Do not click first. Look for urgency, links, payment requests and requests for codes. Use the checker before replying, paying or installing anything.
Should I click, reply or pay?
Check this message nowExample message
This is a general example only. Do not paste passwords, codes, banking details, card numbers, Medicare details, licence numbers or confidential business records into any public tool.
Warning signs
- Unknown or shortened links
- Urgent wording like final notice or act now
- Payment, password or code requests
- Sender does not match the real company
What to do now
- Do not click the link yet
- Open the official app or website yourself
- Paste only the suspicious wording into the checker
- Ask for help if you already clicked
Report or verify through Australian official channels
If the message looks like a scam, keep the message as evidence and report it through Australian Government scam and cyber reporting services. These links open official external sites.
If money, cards, banking, myGov, Medicare, ID documents or business account access were involved, contact your bank or the relevant official service directly first.
Check the message before you act
Paste the suspicious wording into the free Scam SMS & Email Checker. It gives general guidance only and cannot guarantee accuracy.
Check a scam messageRelated Scam Help
Benefits and practical outcomes
Use these outcomes as a practical check on whether the advice is making the situation clearer and easier to manage.
Slower decisions under pressure
A short verification pause can stop urgency from deciding what you click, pay or share.
Independent verification
Checking through an official app, known website or saved contact reduces reliance on the suspicious message itself.
Better evidence
Keeping messages, receipts and timestamps makes it easier to explain what happened if you need help.
Clear escalation
A simple next-step plan helps you know when to contact a bank, platform, provider or hands-on support.
Is this guide a guarantee?
No. It is general guidance only. Always verify through official channels. In Australia, report scams to Scamwatch and report cybercrime through cyber.gov.au if you clicked, paid, entered details or installed remote access software.