Third-party coercive scams

Third-party coercive scams

Learn about third-party coercive scams, how scammers recruit people, how to spot the warning signs and consequences of getting involved in one.

What’s a third-party coercive scam?

A third-party coercive scam, also known as a muling scam or ‘buy it for me’ scam, is when:

Someone asks you to buy

A device, SIM, gift card or other product or service, on their behalf.

They offer something in return

Promising money or other benefits and claim you won’t be responsible for the purchase.

You’re left responsible

They disappear after you hand over the item or account access, leaving you responsible for the contract and charges.

Important

Only buy a product or service that you understand, intend to use and can personally afford. Do not buy on behalf of someone who is coaching you or pressuring you.

How do scammers recruit people?

Recruitment can happen online, in person or both. For example, the person may first contact you online, then arrange to meet so they can explain the scheme or collect the device.

Scammer may contact or approach you through:

  • social media posts or advertisements, including Snapchat, Instagram or TikTok
  • messaging platforms or group chats, including WhatsApp or university group chats
  • dating apps
  • online marketplaces
  • a personal connection, such as a friend, family member, partner or acquaintance
  • an in-person approach outside or near a Telstra store.

What are the signs I could be being recruited?

We’ve noticed some patterns in the ways scammers have coerced victims into third-party scams. 

They often capture a victim’s attention by offering:

  • money or ways to make money
  • a lavish lifestyle 
  • a job or business opportunity
  • trust, friendship or a romantic relationship.

They may give reasons such as:

  • having a negative credit history 
  • being known by staff at a certain store
  • not being able to receive orders at their address.

They may pretend to be legitimate by:

  • giving the victim part of the costs with money or other benefits 
  • promising to pay the rest later
  • promising to cancel or transfer the service
  • ask victims for their Telstra username, password or account details to help settle debts or close contracts.

They may prepare victims by:

  • coaching them on what to tell Telstra about their income, their relationship with the scammer, or reason for the purchase
  • advising them on how to pay and providing payment methods or credit card information for the transaction.

These are only a few examples of how scammers have recruited victims.

Important

Only buy a product or service you can afford. Even if you’re legitimately buying a gift or securing something for a dependent, make sure it’s within your means.

What are the consequences if I take part?

If you take part, the scammer may:

  • take control of your account
  • try to make more fraudulent purchases using your identity
  • leave you responsible for the device, service and associated charges including charges already incurred, device repayments or early termination charges.

What do I do if I've been part of a third-party scam?

  1. Report the incident to the police.
  2. If you bought a device and still have it, do not hand it over to the scammer.
  3. Contact us directly so we can assess your situation and explain the next steps.
Important

If you believe you’ve shared Telstra account information with a scammer, call us on 13 22 00 or chat now.

Chat now

How would Telstra respond?

To protect your account, we’ll apply a temporary restriction against new device purchases for a limited time. If you no longer have the device, we may block it from connecting to mobile networks to prevent fraudulent misuse.