Is this a scam? Let’s check, calmly.

• Is this Australia Post parcel text a scam?Got a text saying your parcel couldn’t be delivered, with a link to pay or confirm details? Here’s how to tell if it’s a scam — calmly, from a local tech helper.
• Is this toll / Linkt text a scam?A text about an unpaid toll or Linkt account with a link to pay? Here’s how to tell a toll scam from the real thing — plain and calm, from a local tech helper.
• Is this bank “fraud alert” text or call a scam?A text or call from your “bank” about a suspicious payment, asking you to confirm or move money? Here’s how to tell a bank impersonation scam — calmly, from a local tech helper.
• Is this Apple ID / iCloud “locked” email a scam?An email says your Apple ID is locked or suspended, with a link to sign in? Here’s how to tell an Apple ID scam from the real thing — plain and calm, from a local tech helper.
• Is this myGov / ATO / Centrelink message a scam?A message about a myGov, ATO or Centrelink refund, debt or suspended account, with a link? Here’s how to tell a myGov scam — calm and clear, from a local tech helper.
• Is this “Hi Mum” family text a scam?A message from an unknown number saying “Hi Mum, I lost my phone” and asking for money? Here’s how to tell the “Hi Mum” scam — calmly, from a local tech helper.
• Is this “your computer has a virus” call a scam?A caller says they’re from Telstra, NBN or Microsoft and your computer has a virus they can fix? Here’s how to tell this remote-access scam — calm and clear, from a local tech helper.
• Is this Amazon / Prime charge call or text a scam?A call or text says your Amazon or Prime account was charged, press 1 to cancel? Here’s how to tell the Amazon scam — plain and calm, from a local tech helper.

The three rules that stop almost every scam

1. If they rush you, it’s a scam. Real companies never hurry you. "Act now", "your account will be locked today", "final notice" — that pressure is the tell.
2. Never use the door they give you. Don’t tap the link or ring the number in the message. Go in your own way — open the official app yourself, or ring the number on the back of your card.
3. Your codes are yours. Full stop. Those six-digit text codes are keys to your accounts. No genuine company will ever ask you to read one out.

Check it free with the Tech Helper

Show it the message and it’ll tell you honestly whether it looks like a scam, and exactly what to do. Free, calm, and there’s a real person — me — behind it if you’re still unsure.