Everything you need to know about SMS scams

SMS text messages were the second most common method of contact made by scammers in 2024. Here’s what you need to know about staying safe from these common scams.

How do SMS scams work?

SMS scams involve contact from a scammer via text message. These types of scams usually take one of two forms – phishing scams and impersonation scams.

• Phishing scams involve placement of fraudulent links that are designed to capture your personal or financial information. This might look like a text message that appears to be from your bank, prompting you to log in to online banking. If the link is fraudulent, it will direct you to a fake site that captures your login information.
• Impersonation scams involve a scammer pretending to be someone you know, like a friend or family member. Scammers will send SMS text messages asking to borrow money, often using urgency to get you to act quickly. A common example of an impersonation scam is receiving a text message from your child or mum who says they’re using someone else’s phone because they lost or damaged theirs. The scammer then prays on parental instinct and asks them to transfer money to a fake account.

Phishing and impersonation scam tactics are often used together.

How to spot an SMS scam

Scammers benefit from our frequency of smartphone use. We’re on our phones regularly throughout the day, and often skim text messages while on the go, which creates the perfect environment for errors in judgement.

Slowing down is one of the best methods for spotting an SMS scam. If you receive any requests for money, no matter how urgent the situation sounds, always pause before acting.
Apply this same vigilance to clicking links or responding to instructions in emails. In fact, it can be helpful to avoid clicking links in text messages altogether. If you need to login to an account, do so via the official website.

Important red flags to watch out for include:

• Urgency or threatening language
• Any requests for money, no matter who from
• Spelling errors or unusual wording

Read more ways to protect yourself from scams.

To stay safe, remember to Stop, Think and Protect

• Stop - before you make a quick decision, stop. Could this be a scam? Scammers benefit from rushed decision making.
• Think - what are the red flags here? Why have I been contacted? How can I verify this is legitimate?
• Protect - act quickly if something feels wrong. Contact your bank for support if you’re transferred funds, and then report the scam to Scamwatch.

If you notice unusual activity or if a scammer gets your money or information, visit www.bendigobank.com.au/security to report it and get support. If you think you have transferred money to a scammer, call us immediately on 1300 236 344.

If you have provided personal information, particularly photo identity documents like passports and driver’s licences, contact IDCARE to take steps to protect your identity.