The 3 Most Common Text Message Scams in Australia
(and how to spot them)
Receiving a text message out of the blue demanding money or warning you about a locked account is stressful. If you feel panicked, that means the scam is working exactly as intended. Scammers deliberately use fear and urgency to rush you into making a mistake.
It is completely normal to feel worried when you get these messages. However, understanding how they work is the best way to protect yourself. In Australia, text message scams are incredibly common. Here are the top three you need to watch out for, and exactly what to do if you receive one.
The scams
The fake toll road (Linkt) notice
What it looks like
You receive a text claiming you have an unpaid Linkt or toll invoice. It usually includes a link and warns that if you do not pay a small fee immediately, you will be charged massive fines or referred to debt collectors.
The reality
These messages are sent to thousands of random phone numbers at once. The scammers are hoping they reach someone who has recently driven on a toll road and will panic. Linkt will never send an urgent text message with a link demanding immediate payment or personal information.
How to spot it
Check the link carefully. It will often look messy or slightly wrong, such as linkt-unpaid-notice.com or linkt.update-account.info, instead of the official website.
The message often comes from a standard mobile number (like 0412 345 678) rather than an official business sender ID.
The 'Hi Mum' family emergency text
What it looks like
A message from an unknown number arrives saying something like, "Hi Mum, I dropped my phone and it broke. This is my new number." Shortly after you reply, they will say they are locked out of their bank account and urgently need you to transfer money to pay a bill.
The reality
Scammers are preying on your natural instinct to help your children or family members. They do not actually know who you are; they send this message out blindly and wait for someone to reply.
How to spot it
The person will refuse to answer a voice call, usually claiming the 'new phone' has a broken microphone.
They will ask for money to be sent to a bank account name you do not recognise, or ask you to buy gift cards.
What to do
Always try to call your family member on their original phone number first. If you cannot reach them, ask the person messaging you a question only your real child would know the answer to.
The Australia Post failed delivery scam
What it looks like
You get a text saying your parcel could not be delivered because of an incomplete address. It includes a link asking you to update your details and pay a small redelivery fee (usually around $2 or $3).
The reality
Because almost everyone is expecting a parcel at some point, this scam catches many people off guard. Australia Post will never send a text message asking you to click a link to enter personal information or pay a redelivery fee.
How to spot it
The message creates a false sense of urgency, claiming your parcel will be returned to the sender if you do not act today.
If you click the link, the website might look exactly like Australia Post, but the web address at the top of your screen will be incorrect.
Golden rules for staying safe
If you receive a message and you are unsure what to do, follow these three steps:
Stop and breathe
Scammers rely on you acting quickly without thinking. Take a minute to assess the message.
Do not click the link
If a message claims to be from your bank, the government (like MyGov or Medicare), or a service provider, do not use the contact details or links in the message.
Go straight to the source
Log in directly through the organisation's official app on your device, or type their official web address into your browser yourself to check your account.
Still unsure?
If you have received a message and you are worried it might be a scam, you can use the free Fyans & Co. Scam Checker tool on our website to help you assess it.
Go to the Fyans & Co. Scam Checker
If you have accidentally clicked a link or shared your details, it is important to act quickly. Contact your bank immediately to secure your accounts. If you need peace of mind, you can book a 1:1 Security Checkup with Fyans & Co., and we will come to you to make sure your device is completely safe.
