ANZ has launched Digital Padlock, a new security feature aimed at preventing scams and unauthorised access to customer accounts. The tool is now available for customers using the ANZ App, Internet Banking (both business and personal), and the ANZ Plus App.
Digital Padlock allows customers to immediately lock down digital access to their accounts if they suspect they are being targeted by cybercriminals. Once activated, it blocks digital account access, banking cards, and secures banking services until the customer contacts ANZ directly. Access is only restored after ANZ confirms it is safe.
Melissa Hendrickson, ANZ Fraud and Scams Lead, said: “When a scam hits, every second counts. Digital Padlock lets customers shut things down immediately, providing real-time support in a stressful situation. It’s like locking your front door when something doesn’t feel right – simple, fast, and reassuring.
“We know how distressing it can be to feel like someone’s trying to access your money. Digital Padlock gives our customers the power to instantly take back control, acting as a direct line of defence to help give people some peace of mind when they need it most.
“Scams move fast, and so should our response. By giving customers the ability to take defensive action immediately, we can help stop cybercriminals in their tracks before any damage is done.”
Customers can use Digital Padlock if they notice suspicious transactions or believe someone is trying to gain access after clicking on suspicious links or sharing information with scammers. When activated, the feature prevents anyone from logging into affected accounts via apps or phone banking; blocks eligible cards from making payments or withdrawals; stops attempts to recover credentials; and notifies ANZ’s fraud monitoring system.
Existing future-dated payments such as loan repayments or direct debits will not be affected by activating Digital Padlock.
The launch follows other recent security initiatives by ANZ:
- The bank established its First Responders team in March 2025 following a pilot program in 2024. This team has handled over 200,000 calls since inception with 93% of scam-related calls resolved at first contact.
- CallSafe was introduced for calls made through ANZ Plus in November 2024. This feature helps verify identities during customer service interactions and has authenticated almost 30,000 calls.
- The Scam Safe suite includes geolocation controls against certain types of scams; screen share protection; crypto protections; and more. Customers who kept default Scam Safe protections enabled were found far less likely—19 times less—to fall victim than those who disabled them.
- Enhanced biometrics have been implemented at onboarding for ANZ Plus users with selfie ID checks also used for PIN resets or increasing payment limits.
- Confirmation of Payee was recently added as an account name matching tool that verifies payee details before sending funds—a measure designed to prevent mistaken payments or scams.
ANZ reminds customers not to share personal information if uncertain about requests’ legitimacy and encourages contacting businesses through official channels rather than links received via messages.
Further information on these measures can be found at the ANZ Security Hub.