fraud and Scams Lead Melissa Hendrickson, the feature provides immediate peace of mind during stressful situations, comparing it to locking your front door when something feels wrong.
Comprehensive Security Ecosystem Beyond Digital Padlock
Digital Padlock represents just one component of ANZ's extensive security infrastructure designed to protect customers from financial crime. The bank has implemented ANZ First Responders, a dedicated team of specialists who directly support customers targeted by cybercriminals. Since its inception in March 2025, this team has handled over 200,000 calls, resolving 93% of scam-related inquiries at first contact.
The ANZ CallSafe feature enhances security for ANZ Plus customers by helping verify caller identity before discussing sensitive information. Since its November 2024 launch, CallSafe has securely authenticated nearly 30,000 customer calls, significantly reducing the risk of impersonation fraud.
ANZ Scam Safe provides additional protective controls including Geolocation services, Active Call Status monitoring, Screen Share Protection against bank impersonation scams, and Crypto Protection against investment fraud. Research indicates that customers who maintain default ANZ Scam Safe protections are 19 times less likely to fall victim to scams compared to those who disable these features.
Important Considerations and Limitations
While Digital Padlock provides comprehensive protection against unauthorised access, it does not affect existing future-dated payments established from bank accounts, such as loan repayments or direct debit arrangements. This ensures that legitimate recurring payments continue uninterrupted while maintaining security against fraudulent access.
The system requires customers to contact ANZ directly for account restoration, ensuring that only verified account holders can regain access to their banking services. This additional verification step provides crucial protection against sophisticated scammers who might attempt to manipulate the restoration process.
Staying Protected: Essential Scam Prevention Tips
ANZ emphasises several key protective measures alongside Digital Padlock deployment. Customers should never provide personal information or money to unverified sources, as scammers frequently impersonate legitimate institutions including banks, government bodies, police, and telecommunications companies.
The bank strongly advises against clicking links in suspicious messages and recommends contacting businesses or government agencies only through official websites or secure applications. When uncertainty arises, customers should hang up or delete suspicious communications rather than risk exposure to fraudulent schemes.
Most importantly, customers should act quickly when something feels wrong. If money has already been sent to potential scammers, immediate contact with the bank provides the best opportunity for recovery and prevention of additional losses.