How do scammers contact you
Scammers use a wide range of channels to target you. We understand that it's often difficult to tell what a scam is and isn't. We've described some of the common ways scammers may try to contact you below.
Optus will never ask for passwords, bank account details or any other sensitive information over unofficial channels. If you receive a message supposedly from us that you’re unsure about, please let us know via My Optus App.
Text or SMS
Scam text or SMS messages can look like they're from official government agencies, legitimate businesses, or even from your family and friends. The goal is to catch you out quickly, to steal your personal or account information from you, or to pressure you into making a payment or taking some other action; they may include a link to a webpage.
The Sender ID Register (commenced 1 July 2026) helps identify legitimate businesses when they text you. If a message claims to be from a known brand but uses a phone number instead of a brand name, treat it with caution.
Stay safe: Do not click links in unexpected text messages. If you think a message might be from a legitimate organisation, open your browser and type in their website address yourself rather than using the link provided.
Phone
Scammers may call you, pretending to be a legitimate organisation (such as a well-known business or government agency), with a sense of urgency to encourage you act quickly. They may attempt to access your computer or get you to pay them money.
Stay safe: Verify any number that has called you (for example, by checking it online) to see if it’s actually from the organisation it says it’s from. If you’re unsure, don’t answer the call, hang up and/or call the organisation back using the number listed on their official website.
Scam emails attempt to look real with logos and structure similar to official emails, but they may include links and attachments designed to help steal your money or information. The message often involves a sense of urgency, such as an outstanding bill or fine you need to pay.
Stay safe: Check the email address carefully against official email addresses listed on the company or organisation’s website. Scam addresses often have subtle differences from real ones (such extra letters, different domain names after the @ symbol). Never open attachments from unknown senders or click on links.
Social media
You may receive a direct message over social media from an account you don’t know, with the sender pretending to be a friend, a celebrity, an organisation, a potential employer or a potential romantic partner. They may attempt to build a relationship with you before asking you to urgently pay them or ask for personal information.
Stay safe: Be wary of direct messages from accounts you don’t know, especially from accounts with few posts or recently created profiles. Do not share any personal information with or send money to anybody you’ve only spoken to online.
Fake webpage
Scammers may create fake websites designed to look like the real webpages of well-known organisations. They may advertise a product or service, or have advertising banners and pop-up windows containing fake warnings and error messages. The ultimate goal is to pressure you into handing over information or making payments for non-existent services or products.
Stay safe: Always check the URL carefully. Fake sites often use misspellings or web addresses that are slightly different from the official webpage's URL.