A tiny detail saved a grandmother from losing $50,000—could it save you too?

It’s a story that’s all too familiar these days: a scammer targets a trusting Australian, and heartbreak follows. 

But this time, thanks to a sharp-eyed NAB worker and a tiny but telling detail, an 84-year-old grandmother from the NSW Hunter Valley was saved from losing a staggering $50,000. 

Let’s set the scene. The grandmother, like many of us, simply wanted to take care of her finances.

She walked into her local NAB branch with a seemingly straightforward request: she wanted her daily withdrawal limit increased from $5,000 to $50,000. 

That’s a 1,000 per cent jump—enough to make any bank staffer pause. 

And pause they did. Tiffany Bailey, a customer adviser at NAB, immediately sensed something was off. 

But it wasn’t just the size of the request that set off alarm bells. It was the fact that the woman was clutching her phone throughout the conversation. 

When Tiffany asked about the phone, the grandmother revealed she was on a call—right there, in the branch. 

The person on the other end was coaching her through the process. That was the ‘instant red flag’ that prompted Tiffany and her colleagues to dig deeper. 

A quick internet search of the phone number confirmed their worst fears: the caller was almost certainly a scammer.

The scammer had spent days convincing the grandmother that she owed them $50,000, even threatening her with dire consequences if she didn’t comply. 

They’d coached her on exactly what to say to the bank, and she’d written it all down in a notebook. When the staff gently asked about the notebook, the truth came tumbling out—and so did the tears.

‘They are the biggest low lives on the planet,’ said NAB relief branch manager Vanessa Kruger. ‘They prey on people who are vulnerable, try to trick them, it actually makes my blood boil.’ 

Thanks to the quick thinking of the NAB team, the woman’s account was secured, and she returned the following week, relieved and grateful that she hadn’t become another scam statistic.

Remote access scams: What are they and how do they work?

This grandmother was nearly the victim of what’s known as a remote access scam. These scams are on the rise in Australia, and they’re as cunning as they are cruel. Here’s how they typically work:

A scammer contacts you, often claiming to be from a trusted organisation—think the government, your bank, or a major telco. 

They’ll say there’s a problem with your account or device, and that you need to download special software or give them access to your computer or phone. 

Sometimes, they’ll already have some of your personal information, making them sound even more convincing.

Once you grant them access, they can steal your money, your identity, and your peace of mind. In some cases, they’ll pressure you to transfer large sums of money, just as they did with this grandmother.

The alarming numbers: How big is the problem?

If you think this is a rare occurrence, think again. Australians lost a jaw-dropping $15.5 million to remote access scams in 2023 alone. 

And the problem is getting worse: in the first quarter of 2024, average losses per victim jumped by 57 per cent compared to the previous year, with the average victim losing nearly $18,000.

How to protect yourself—and your loved ones

So, how can you protect yourself and those you care about? Here are some practical tips:

• Be suspicious of unsolicited calls, texts, or emails—especially if they ask for personal information or money.
• Never give remote access to your device unless you’re absolutely certain you’re dealing with a legitimate company. If in doubt, hang up and call the organisation back using a number you trust.
• Don’t be rushed or pressured. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to stop you from thinking clearly.
• Talk to your bank if you’re ever unsure. Bank staff are trained to spot scams and can help you stay safe.
• Educate your friends and family, especially older relatives who may be more vulnerable to these tactics.

What to do if you suspect a scam

If you think you’ve been targeted by a scammer, contact your bank immediately. You can also report scams to Scamwatch, which provides up-to-date information on the latest scams and how to avoid them.

Have you or someone you know been targeted?

We know that scams can be embarrassing and distressing, but sharing your story can help others avoid falling into the same trap. 

Have you or someone you know been targeted by a scam? What tipped you off, or what do you wish you’d known sooner? Share your experiences in the comments below—your story could be the ‘tiny detail’ that saves someone else from heartbreak.

Let’s look out for each other, stay informed, and keep our hard-earned money safe from scammers.

Also read: NAB implements high-tech move to fight scams—here’s what you need to know