How to Spot Scam Phone Calls Before It’s Too Late

• Phone Scams
• Consumer Awareness
• Telstra Advice

Learn how to identify scam phone calls in Australia, including red flags, examples, and what to do if you’re targeted.

What Is a Scam Phone Call?

Scam phone calls are fraudulent attempts by individuals pretending to represent trusted organisations such as Telstra, the Australian Government, or the ATO. Their goal? To trick you into providing sensitive personal, financial, or computer access details under false pretences.

These scammers often sound convincing and may even appear to know some basic information about you. Their tactics range from friendly persuasion to urgent threats—all designed to prompt immediate action.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

• Impersonation of well-known entities: Callers claiming to be from Telstra, Government departments, or major companies.
• Requests for financial information: Scammers may ask for your credit card or banking details under the guise of issuing a refund or resolving an overpayment.
• Technical support scams: They might say your computer has a virus or is part of a cyber-attack, then try to get you to install remote access tools like AnyDesk or TeamViewer.
• Poor call quality or pressure tactics: Calls may have static, be hard to understand, or include aggressive language and threats.
• Unusual payment methods: Requests to pay bills with prepaid gift cards like iTunes or Westfield cards are a huge red flag.
• False offers for services: Some scammers claim they can put you on the Do Not Call Register—for a fee. This is always a free service.

Examples of Common Scam Calls

• Fake police investigations: Scammers pretend to be from the Australian Federal Police and ask you to help ‘track criminals’ by transferring money overseas.
• CLSID scam: A caller claims they’re from technical support and says your computer’s CLSID proves they’re legitimate. It doesn’t—this ID is not unique.
• One-time-code requests: Never provide a security SMS code over the phone. Telstra and other reputable companies won’t ask for this unless you’ve initiated contact.

What You Should Do

• Verify the caller: If you're unsure, hang up and call the company back using the official number from their website or your bill.
• Don’t share sensitive info: Never give out account details, passwords, or codes unless you've initiated the call using trusted contact information.
• Ignore suspicious missed calls: Some international numbers charge high call-back fees. Don’t return calls to unfamiliar numbers, especially those starting with '190'.
• Stay alert for high-pressure tactics: If someone’s rushing you or making threats, hang up immediately.
• Report suspicious activity: Use the Report Misuse of Service form provided by your telecom provider to alert them.
• Keep up to date: Check websites like Telstra’s recent scams page for the latest threats and advice.

Final Advice: Trust Your Instincts

If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t be afraid to hang up. It’s better to be cautious than to become a victim. By staying informed and sharing this information, you help others stay protected too.

Remember, real companies won’t rush or pressure you—and they’ll never ask for sensitive data over the phone unless you’ve contacted them first.