SMS Scam
Learn about SMS scams
Follow our tips and advice on how to spot one and what you should do next.
Types of SMS scams
SMS or MMS scams are a popular way for malicious persons to try to get you to click on a link that could compromise your mobile phone, trick you into making an expensive phone call, or send a message which could cost you a lot of money to send.
What to look out for:
- Unexpected SMS messages asking for your personal details, advertising promotional material or asking you to click a link.
- SMS and MMS numbers that start with ‘19XX’. These are charged at a premium rate and can be expensive. Also look out for numbers that start with an international code other than +61 (Australia’s country code).
- Texts promising unexpected prizes that require you to send money to claim them.
- Texts that encourage you to click a link, which may then ask you to install a piece of software on your mobile phone or tablet. Just like computers, malicious software can put your phone and personal information at risk.
Example of SMS scam: “Congratulations! You were lucky. You have been chosen among 100 thousand people. You won a new iPad from us. http://tiny.url/notreal”
What to do next:
- Do not call telephone numbers contained in suspicious SMS message.
- Do not reply to an SMS from a number or person you can't identify – even to unsubscribe.
- Report it. Submit a Report Misuse of Service form and include as many details as possible. Our Cyber Security team will investigate the report and may be in touch if they have additional questions, or possibly to ask for a screenshot of the unwanted message.
More on Cyber Security and easy ways of staying safe online
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