Guide
Scam and telemarketing calls in Australia
Phone scams work on pressure, not on technology. Almost every case reported to NumberCheck follows the same shape: an urgent problem, an authority you trust, and a request that has to happen right now. Once you recognise the shape, the specific story stops mattering.
The six patterns we see most
Bank impersonation
“We've detected fraud on your account — transfer your money to a safe account.”
The most costly scam reported in Australia. Callers spoof a bank's real number, know some of your details, and create urgency. No bank will ever ask you to move money, read out a one-time code, or install remote-access software.
Tax office and debt threats
“There is a warrant for your arrest over an unpaid tax debt.”
Recorded or aggressive live calls demanding immediate payment, often by gift card or crypto. The ATO never threatens arrest by phone and never demands payment in vouchers.
Parcel and delivery texts
“Your package could not be delivered. Update your address here.”
Smishing SMS with a link to a fake courier or Australia Post page harvesting card details. Track deliveries only through the courier's own app or website.
NBN, telco and tech support
“Your internet will be disconnected today unless we fix your router.”
The goal is remote access to your computer or your banking logins. Your provider will never cold-call to install software, and the NBN never sells services directly to households.
Wangiri (one-ring) calls
A single missed call from an unfamiliar or overseas-looking number.
You are meant to call back and be routed to a premium-rate service. Never return a one-ring call from a number you don't recognise — search it instead.
Telemarketing and surveys
Solar panels, insurance comparisons, energy switching, “short surveys”.
Often lawful but unwanted. Register on the Do Not Call Register, and report persistent callers so others recognise the number. Not every unwanted call is a scam — categories matter.
Why the caller ID looks legitimate
Number spoofing lets a caller display almost any number, including a real 1300 or 1800 line belonging to a bank or government agency. That is why a familiar number on screen proves nothing on its own — and why an unusual mobile calling on behalf of a large organisation is worth checking. Our guide to Australian number formats explains which prefixes belong to which kind of service.
What to do when the phone rings
- 1Don't confirm anything. Never repeat codes, passwords, card numbers or your date of birth.
- 2Hang up and dial the organisation yourself, using a number from your statement, card or its official website.
- 3Never install software or grant screen access to someone who called you.
- 4Let unknown numbers go to voicemail, then search the number here before calling back.
- 5Block the number in your phone, and report it so the next person is warned.
If you have already shared something
Call your bank straight away — most have a 24-hour fraud line — and ask them to freeze cards and reverse transfers. Change passwords on any account you mentioned, and turn on two-factor authentication. Report the incident to Scamwatch (run by the National Anti-Scam Centre) and, if your identity may be exposed, contact IDCARE. Then add a report for the number so others recognise it.
Reduce unwanted calls before they start
- Add your numbers to the Do Not Call Register — it is free and covers telemarketers.
- Enable your carrier's scam-call blocking; most Australian carriers offer it.
- Turn on silence-unknown-callers on iOS or Android for a quieter phone.
- Don't publish your mobile in public listings or classified ads.
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Reports on NumberCheck reflect visitors' personal experiences. See our community guidelines for how they are moderated.