Scam calls and scam SMs are fraudulent attempts to steal money or personal information. Scammers often impersonate trusted organisations, use emotional pressure, or create a sense of urgency to convince you to share sensitive data or send funds. This guide explains how to recognise these scams, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you become a victim.
What are scam calls and SMS
Scam calls and SMS use misleading tactics to trick you into sharing personal information or sending money. Below are common methods used by scammers.
| Scam type | Description |
|---|---|
| CLI spoofing | A scammer fakes the number calling or texting you so it appears legitimate, aiming to gain your trust and encourage you to share information. |
| Voice phishing (vishing) | A phone call that uses emotional pressure or fear to convince you to reveal important information such as account numbers or passwords or to send money. |
| Wangiri | A short call or fake missed call that prompts you to call back a premium or international number, resulting in extra charges that benefit the scammer. |
| Robocall | An automatically generated call with a recorded message offering menu options. Selecting an option may connect you to a scammer. |
Note: Learn more about SMS messaging requirements and best practices.
How to spot scam calls and SMS
Several warning signs can help you identify potential scams.
| Red flag | Description | Examples included in the draft |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | Scammers impersonate trusted organisations and ask for personal information. | Bank, telecom provider, social security office, tax administration |
| Urgency or threats | Scammers create a false sense of urgency or threaten consequences to push quick action. | Threatening to stop a service or charge you if you do not comply |
| Grammar or spelling errors | Scam SMs often contain intentional mistakes designed to bypass spam filters. | Misspelled words or grammar errors |
| Easy money or high discounts | Offers that appear too good to be true, often requiring upfront payments. | Work from home jobs promising high earnings; discounted holiday packages |
| Unusual payment requests | Scammers request money through insecure or unusual methods. | Peer to peer payment apps, gift cards, Western Union, wire transfers, cryptocurrency |
For more details about common scams, visit the National Anti Scam Centre Scamwatch website or consult the ACCC Little Black Book of Scams.
How to protect yourself from scams
Below are simple actions you can take to stay safe:
| Do | Do not |
|---|---|
| Be cautious of unexpected calls and SMs from unknown or suspicious numbers. | Do not answer suspicious or unexpected calls from unknown numbers. |
| Check the number before calling back. | Do not call back missed calls from unknown or unverified numbers. |
| Lock your devices and voicemail with secure PINs. | Do not click on links in SMs from unknown or unverified numbers. |
| Use strong PINs and passwords and change them regularly. | Do not send money. |
| Change default PINs and passwords on newly acquired customer equipment. | Do not share personal information such as passwords or PINs. |
| Block suspicious or unknown numbers on your mobile device. |
What to do if you have been a victim of a scam
If you believe you have been scammed, take the following steps to limit the impact.
Take remedy actions:
- If you paid a scammer by card, bank transfer, gift card, or another method, contact the payment institution immediately such as your bank, card provider, or wire transfer company. Inform them that the transaction was fraudulent and ask them to block or reverse it.
- If you shared personal information, change your passwords. In the event of a data breach, you can contact IDCARE for national identity and cyber support.
2. Report the scam
Report scam calls or SMs to the National Anti Scam Centre.
3. Beware of new scams
Scammers may target you again if you have been scammed before. Stay alert and keep up to date with the latest scam tactics.
4. Get help afterwards
Get support if you experience financial problems or psychological distress caused by scam. You can contact free financial counselors. If needed, talk to your family and friends or contact a dedicated support service of Beyond Blue or Lifeline available by phone or online chat 24/7. Learn more about scams on the National Anti-Scam Centre scamwatch.
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