Phone scams in Australia and where to report them
Updated
Scams to watch for
- ATO and myGov impersonation: threats of arrest or fines unless you pay now. The ATO does not demand payment by gift card or crypto.
- Bank impersonation: a caller says your account is compromised and asks you to move money or read out a code.
- Toll and parcel texts: messages about unpaid tolls or a held parcel with a link to pay.
- ‘Hi Mum’ messages: a ‘child’ texts from a new number asking for money.
- Remote-access scams: fake internet or computer support.
Where to report
- Report to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au), run by the National Anti-Scam Centre.
- If you lost money, call your bank straight away.
- For identity theft, contact IDCARE on 1800 595 160.
- Add the number to this site to warn others.