This article is being constantly update and list of scams is non-exhaustive.
Article was last updated September 2026
Telephone Scams
Callback Scams
One of the most common telephone scams is the call back number scams. You will receive an email (generally pretending to be from bank or Paypal) claiming that there was a suspicious transaction, and to call the number provided to “dispute” the transaction. When you receive this email, do not call the number to dispute transaction or click on any links provided in the email. If you want to check, call your bank on their advertised number (their official contact numbers are written on the bank card, and online banking apps also provide the ways to contact them)
Another similar scam is a fake invoice scam. You will receive invoice with a large sum from a company (often includes but not limited to: GeekSquad, Norton, Amazon, etc), and they offer a number to dispute the transaction. Do not call the number to dispute the transaction or click on any links provided. You can verify with your bank if there have been any money taken out.
Incoming call Scams
Sometimes, scammers will call you pretending to be your bank, PayPal, or a government agency (e.g. ATO), to advise you that there has been a transaction or a missed payment, and you need to urgently confirm your information which can include your personal information or your credit card details for “verification” in order to cancel the transaction or to provide a one time code they have just sent (This code could be sent in order to confirm password change, MFA, etc). Do not provide any information, ask them to make a ticket or a reference, and call back on the advertised number. A legitimate call will never decline your request to do so.
Fake Number Listing
Scammers will create fake number listings in directories or public forums, often to the services that generally have long wait times which claim to connect to “their agent” much faster than normal (e.g. airlines, banks, Centrelink, etc). Do not call the numbers on the 3rd party listings if they are not advertised on the official website. Scammers can use the listings to collect your personal information, collect your payment information, charge you for a service that can be done for free.
Fake lottery win scam
In this scam, you will receive a call claiming that you have won a prize which is either a money, a car, or a house from a raffle, but to receive the prize you will need to pay delivery/service/stamp duty. Do not provide payment details. If you have not entered the raffle, feel free to ignore and hang up. If you have entered a raffle, hang up, and call back the raffle organisers on their advertised numbers. Gambling support: https://www.dss.gov.au/gambling/gambling-support-services
SMS Scams
Family member/friend new number scams
Scammers will send an SMS pretending to be your friend or a family member that they have had to get a new phone and/or they are in trouble and ask for money. They may ask you to contact them on WhatsApp/Telegram instead.
Fake parcel delivery
You may receive an SMS claiming that there was a parcel delivery that was attempted. If you did not expect a parcel, you may ignore the notification. If you do expect a parcel, check your tracking information, and verify with the courier (e.g. Australia Post). Do not click on any links provided
Fake payment notice
Scammer sends an SMS that outlines that there is a payment authorised from your account, if that wasn’t you to call the number or follow the link. Do not contact the number provided or click on the link. If unsure, call your bank on their advertised number
Common scam characteristics
Scams generally have a few patterns, which you can look out for.
Scams tend be too good to be true. They offer large rewards and prizes with very little effort
Scams request urgency. Scammers are trying to get you to do something “urgently”, or you risk losing your prize or you will face immediate consequences
Scammers can try to isolate you. They can tell you that your details are compromised, and if you try to ask someone else for help, they can
Scammers can pretend to know you. Sometimes, when they call you they may already have some your information, name, your birthday, your bank, etc. in order to build trust. This information could have been obtained from a data breach or from a previous scam
How to block numbers and SMS
How to Block Specific Inbound Numbers
How to Configure Local Blocklist
How to Configure Global Blocklists
How to block calls from non-Australian numbers:
What to do if you or someone close have been scammed:
Most important thing, do not be embarrassed, anyone can get scammed at any time.
If you have made any payments or provided your card details, call your bank immediately
Report the scam to Scamwatch
https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam
Report scam to police
https://www.cyber.gov.au/report-and-recover/report
Watch out for follow up scams. Once scammers got money off you, they may try again in the future (or offer to get money back), or sell your information to other scammers.