Mobile scam messages are a significant concern in Australia, with scammers employing various tactics to deceive people. Here are some common types of scams and tips to protect yourself:

Phishing Scams: Scammers often impersonate well-known organizations, such as banks or government bodies, sending messages that appear legitimate. These messages typically contain urgent requests to click on a link or provide personal information. For instance, messages may claim there’s an issue with your account or a missed delivery​ (TechRadar)​​ (CommBank)​.

Malware Links: Some scam messages contain links that, when clicked, download malicious software onto your device. This malware can steal your personal information and lead to financial loss. A recent scam involved messages with poor spelling and grammar, making them appear less suspicious while carrying dangerous links​ (9News)​.

Impersonation Scams: These scams involve messages that look like they are from trusted sources, including friends, family, or businesses you deal with. They often ask you to take immediate action, such as confirming a payment or logging into an account using a link provided in the message. Scammers use spoofing techniques to make these messages appear as part of legitimate conversation threads​ (ACCC)​.

Tips to Protect Yourself

Do Not Click on Links: Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages. Instead, manually enter the website address into your browser or use the organization’s official app.
Verify the Sender: If you receive a message claiming to be from a business or government agency, verify its authenticity by contacting the organization directly using a known phone number or website.
Report Scams: Report suspicious messages to the relevant authorities, such as Scamwatch or your mobile carrier. Telstra, for example, has a service where you can forward scam messages to 7226 (SCAM)​ (ACCC)​.
Be Cautious of Urgent Requests: Messages that create a sense of urgency, like threats of account suspension or requests for immediate payment, are often scams. Take the time to verify the message before responding.

By staying vigilant and following these guidelines, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to mobile scam messages. For more detailed information and the latest alerts, you can visit Scamwatch or your bank’s security alerts page.