Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) recently introduced a new feature called Digital Padlock, which allows users to shut down access to accounts if they suspect they are being scammed.

The new feature was introduced as a ‘last resort’ lock for users who suspect someone might be trying to access their banking. They can activate it in their ANZ App, ANZ Internet Banking, or for ANZ Plus in the ANZ Plus App.

After activating the Digital Padlock, the lock will prevent any digital access to a customer’s account. It will also block their eligible banking cards and completely secure banking services, allowing them time to seek assistance. From that point on, access to the accounts and cards can only be restored when customers reach out to ANZ directly, and the banking group manages to confirm that it is safe to unblock them again.

Melissa Hendrickson, ANZ’s fraud and scams lead, commented on the launch of the new feature, saying that when a scam hits, every second counts. Digital Padlock allows costumes to shut things down immediately,, providing real-time support in a stressful situation. This allows users to react much faster and secure their funds, rather than try to contact their bank and explain the situation, as by that time, the scammer could potentially steal or spend their money.

“It’s like locking your front door when something doesn’t feel right – simple, fast, and reassuring,” Hendrickson added.

Australia Is Trying Out Multiple Methods To Tackle Scams

The introduction of the new feature comes as the Australian bank shared new data that revealed its success at preventing and recovering over $100 million in scam and fraud-related funds over the course of nine months. The bank’s report covers the period between October 2024 and June 2025, during which ANZ customers’ financial losses due to scam activity dropped by 15% compared to the same period in the previous year.

This comes in addition to a 49% reduction in customer losses for the same period last year, overall marking a significant progress in the fight against cybercrime.

ANZ’s First Responders team played a big role, resolving 93% of calls related to scams at first contact. They handled nearly 150,000 calls during the reporting period.

Meanwhile, the National Australia Bank started asking new users to take a selfie as part of a new process to reduce identity theft when opening accounts online. Furthermore, users will also be required to scan their ID documents, such as a Driver’s License or Passport, and hold their smartphone up to their face to match the image.