How To Identify And Report Fake Sms Scams Australia

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How To Identify And Report Fake Sms Scams Australia. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Smishing, or SMS phishing, is a common scam targeting Australian mobile users. Fraudsters send text messages that appear to come from delivery services, banks, or government agencies to trick you into clicking malicious links or providing personal details. Because these messages often look legitimate, it is important to verify any unexpected text before taking action. This guide helps small business and home office users identify fake SMS scams and report them to the correct authorities.

Quick Fix Steps

1. Do not click any links or reply to the message.
2. Check the sender details and look for signs of a scam.
3. Contact the organisation directly using official contact information.
4. Delete the message and block the sender.
5. Report the scam to Scamwatch.

Detailed Instructions

1. Identify signs of a fake SMS

Scam messages often share common characteristics. Review the text carefully for the following red flags:

• Urgent language demanding immediate action, such as "your account will be closed" or "payment failed".
• Unexpected delivery notifications for parcels you did not order.
• Claims of government refunds, tax rebates, or Centrelink payments.
• Links to unfamiliar websites or shortened URLs that do not match the organisation's official domain.
• Requests for personal information, passwords, banking details, or one-time codes.
• Poor spelling, grammar, or formatting that does not match official communications.

2. Verify the sender independently

1. Do not use any phone number or website link provided in the suspicious message.
2. Open a web browser and navigate to the organisation's official website by typing the address manually.
3. Locate the official contact number or support email from the website's Contact Us page.
4. Call or email the organisation directly to ask whether they sent the message.
5. If you have a mobile banking app, log in through the app rather than a link to check for legitimate notifications.

3. Avoid interacting with the message

1. Do not click links in the SMS, even if they appear to lead to a tracking page or login screen.
2. Do not reply to the message with "STOP" or any other text, as this confirms your number is active.
3. Do not download attachments or install apps suggested by the sender.

4. Delete and block the message

1. On iPhone, open the Messages app, swipe left on the conversation, and tap the delete icon.
2. On Android, open the Messages app, long-press the conversation, and tap the delete icon.
3. On iPhone, tap the sender's name or number at the top of the conversation, tap info, then select Block this Caller.
4. On Android, open the conversation, tap the three-dot menu, select Block number, and confirm.

5. Report the scam to Scamwatch

1. Open your web browser and go to the Scamwatch website.
2. Select Report a scam from the main navigation.
3. Choose SMS or text message as the contact method.
4. Enter details about the message, including the sender number and any links included.
5. Submit the report to help the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission warn other users.

Troubleshooting

I accidentally clicked a link in a suspicious SMS

1. Close the browser window or app immediately.
2. Do not enter any personal information, usernames, or passwords on the page.
3. If you downloaded a file, delete it from your device's downloads folder.
4. Run a security scan using your mobile device's built-in security app or a trusted antivirus application.
5. If you entered banking details, contact your bank immediately using the number on the back of your card.
6. Change passwords for any accounts that may have been exposed.

I am unsure if a delivery notification is real

1. Visit the courier's official website directly.
2. Use the tracking number from your original order confirmation email, not the SMS.
3. Check your order history with the retailer to confirm whether a parcel was dispatched.
4. Contact the courier's customer service using their official phone number if you remain uncertain.

The message claims to be from my bank

1. Log in to your internet banking through the bank's official website or mobile app.
2. Check your secure message centre or notifications for matching alerts.
3. Call the bank using the number on your statement or card, not the number in the SMS.
4. Report the message to your bank's fraud department if it is confirmed as a scam.

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