Protect yourself
Guides
Plain-English guides to scam calls and texts in Australia: how they work, how to block them, where to report them and what to do if you've been caught.
Who called?
Who called?Who called me? How to find out who's behind an unknown numberSeven ways to find out who's behind a missed call - and when calling back is a bad idea.6 min readWho called?Silent calls: why nobody's there when you answerYou answered and nobody was there - what's actually happening on the other end.4 min readWho called?Debt collector calls: real or scam?How often they can call, what they can't say - and the signs of a fake debt.5 min readWho called?Charity calls and fake charity scamsReal charities can call you - so can fake ones. How to check before you give.4 min read
Protect yourself
Protect yourselfHow to block a number on iPhone, Android and landlinesBlock one number, silence every unknown caller, filter spam texts - on every phone.5 min readProtect yourselfHow to report a scam call or text in AustraliaScamwatch, ReportCyber, your bank, your telco, IDCARE - who to tell, and in what order.5 min readProtect yourselfCaller ID spoofing: when scammers use a real numberThe number on your screen can be fake. What to do when a real number is used by scammers.5 min readProtect yourselfThe Do Not Call Register: what it stops (and what it doesn't)Free, permanent and five minutes - but it won't stop scammers. Here's what it does.5 min read
Scams to know
Scams to knowThe most common scam text messages in AustraliaToll, parcel, myGov, bank, "Hi Mum", job offers - what they look like and how to spot them.7 min readScams to knowParcel delivery scam texts (AusPost, DHL, StarTrack)"Your parcel is on hold" - why the $1.99 redelivery fee is really after your card.4 min readScams to knowToll road scam texts (Linkt, E-Toll, EastLink)"You have an unpaid toll of $7.42" - how the most common scam text works.4 min readScams to knowThe "Hi Mum" scam: texts from a "new number""Hi Mum, this is my new number" - and why one phone call stops it.4 min readScams to knowATO, myGov and government impersonation scams"Your tax file number has been suspended" - what the real ATO never does.5 min readScams to knowBank impersonation scams: the fake "fraud team" call"There's a suspicious payment on your account" - the call that empties accounts.5 min readScams to knowOne-ring missed calls from overseas (the "wangiri" scam)It rang once from overseas. Why calling back is exactly what they want.4 min read