A journalist has been scammed $35,000 after a fraud syndicate hijacked a phone number of a big four bank.

Journalist Jess Ridley was on the receiving end of the scam.

A text message was sent from Westpac warning about a suspicious transaction.

The scam sees a Westpac ’employee’ claiming to be from the Westpac Fraud Team and cited the reference number as well as basic verification for protocol.

The ‘Westpac fraud investigator’  then took Jess through a series of steps that ended up resulting in $35,000 being transferred from her account into another one he’s “set up for her”.

Jess told Ben Fordham “it really hurts” to be exploited and is using her case to serve a warning to others.

Press PLAY below to hear the full story and how the scam works

WESTPAC STATEMENT

“There has been a rise in reported scam activity, and we encourage all Australians to be vigilant.

“Customers should be wary of any unexpected calls, text messages or emails claiming to be from their bank or other reputable organisation”

If in doubt, ask for a reference number, and call back on a publicly listed number to confirm if the call was genuine.