Westpac launches SafeBlock in online banking platform and app

Scam losses have reportedly fallen 19% in 2025 so far.

Westpac has launched SafeBlock, allowing customers to block all new transactions and account activity if they suspect their account has been compromised.

The service is being rolled out via online banking and the Westpac app, the Australian bank said in a press release on 26 September 2025.

This builds on Westpac’s efforts to strengthen scam defenses, with scam losses falling 19% in 2025 so far, the bank said.

“We’ve helped to prevent more than $300 million in scam losses in the past year, but scammers continue to evolve their tactics and that’s why we’re investing in smarter tools and stronger protections for our customers,” said Carolyn McCann, Westpac chief executive, consumer.

Overall, remote access scams cost Australians A$106m in 2024, the bank noted.

Earlier, Westpac introduced Confirmation of Payee for institutional and government clients, following its successful launch for retail customers in July 2025.