If you're worried you've been scammed

When something seems off

You’ve received a call, text or an email that doesn't feel quite right. Take a moment to pause so you can respond with more clarity. If you notice any of the warning signs below, these simple steps can help protect your information and limit any impact.

Learn more about ways to protect against scams.

Signs it may be a scam

You may be dealing with a scam if you notice:

• a suspicious email asking you to log in, open an attachment or click a link
• an unexpected request for payment or personal information
• a message designed to scare you into acting fast
• a caller pretending to be from a trusted organisation, like your bank or Telstra
• a one-time password (OTP) arriving when you did not request it.

If you're unsure, you can also compare what you received against examples in our active scams list.

What to do next if you’ve experienced any signs of a scam

If you’ve run into any of these situations, here's what you can do straight away:

Disconnect and pause

Hang up the call or close the message or email. Do not click on any links or share any information. This gives you a moment to gather your thoughts.

Change your passwords

Update the passwords for your email, Telstra ID and banking logins. Choose strong passphrases and avoid reusing passwords across accounts.

Check your recent activity in My Telstra

The Notification Centre in My Telstra can help you confirm which messages are genuinely from us. Check account activity in My Telstra.

For assistance with your Telstra account and services, call us on 13 22 00.

Contact your bank if you shared payment information

If you gave any financial details, your bank can freeze your card or monitor your account. Contacting them early can make a difference.

Reach out to IDCARE if you shared identity documents

IDCARE is the national identity and cyber support service in Australia. Contact IDCARE for free advice on what to do next if you shared personal or identity information.

Who to contact for help

Reporting a scam can help protect you and may help others avoid the same experience. 

For assistance with your Telstra account and services, call us on 13 22 00.

Reporting to Telstra

You can report a scam to Telstra by:

• forwarding the scam emails to abuse@telstra.com, and then deleting them
• sharing details using our online scam report form
• forwarding the scam SMS to 7226 (SCAM).

Reporting externally

You can report scams through the following services:

• Scamwatch for consumer scams, where suspicious contact or activity is attempting to obtain your money or personal information
• Report Cyber for cyber crime, incidents or vulnerabilities, online attacks, compromised accounts or theft of personal or financial data
• eSafety Commissioner for online harm, covering issues like serious online abuse or illegal and harmful online content

Learn more on Cyber Security and Safety

Staying secure from scams

Once you’ve taken appropriate and timely steps to address an immediate issue, a few ongoing habits can help you stay safer online. Strengthening your sign‑in security, keeping your devices updated and making use of built‑in scam protection can all reduce your risk over time.

Strengthen your sign-in security

Safeguarding your accounts starts with how you sign in.

• Passkey: Replace your password and use your face, fingerprint or device lock to sign in. This reduces the risk of stolen details. Learn about Passkeys
• Two‑step verification (2SV): Sign in with your password, then confirm it is you with a code sent to your phone. Learn about two-step verification
• Telstra PIN: A four-digit code that can be used to confirm your identity when speaking with Telstra support. Manage my Telstra PIN

Keep your devices secure

Simple device upkeep can help protect your information.

• Install software updates regularly
• Run regular security scans
• Use Device Security Essentials in the My Telstra app for extra protection

How Telstra helps block and flag scams

Your device, along with Telstra’s Scam Protect features, can help identify suspicious calls before they reach you.

You might see alerts such as:

• potential fraud
• suspicious calling pattern
• unverified overseas call.

These alerts give you information you can use to help decide whether to answer or let the call go to voicemail.

Practice simple safety habits

Building safe habits can help you feel more confident when something unexpected appears on your phone.

You can:

• block numbers that seem unusual
• let unfamiliar calls go to voicemail
• be cautious when sharing personal information
• avoid clicking links in unexpected messages.

These small steps can help you feel more confident managing unexpected calls or messages and make it harder for scammers to reach you.

Keeping safe online

Feeling unsure after a suspicious call or message is normal. Staying calm and taking things one step at a time can make the situation easier to manage. Trust your judgement and reach out if something doesn't feel right by contacting your bank or mobile or internet service provider, speaking with someone you trust, or using official government support channels for advice.