Text Message Scams (Smishing): What Perth Residents Need to Know

Text messages feel personal and urgent, which is exactly why scammers love using them. This type of scam, called "smishing" (SMS + phishing), has become extremely common across Australia, including here in Perth.

Common Smishing Texts Seen in WA

• Fake parcel delivery texts: "Your Australia Post parcel could not be delivered. Click here to reschedule" — leading to a fake site asking for payment or personal details.

• Fake toll road texts: Claiming an unpaid toll, with a link to "pay now."

• Fake bank alerts: "Unusual activity detected on your account. Verify now" with a link to a fake banking login page.

• Fake MyGov/Centrelink texts: Claiming you're eligible for a payment or rebate and must "confirm your details."

• Prize or lottery texts: Claiming you've won a gift card or prize and need to click a link to claim it.

  
  

Why Smishing Is Effective

Many people assume text messages are more trustworthy than emails, and mobile screens make it harder to carefully check a web address before tapping. Scammers count on this.

Warning Signs of a Smishing Text

• Comes from an unknown or unusual-looking number

• Contains a shortened or unfamiliar link

• Creates urgency ("respond within 24 hours")

• Asks you to click a link to "confirm," "verify," or "claim" something

• Poor grammar or generic wording.

  
  

How to Protect Yourself

1. Don't tap links in unexpected texts — even if they mention a company you actually use, like Australia Post or your bank.

2. Check directly instead. Open the Australia Post app or website yourself, or log into your bank's app, rather than clicking the link.

3. Delete and block the number after checking.

4. Report it by forwarding the scam text to 7726 (which spells "SPAM" on your keypad) — a free reporting service used by many Australian telcos.

   
   

A Quick Test You Can Use

Ask yourself: "Was I expecting a parcel, bill, or bank notification right now?" If not, treat the text with suspicion. Genuine delivery companies and banks generally don't ask you to click a link to "reschedule" or "verify" — they simply update information within their official app or website.

Staying Safe as a Perth Mobile User

With more everyday tasks — from banking to parcel tracking — now happening through smartphones, learning to recognise smishing is just as important as spotting phishing emails. The same core rule applies: pause, verify independently, and never feel pressured to act instantly.

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Ess Click offers friendly, easy-to-understand lessons designed specifically for seniors to help identify scams, avoid online fraud, and build confidence with technology in a safe and non-intimidating way. If you or a loved one would like support learning how to recognise scam warning signs and stay protected online, please contact Ess Click to arrange a personalised lesson.