What types of scam text messages and emails should I watch out for?

Scammers use many stories, but most scam messages fit into a few common types:

  • Bank or company impersonation – messages that look like they’re from your bank, ALDI Mobile, a delivery company or government agency saying there’s a problem with your account and you must click a link or call a number urgently.

  • Delivery, toll or bill problems – texts or emails about an unpaid toll, missed delivery or overdue bill asking you to click a link to fix it or pay a small fee.

  • Refunds, prizes or special offers – messages saying you’re owed a refund, have won a prize or can get a gift card or investment deal that seems too good to be true.

  • “Hi Mum / Hi Dad” or family emergencies – messages pretending to be from a child or family member with a “new number” or in an emergency, asking you to transfer money.

  • Password, code or personal‑info requests – messages asking you to reply with passwords, one‑time codes, bank details or to log in through a link in the message.

If a message does any of these, treat it with caution and contact the organisation using a phone number or website you find yourself – not the details in the message.