Scammers are criminals who try to trick you into sharing your personal information or giving them money.
Here are some things you can look out for to help you spot a text or SMS scam and stay safer online.
Scammers tell you to act fast
Scammers can pretend to be a real business or organisation to try to trick and make you feel like you need to take action before you have time to think. Scammers could do this by:
- Making you feel like you will get in trouble.
- Telling you that you will get a fine, get locked out of your account or money has been taken.
- Saying you will miss out on a special offer.
Tip: Some scammers use current events like tax time or something that has happened in the news to make it look more real.
Scammers use tricks to get a reaction
A scam text might pretend to be a charity, tell you that you won the lottery, or pretend to be your friend.
Tip: Always visit the official website on your browser or official app to log in or get contact details.
Do not click on links, use contact info sent to you in messages or share personal information over text.
New rules for business text messages
There are new text message rules to stop scammers from pretending to be a business. Only approved businesses will be allowed to use their name at the top of text messages. If the top of a text says ‘Unverified’, it means it could be a scammer trying to trick you.
Tip: The rules are only for text messages. Be extra careful on messaging apps like WhatsApp, iMessage or Facebook Messenger, and emails.
What to do if you think you have been scammed
- Report the scam to Scamwatch and the police.
- Contact free support services like IDCARE or ID Support NSW to help you make a plan about what to do next.
- If you need someone to talk to, call Lifeline 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636.
Keep learning
The Good Things learning library has more information on getting connected or go to beconnected.esafety.gov.au
Our thanks to our Get Online Week 2026 Community Grants Partner Be Connected for their collaboration on these tips.
Use the button below to download and print out an A4 version of this tipsheet.