5 Ways to Protect Yourself Against Mobile Scams

You’ve just received a text from your bank saying your account has been locked. You’re alarmed and slightly panicked because all your money is in there. You follow the link in the message, hoping to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

But what if the message isn’t really from your bank?

That’s why recognising how mobile scammers attempt to gain access to your personal details can help you make informed decisions and avoid falling into their trap.

Smishing vs Vishing: What’s the Difference?

Scammers use different communication methods to trick people into sharing personal data or sending money. Two common ways of phone-based scams are smishing and vishing:

1. Smishing involves fraudulent SMS or text messages designed to steal private information or money. These messages may impersonate financial institutions, delivery companies, government agencies, or other well-known corporations.

For example, you might receive a text saying:

• “Your parcel is on hold. Pay a $2.99 delivery fee to release it.”
• “Your bank account has been locked. Verify your details now.”
• “Congratulations! You’ve won a $5,000 prize. Claim it here.”

These messages may contain links to fake websites that collect your login credentials, payment details or other confidential information.

Never give out your personal information or credit card details to a website which seems “off”. It is always better to err on the side of caution.

2. Vishing uses phone calls where someone pretends to represent a legitimate organisation. A caller might claim to be from your bank, a government agency, or a telecommunications provider.

They may warn you about suspicious activity on your account, threaten to suspend a service, or instruct you to transfer money to a supposedly “safe account.”

Some callers may even use your first name or other personal details to make their story sound credible. This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re being genuine.

Scammers aim to persuade you to act without thinking.

Recognising how they work is the first step towards protecting yourself. 

Signs of a Potential Scam

Even a trained eye can be caught off guard if you don’t know what to look for. Some messages contain correct personal details, use professional language, and appear to come from trusted institutions.

Knowing the warning signs helps you lower your risk of falling for a scam.

You’re pressured to act quickly

Scammers use high-pressure tactics like creating fake urgency to force you into making impulsive decisions – which can potentially lead to negative consequences.

TIP: Take a moment to review the message before responding. If it claims to be from an organisation you know, contact them through their official channels to verify if they’re true.

You’re asked to share sensitive information

An unknown caller or message may ask you to provide personal data, banking information, passwords, or security codes.

Scammers can use this information to access your account, or make unauthorised transactions to impersonate you.

TIP: Never share passwords, PINs or one-time security codes with someone who contacts you unexpectedly. Legitimate organisations NEVER ask you to share these credentials over an unsolicited call or message. 

You’re asked to click a link

Scam messages may use links to request personal details, demand payments or assure refunds and rewards. These offers can be appealing, particularly when they promise money with little effort.

TIP: Rather than using the link, use the organisation’s official app or enter the proper website address into your browser.

How to Protect Yourself

Use these five tips to reduce your exposure to fraudulent calls and messages. 

1. Recognise emotional triggers

Scammers often use fear, excitement or curiosity to influence your decisions.

It can take the form of a warning, a reward, or a trivial fact. Pay attention to how a message makes you feel. If it creates a strong emotional reaction, consider whether someone is trying to influence your decision rather than provide genuine help.

2. Verify links before opening them

Before opening a link, look closely at the web address. Check for misspelled organisation names, extra words or characters, and unfamiliar domain endings.

For example, a scammer might use “yourbank”-security.com instead of your bank’s real website address.

If you’re unsure if the link is safe, do not open it. Verify instead by visiting the organisation’s official website or using its app.

3. Keep your personal information secure

Your personal data can give scammers access to more than you think.

Be cautious if someone asks you to install software, download an app or give them remote access to your device. They may be trying to take control or access information stored on it.

If you think your details have been exposed, contact the relevant company through its official channels and ask what steps you should take.

4. Screen unknown numbers

If you don’t recognise a number, you can let the call go to voicemail and decide whether to answer it or not after checking the caller’s identity. Your phone may also have call-blocking or spam-filtering features that can help reduce unwanted communications.

5. Report suspicious calls and messages

Reporting suspected scams can help authorities and service providers identify fraudulent activity and inform others about emerging threats.

You can:

• Report scams through Scamwatch, a service provided by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
• Report suspicious calls and messages to your mobile phone provider.
• Contact your bank immediately if you’ve shared banking details or believe your money may be at risk.

What to Do If You’ve Already Opened a Link

If you’ve opened a suspicious link, follow these steps to help guard your details.

You clicked a link but didn’t enter any information

Close the page and avoid interacting with it further. 

If you downloaded a file, installed an app or noticed unusual activity on your device, seek a trusted technical support professional.

You entered your password

Change your password immediately.

If you use the same password for your other accounts, change those as well.

Check your accounts for unfamiliar activity and enable multi-factor authentication where available. If you can no longer access your account, get in touch with your provider through their official channels.

You shared banking details or transferred money

Contact your bank immediately using the number on your bank card or its official website.

Explain what happened and ask the bank to secure your account, investigate any unauthorised transactions and determine whether a payment can be stopped or recovered. Acting quickly may help limit your losses.

You shared data that exposes your identity 

If you’ve shared information from your driver’s licence, passport or other identity documents, contact IDCARE for guidance.

IDCARE provides support to people affected by identity theft and cyber-related issues. Its team can help you understand the potential risks and identify practical steps to protect your identity.

Helping You Make Better Decisions

Scammers rely on trust, urgency and deception to get people to give them what they want. Identifying red flags early prevents you from making a  costly mistake.

If you’ve shared information or believe you’ve been targeted, contact the relevant organisation or your bank as soon as possible. Acting early can help you understand your options and limit potential losses.

My Guardian is by your side in keeping you informed and helping you safeguard your information.

A little caution can go a long way.