These days, scammers are getting smarter and bolder, and one of the most common ways they try to trick people is through phone calls. Whether it’s someone pretending to be from your bank, a telecommunications company or a tech organisation, phone scams can be convincing and it can be hard to tell the difference between a genuine call and a fake one.
By knowing the warning signs and how to respond, you can protect yourself and your money.
What are phone call scams?
Phone call scams are when someone calls you pretending to be from a trusted organisation or they pretend to be someone you know. They may claim there’s a problem with your account, a bill you haven’t paid, or even a suspicious transaction that needs your urgent attention. Some may even threaten you with fines, arrest, or loss of access to your account if you don’t cooperate right away.
Their goal? To get information such as your bank details, passwords, or codes sent to your phone, or to convince you to transfer money directly into their account.
Common phone scam tactics
Scammers are experts at sounding legitimate. Here are some of the most common tricks they use:
1. Pretending to be from your bank or another trusted company
Scammers often claim to be from well-known organisations such as your bank, Australia Post, Telstra, or the Australian Tax Office (ATO). They might say there’s been unusual activity on your account or that they need to “verify your identity”.
2. Creating a sense of urgency or fear
They may tell you that your account will be frozen, you’ll be fined, or you could even be arrested if you don’t act immediately. This pressure is designed to make you panic and hand over information without thinking.
3. Asking for one-time codes or remote access
You might be told to read out a one-time code sent to your phone or to download software so they can “help fix the problem”. In reality, these steps give scammers access to your account or computer.
4. Spoofing legitimate numbers
Some scammers use technology to make it look like they’re calling from a genuine number such as your bank’s phone number or a government department. This is called “spoofing”, and it makes their calls seem more convincing.
5. Pretending to be a family member or friend
You might get a call (or even a text) saying something like, “Hi Mum, it’s me, I’ve lost my phone. Can you send me money?” These often use information found on social media, like names, family details or photos to make them sound real. In some cases they may even use deepfake technology to mimic the sound of your loved ones voice.
Read our article ‘What is a deepfake and how to spot one’ to learn more.
Signs the call might be a scam
If you get a call out of the blue, especially about money or personal information, stop and think before responding. Here are some red flags:
- The caller asks for your bank details, passwords, or SMS verification codes.
- They pressure you to act immediately or threaten you with consequences.
- You’re asked to transfer money or make a payment on the spot.
- You’re told to download software or click a link.
- The call doesn’t sound quite right, maybe the person is overly insistent, robotic, or uses odd phrases.
- The number looks legitimate, but the request seems suspicious.
If something feels off, trust your instincts. Hang up and contact the organisation directly using their official phone number found on their website or on your account statement. Do not use a phone number the person on the phone has provided to you.
What to do if you get a suspicious call
1. Don’t share personal information
Never give out your bank account details, passwords, PINs, or one-time codes over the phone, even if the caller claims to be from your bank or another trusted source.
2. Hang up immediately
If you feel uncomfortable or pressured, simply hang up. You haven’t done anything wrong and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
3. Call the organisation directly
Use a trusted phone number from their website or your account documents. Tell them about the call so they can confirm if it was legitimate.
4. Block the number
After hanging up, you can block the number on your mobile phone. While scammers often use different numbers, this can still reduce nuisance calls.
5. Report the scam
You can report scams to Scamwatch (run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) at www.scamwatch.gov.au. If you’ve shared financial details, contact your bank immediately.
6. Warn others
Let friends and family know if you’ve received a scam call, especially older friends or relatives who might be more susceptible. Sharing your experience can help protect others.
How to stay scam aware
Being scam aware doesn’t mean being suspicious of everyone, it just means knowing how to protect yourself. Here are some simple ways to stay safe:
- Keep calm and think. Scammers want you to act fast, so take a moment before doing anything.
- Know that legitimate organisations won’t ask for passwords or codes over the phone.
- Be wary of unsolicited calls. If you didn’t expect the call, be extra cautious.
- Don’t trust caller ID alone. Numbers can be faked.
- Stay informed. Check websites like Scamwatch for the latest scam alerts.
What to do if you’ve been scammed
If you think you’ve accidentally given information or money to a scammer:
- Contact your bank or financial institution immediately to freeze your accounts or reverse any transactions if possible.
- Change your passwords for your online banking and any other accounts that might be affected.
- Report the scam to Scamwatch and, if necessary, the police.
- Monitor your accounts for any unusual activity over the coming weeks.
Remember, anyone can be caught out. Scammers are experts at what they do, and even tech-savvy people can fall for convincing calls, the important thing is to act quickly and report it. Scammers rely on confusion, fear, and quick reactions to succeed, but by slowing down, asking questions, and double-checking, you can stop them in their tracks.
This information provides general advice only. We do not provide advice based on any consideration of your personal objectives, needs or circumstances.
