AMP Bank GO blocks over 1,000 mule accounts with new features

AMP Bank GO has blocked more than 1,000 mule and fraudulent account attempts in the past six months using a selfie video verification process at sign-up.

Fraud prevention methods

Since its introduction in February, AMP Bank GO has introduced a range of security measures that focus on strengthening defences against online financial crime. Among these measures, the use of numberless debit cards has nearly eliminated online card fraud, preventing cases where stolen card numbers are used to commit unauthorised transactions.

The onboarding process, which involves customers scanning their identity documents and recording a brief selfie video, is credited with helping to intercept several fraud schemes. One attempt involved a would-be fraudster attempting to open an account using the name and fabricated identification of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

The bank's choice to require these additional steps comes amidst growing concerns about the speed of digital banking coming at the expense of customer safety. AMP Bank GO describes this approach as 'purposeful friction' - where extra authentication is used to protect identities and financial details.

Numberless cards and in-app controls

AMP Bank GO's numberless cards are designed so that if a physical card is lost or stolen, there is no visible 16-digit number that criminals can use for online scams. The absence of printed numbers has resulted in a significant reduction in online card fraud since the product's launch. Customers can also cancel their card immediately via the app if they detect or suspect fraudulent activity, and continue using digital versions of their card by adding a replacement to their smartphone wallet.

Verifying legitimate calls

AMP Bank GO has introduced a new feature within its app designed to address a common form of deception: scam phone calls. The 'Your Bank is Calling' tool provides real time alerts when AMP Bank GO is making a legitimate call, displaying messages such as "We've never called you" or "You're on a call with AMP Bank GO" and showing details of the last verified call. This allows customers to instantly verify whether to hang up or engage with the caller.

This feature is in addition to AMP Bank GO's existing security controls, which include biometric authentication, behavioural analytics, and live fraud detection, designed to minimise the criminal exploitation of digital banking channels.

Responses from AMP Bank GO

John Arnott, Director AMP Bank GO, said:

"We've seen it all, from fake to mis-matched IDs – the lengths fraudsters go to is nothing short of extraordinary. Taking a moment to scan your licence or passport and record a quick selfie video might feel like a hassle, but it's a small step for big peace of mind. Digital criminals are getting bolder and smarter. The threat landscape is always evolving, and so are we. AMP Bank GO is built with purposeful friction – smart, security-first steps that protect customers and the community. Digital banking should be fast, but never at the cost of safety. And now, with Your Bank is Calling, customers can stop a scam before it starts. We're asking Australians to embrace these steps – because they work."

Fraud statistics in context

According to figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, more than 2 million Australians experienced card fraud in the past year, with one in seven individuals affected by some kind of personal fraud, including scams and identity theft. AMP Bank GO also conducted a research survey in January 2025, surveying 2,000 small business owners and sole traders, and found that nearly one in four small businesses had been targeted by fraudsters, with a similar proportion feeling that their current bank's cyber and fraud defences were inadequate.

Safety advice

AMP Bank GO has outlined several recommendations for staying safe from scams. Customers are advised always to verify callers, not act under pressure, be cautious on social media, note suspicious details, and never provide remote access to devices to unknown callers. The guidance is encapsulated in the message: "Always Stop. Check. Protect. to stay safe from scams."

Those who suspect their accounts may be compromised can contact AMP Bank GO through the app or by telephone, with customer support available 24/7.